(a) An individual cannot establish a valid claim or a benefit year during which any benefits are payable unless during his or her base period, for new claims filed with an effective date beginning on or after January 1, 1992, he or she has met either of the following conditions:

(1) He or she has been paid wages for employment by employers during the quarter of his or her base period in which his or her wages were the highest of not less than one thousand three hundred dollars ($1,300).

(2) He or she has been paid wages for employment by employers during the quarter of his or her base period in which his or her wages were the highest of not less than nine hundred dollars ($900) and been paid wages for employment by employers during his or her base period equal to 1.25 times the amount he or she was paid in this same quarter.

(b) Except as provided by subdivision (c), the maximum amount of unemployment compensation benefits payable to an individual during any one benefit year shall not exceed the lower of the following:

(1) Twenty-six times his or her weekly benefit amount.

(2) One-half the total wages paid to the individual during his or her base period.

(c) If the maximum amount computed under subdivision (b) is not a multiple of one dollar ($1) it shall be computed to the next higher multiple of one dollar ($1).

(d) For the purpose of this section and Section 1280, in determining wages paid, “wages” includes wages due to any individual but unpaid within the time limit provided by law.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 272, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)