Moving to Tier I in PA & Question about AB Date

I just got off phone with PA UC. Confused about what they told & hope someone here can help. I just exhausted my regular UC Benefits on 3/26/11. Last year, I rec'd a letter in advance and was automatically put in Tier I.

I have a part time job and earned enough to re-qualify for PA UC in July, 2010. So, I had to open a new claim. The same will happen again this year (if I'm still jobless).

2 Questions:

• Now, they tell me I have to complete paperwork to move into EUC Tier I. Is this correct? How long will it take?

• If I am still on Tier I when my AB Date rolls around (07/02/11) will I have to open a new claim? Or, do I stay on Tier I until exhausted, then open a new claim?

I'm still trying to straighten out the fiasco from last year - exhausted benefits while there was no EUC, I continued to file, PA paid me under Tier II when they should have opened a new claim..... It's been a bureaucratic nightmare! Never sure if I will get benefits or not as they straighten it out.

Thanks for your help.

It looks like it is done differently than it used to be regarding starting on Tier 1 EUC in PA. I found the following from:
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=552066&mode=2

Q. When may a claimant begin to receive Tier 1 EUC benefits?
A. When you have exhausted your regular, state UC benefits (your account balance is $0), the department will mail you an initial application for EUC. If you are still partially or totally unemployed, you may complete and sign this form and return it to the UC Service Center by mail or fax. You should return the completed application immediately in order to minimize any interruption in your benefits. If you do not receive an application for EUC within seven (7) days after you received the final payment on your regular UC claim, call the UC Service Center at 1-888-313-7284.
The UC Service Center will review your application and determine if you are eligible for regular UC or EUC. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. If you are determined eligible for UC or EUC benefits, you will be provided with instructions on filing claims for those benefits

Jane - Thanks. Hopeful I will get the paperwork soon. Have less than $50 in UC fund. I file on Sunday....

DIR - thanks for the bump!

I sure hope you get whichever is better for you, anyoldnews. I'm rooting for you all the way from the other end of the the state!