(1) General rule. A benefit year begins on Sunday of the calendar week in which you file your application for benefits. However, an application may also be backdated for good cause or for the convenience of the department.

(2) Definitions. As used in this section:

(a) "Good cause" means factors that would prevent a reasonably prudent person in similar circumstances from filing an application for benefits. These include, but are not limited to, incapacity due to illness or injury, or other serious factors. "Illness" includes a request from a medical professional, local health official, or the Secretary of Health to be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of an infection from a disease that is the subject of a public health emergency, even if you have not been actually diagnosed with the disease that is the subject of a public health emergency.

(b) "For the convenience of the department" means:

(i) For the purpose of program administration; or

(ii) Those situations where it is difficult or impossible for the department to accept a timely application. These include, but are not limited to, equipment breakdowns, lack of available staff to accept applications, or special handling requirements.

(3) Limitations on good cause.

(a) You must file your application for benefits during the first week in which those factors that constitute good cause are no longer present. The effective date will be Sunday of such week.

(b) Backdating will not be allowed if you claim good cause based on information from department staff or agents where you could reasonably be expected to question the accuracy of this information.