W. Va. Code § 21A-1A-8

"Benefit year" with respect to an individual means the fifty-two-week period beginning with the first day of the calendar week in which a valid claim is effective, and thereafter the fifty-two-week period beginning with the first day of the calendar week in which such individual next files a valid claim for benefits after the termination of his or her last preceding benefit year: Provided, That if a claim is effective on the first day of a quarter, the benefit year will be fifty-three weeks in order to prevent an overlapping of the base period wages: Provided, however, That for any benefit year beginning on or after January 1, 1995, if a claim is effective on the second day of a quarter and the benefit year includes February 29, the benefit year will be fifty-three weeks in order to prevent an overlapping of the base period wages. An initial claim for benefits filed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter is a valid claim within the purposes of this definition if the individual has been paid wages in his or her base period sufficient to make him or her eligible for benefits under the provisions of this chapter.