DEO penalizing me for checking 'part-time' availability as a teacher - no adjudication needed?

The part-time availability question is definitely a trap! When you mark yes to part-time, you're essentially telling DEO you don't need full-time work, which can reduce your benefit amount or disqualify you completely depending on your situation. You need to submit an appeal ASAP asking to change that answer. You only have 20 days from when they make a determination to appeal, so don't wait for the letter. Log into CONNECT and look for the determination section, then click the appeal option. Make sure to clearly explain you misunderstood the question and ARE seeking full-time employment.

Also in education here. When they say "won't need adjudication" what they actually mean is they'll just automatically DENY your benefits without reviewing your case. I made the exact same mistake last summer break when I was laid off. You need to file what's called a "Request to Modify Application" form immediately. Unfortunately, it's not available online - you have to call DEO to request it. Be prepared though - getting through to DEO is nearly impossible these days. I spent 6 weeks calling daily before getting someone to help me.

I had a similar issue but with Claimyr.com I got through to DEO in about 15 minutes instead of spending weeks trying. They have this tool that basically keeps trying the DEO line for you and calls you when they get through. Saved me from losing my benefits after a similar misunderstanding. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. Seriously, with how urgent your situation sounds, it might be worth looking into instead of waiting for emails back.

hey so my cousin had this happen and she had to do what they call a fact finding interview after she sent in her appeal. they basiclly asked her why she picked part time and then they fixed it but took like 4 more weeks to get paid anything. the system is soooo broken!!!

THE DEO IS DELIBERATELY SETTING TRAPS IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS!!!! This happened to me and THOUSANDS of others! They know exactly what they're doing with that misleading question! I lost 3 months of benefits before finally getting it sorted out. Even worse - if you get denied for this reason, they'll make you pay back ANY benefits they already paid you. The whole system is DESIGNED to disqualify as many people as possible. CALL EVERY DAY! Email every address you can find! And if you have any documentation from your employer about your termination being their decision (not yours), upload it to CONNECT immediately!!!

To follow up on your question - yes, absolutely keep claiming weeks while this gets sorted out! If you don't claim weeks, you won't get backpay even if they approve your appeal. Also, make sure to complete all 5 work search activities for each week and document them properly. That's another common reason they deny benefits. And yes, upload anything you have that documents your termination wasn't your fault. Emails, performance reviews, the termination letter, anything that supports your case.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above when my account got locked after ID.me verification. It actually did work - got through to a real person at DEO after trying for weeks on my own. The agent I spoke with was able to see notes on my account and fix the issue right away. For your specific issue with the part-time selection, ask for a "claims examiner" when you get through. Regular agents often can't modify application answers, but claims examiners can initiate correction procedures. Make sure to emphasize that you are seeking and available for full-time work and that you misunderstood the question's intent.

i always had better luck calling right when they open at 7:30am but even then its like winning lottery to get thru lol. also dont bother with the online message system i sent like 8 messages never got 1 response back

UPDATE: I just went through this process with a client last week (I help people navigate unemployment issues). The current protocol for changing answers on your initial application requires: 1. A verbal request to a claims examiner (not regular agent) 2. A follow-up written statement explaining the error (they'll provide a secure upload link) 3. Documentation of your work search efforts showing you're looking for full-time positions The good news is they're processing these requests faster now - about 10-14 days instead of months. The key is getting to a claims examiner ASAP before a determination is made.

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO this morning! Used the Claimyr service after trying for hours yesterday with no luck. The claims examiner I spoke with was actually very helpful and said this happens ALL THE TIME with teachers. She submitted a request to modify my application and gave me a confirmation number. She said it should be processed within 7-10 business days, and in the meantime, I should continue claiming weeks and doing all 5 work searches. She also mentioned I should upload a written statement explaining that I misunderstood the question and am available for full-time work, which I did right after the call. Thank you all for your advice - I would have been completely lost without it!