Just keep filing your weekly claims as normal while this plays out. Even if they do appeal, you can continue receiving benefits during the appeal process unless NYS Department of Labor specifically tells you to stop.

As someone who went through a similar situation, I can tell you that most employer threats to appeal are just bluffs. They know they have 30 days but also know that appeals require them to provide concrete evidence of misconduct - not just their word against yours. Since you have documentation showing you were laid off due to budget cuts, they'd have a very weak case. Keep that termination letter safe and don't let their intimidation tactics stress you out. Continue filing your weekly claims and focus on your job search. If they were going to appeal, they probably would have done it immediately rather than making threats.

The whole system is ridiculous. I've been dealing with an adjudication issue for 6 weeks now with NO explanation of what they're even reviewing. You jump through all their hoops, provide every document they ask for, and then they just leave you hanging. Make sure you document EVERYTHING because they'll find any excuse to delay or deny your claim.

Just to add some practical advice - when you apply online, have all your employer info ready including exact addresses and supervisor names if possible. The system can be glitchy so save your progress frequently. Also, file your weekly certifications on the same day each week to avoid any issues. I found Sunday mornings work best since the system is less busy. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your job search activities from day one - employer names, contact methods, dates, and responses. The job search log is crucial if they ever audit your claim.

have you tried applying online? sometimes its easier than calling

Hey Zoe! I went through something super similar last year. The alternate base period was exactly what saved my claim. Since you made $8k in that October-December quarter, you're actually in a pretty good position. Here's what I learned: when they can't use the standard base period (because you didn't meet the earnings threshold in earlier quarters), they automatically check if you qualify under the alternate base period. Your recent $8k quarter will likely be the key. A few things that helped me: - Make sure you have all your pay stubs from that October-December period ready - When you finally get through to someone, be super clear about wanting them to check the alternate base period specifically - Don't get discouraged if the first person you talk to seems confused - some reps know more about this than others The fact that you were let go (not fired for misconduct) in January should work in your favor too. Keep pushing through the process - it's frustrating but you've got a solid case! 💪

Keep filing your weekly claims while this gets sorted out! Even if there's an adjudication issue, you don't want to miss your filing dates. The NYS Department of Labor can always adjust payments retroactively if your church's coverage gets verified.

I went through something similar when I worked at a Methodist church. The verification process can be nerve-wracking but hang in there! In my case, it turned out the church had elected coverage years ago but there was some paperwork mix-up in the system. The DOL eventually straightened it out and I received all my back benefits. Make sure you keep documenting everything - save all your correspondence and take screenshots of your online account status. If you have any old pay stubs from the church, check if they show unemployment tax deductions (SUTA) - that would be a good sign they were paying into the system.

Just wanted to add that even if your church is exempt, it's still worth keeping track of your hours and wages there for documentation purposes. You never know when that information might be needed for other benefit programs or if the church changes their election status in the future.

I went through something similar when I worked at a nonprofit with religious ties. The key thing is to check your actual paystub - if you see "SUTA" or "State Unemployment" being deducted, then your church is participating in the system. If not, they're likely exempt. Also, don't forget that you can always create an online account with NYS Department of Labor to view your wage history and see which employers have reported wages for you. That's probably the most reliable way to know for sure without having to ask your employer directly.