My sister went through this exact thing with her teaching job. Appeal got denied too. She ended up finding work at a private school that didn't have the same requirements. Maybe look into smaller healthcare providers or private practices?

I'm really sorry you're going through this. The whole situation with vaccine mandates and unemployment has been such a mess for so many people. From what I've been reading in these comments, it sounds like your best bet is to file that appeal ASAP since you only have 30 days. Even if the success rate is low, you've got nothing to lose at this point. The fact that you have documentation showing they didn't properly review your religious exemption could actually work in your favor - that's a procedural issue rather than just refusing the vaccine outright. I'd definitely talk to that paralegal who commented earlier about how to frame your appeal around the improper exemption process. Hang in there and keep applying for jobs in the meantime. This whole thing has been unfair to a lot of good people who just wanted to stand by their beliefs.

wait what about if you get fired for being late too much? asking for a friend lol

Just went through this process myself! For the hostile work environment situation, document everything you can - emails, texts, any HR complaints you filed, witness contacts, etc. NYS considers constructive dismissal (being forced to quit due to intolerable conditions) as potentially qualifying for benefits, but the burden of proof is on you. I'd recommend filing anyway and letting them make the determination rather than assuming you won't qualify. The worst they can do is deny it, and you can always appeal with more documentation. Also keep in mind that even if initially denied, many people win on appeal once they can present their case more thoroughly.

Higher unemployment also means more job search requirements scrutiny. They're checking job search logs more carefully when there are lots of claimants. Make sure you're documenting everything properly because they're cracking down during high-volume periods.

I'm going through the same thing right now - filed my claim 7 weeks ago and still waiting on adjudication. It's really frustrating because I keep hearing different timelines from different people. Some say it's normal during high unemployment periods, others say to be concerned if it goes past 6 weeks. Has anyone had success getting updates by calling the main number or is it better to try reaching out through the website? I'm trying to stay patient but my savings are running low and I need to know if there's anything I can do to speed up the process.

Look, if your rent is due and you're desperate, don't just wait. USE CLAIMYR. claimyr.com seriously - I was in your position and going crazy. Paid for their service and got a rep on the phone that day who fixed my claim. Sometimes you gotta spend money to get your money, ya know?

I'm in a similar situation - filed in early April, approved quickly, but been waiting 5 weeks now with everything showing "pending." The stress is unreal, especially with bills piling up. I've been reading through all these comments and it sounds like there are a few things that might help: checking for hidden messages in your online account, making sure your employer isn't contesting the claim, and trying different ways to get through to an actual person. The Claimyr service people keep mentioning sounds promising if you can afford it. Also going to try contacting my state rep like others suggested. Hang in there - seems like most people eventually get their backpay when it finally gets resolved.

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.