Any updates?? Did you get your decision yet?? The waiting is THE WORST part of the whole horrible process!

Hang in there! I know the waiting is absolutely brutal. I went through something similar last year where my employer tried to retaliate after I requested FMLA for my dad's surgery. The whole process took about 3 months but I eventually won. A few things that helped me: 1) Keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - dates, phone calls, emails, etc. 2) Don't let your employer intimidate you with their stonewalling tactics. 3) Consider filing a complaint with the Department of Labor if they continue refusing to provide your personnel records. You're doing all the right things by sending that certified letter. The fact that they're being so difficult with documentation honestly just makes them look worse. Most referees can see right through these tactics. Wishing you the best outcome!

UPDATE: Got my decision letter today - APPROVED! It took exactly 5 weeks and 2 days after my hearing. Thanks everyone for your advice and support during the wait. The letter says I should see payments within 7-10 business days for all my back weeks. Such a relief!

Congratulations @Alexander Evans! That's such great news and what a relief that must be. 5+ weeks is way too long but at least you got the outcome you deserved. For anyone else still waiting - this gives me hope that the system does eventually work, even if it's frustratingly slow. Thanks for updating us with the good news!

UPDATE: Just got my payment today! It took exactly 6 business days after winning the appeal. All 8 weeks of back benefits came at once in a single deposit to my Money Network card. Such a relief! Total was $4,320 ($540/week). The status changed from 'appeal pending' to 'payable' yesterday, and the money arrived this morning. Thanks everyone for your help and moral support during this nightmare process!

Lucky you!! Still waiting for mine and it's been 3 weeks since my favorable decision. This system is completely broken. Glad it worked out for you though!

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm feeling much better about what to do when my contract ends in June. I'll definitely make sure to use "lack of work" as the reason, file immediately on my last day, keep all documentation, and remember to do my job search activities. Hopefully the reopening process will go smoothly, but if not, I'll check out that Claimyr service. Really appreciate all the help!

This is such helpful info! I'm in a similar boat - just got approved for PA UC but starting a temp assignment next week. One thing I wanted to add based on my research: make sure to report your contract earnings accurately when you reopen. PA uses something called "partial benefit credits" so if you earned less during your contract than your weekly benefit amount, you might still be eligible for partial payments during weeks you worked. Also, don't forget that your benefit year clock keeps ticking even while you're working - so if your contract runs long, just keep an eye on how much time you have left on your original claim. Good luck with the contract work!

Great job resolving this! And congratulations again on the new position. Remember to keep track of your hours carefully these first few weeks. When you receive your first paycheck, take a moment to verify everything matches up with what you reported to UC. Best of luck with the new job!

Congrats on getting the job and getting your pay rate sorted out! Just wanted to add - since you mentioned potential commission, make sure to report any commission earnings in the week you actually receive them (not when you "earn" them through sales). Commission reporting can be tricky because it's often paid in a different pay period than when the sales were made. Also, $18.50/hr is pretty decent for retail management! Hope the new position works out well for you.