not exactly the same but i had issues with my benefits when i went from full unemployment to partial when i got a part time gig. the whole system gets confused when your employment status changes even a little bit. took me like a month to sort everything out lol

UPDATE: I was finally able to speak with someone at UC! I used the tip about calling right when they open and got through after about 20 minutes on hold. The agent explained that reopening a claim does reset your filing week regardless of being in the same benefit year (weird system flaw). She processed my backdating request on the spot and I was able to file for last week immediately! She said I should see payment in 2-3 business days. Such a relief!

With that significant reduction in hours, you should definitely qualify for partial benefits. Just to summarize what you need to do: 1. Contact NJ unemployment to file an interstate claim against your PA wages 2. Specifically mention you're a NJ resident who only worked in PA 3. Be prepared to provide all your PA employment information 4. Once your claim is accepted, file weekly claims with NJ 5. Be patient as interstate claims take longer (potentially 6-8 weeks) And keep detailed records of all your communications with both states' unemployment offices.

I went through this exact same situation about a year ago (NJ resident working in PA) and want to add a few things that might help. When you call NJ unemployment, ask to speak to someone specifically about "interstate claims" - the regular customer service reps sometimes don't know the process well. Also, if you have pay stubs from your PA job, have them ready when you call - they'll need your employer's information and your quarterly wage amounts. One more tip: NJ will send you a form called an "Interstate Benefits Claim" that you'll need to fill out completely. Don't leave anything blank or they'll send it back and delay your claim even more. The whole process is frustrating but you WILL get your benefits eventually. Stay persistent!

MAKE SURE you file biweekly claims while waiting for appeal!!! Even if showing $0. If you win appeal they'll only pay weeks you filed for!!!

I went through something very similar last year! Got the financial eligibility approval, felt so relieved, then got hit with the separation issue denial a week later. It's absolutely crushing when that happens. I appealed and it took about 5 weeks, but I won because I could prove my employer never provided the training they promised in my job description. The key things that helped my case were: 1) Screenshots of my original job posting mentioning "comprehensive training program" 2) Email requests I sent asking for help that went ignored 3) My employee handbook showing their training policy wasn't followed. During the hearing, I stayed calm and focused on facts - how I asked for help multiple times, tried my best with limited resources, and was willing to improve if given proper support. The employer's HR person couldn't provide evidence of any training plan or documentation of my alleged poor performance. Don't give up - if you genuinely tried and they failed to support you, you have a real shot at winning this appeal!

wait so did u end up quiting the commision job or what? can u update us on what happens w/ ur benefits?

Good luck with your claim! You definitely did the right thing by being completely honest about everything. I went through a similar situation last year where I had to explain a complicated employment situation to PA UC. The waiting period is nerve-wracking, but since you were legitimately laid off from your primary job due to lack of work, that's really the key factor they'll focus on. The commission job situation sounds like it falls under necessitous and compelling circumstances since you couldn't reasonably be expected to survive financially without any guaranteed income. Keep filing your weekly claims while you wait - even if there's a delay, you'll get backpay if approved. Fingers crossed you hear back soon!

Quick update: Filed my weekly claim this morning and followed the advice here. The system had me confirm my new employer details and start date. It was actually pretty straightforward! The confirmation page shows I should receive payment for this final week in 2-3 business days. Thanks everyone for the help!

Awesome news on landing the warehouse job! Just wanted to add that it's also worth keeping a screenshot or printout of your final weekly claim submission showing the correct answers and your employer info. That way if there are any questions later about timing or whether you reported the job properly, you have documentation. The PA system has gotten much better but it never hurts to have a paper trail, especially for that final payment. Best of luck at the new job!