Just wanted to add - make sure you've activated your Money Network card correctly. Some people miss this step and then wonder why they can't access their funds. Also, set up direct deposit for future payments if you want faster access.

Hey, just checking back - did your payment come through yet? Mine hit exactly 3 business days after approval.

Good luck with your application! You're taking the right approach by being honest and exploring all your options. Just wanted to add that when you do apply, make sure to mention any tips you received at the bar job if you reported them on past tax returns - sometimes people forget that tip income can count toward eligibility if it was properly reported. Also, keep records of all your contacts with the Department of Labor about the misclassification issue, as this could be helpful if they do investigate your employer. The fact that you're being proactive about reporting the situation properly shows you're handling this the right way despite your employer's poor practices.

I went through something similar a few years ago working at a pizza place. The owner paid everyone cash and when I got fired, I was in the same boat. What I learned is that even though you can't get UC benefits for the under-the-table work, you might still qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or emergency rental assistance through your county. I know it's not the same as unemployment, but it can help bridge the gap while you're looking for new work. Also, don't feel bad about not knowing the tax implications - a lot of employers in the service industry take advantage of workers who don't realize they're being screwed over. You're doing the right thing by asking questions and trying to handle this properly now.

UPDATE: My benefits just switched to "payable" status this morning! The rep I spoke to yesterday was right about the timeline. No payment date yet, but progress is happening. Thanks everyone for your help and advice - it really helped me understand the process better.

That's awesome that your status changed to payable! I'm in a similar situation - won my appeal two weeks ago and have been waiting. Seeing your update gives me hope that mine might change soon too. The whole process is so stressful when you're broke and waiting. Fingers crossed you get those payment dates posted quickly!

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at UC this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got me past the busy signals. The agent confirmed my appeal is "in final review" and should be decided within the next 7-10 days. She also added a hardship note to my file which might help speed things up. They said decisions from January hearings are being processed now, so the timing lines up with what others mentioned. Feeling slightly more hopeful now that I at least know where I stand!

So glad to hear you finally got some concrete information! That "final review" status is definitely encouraging. I went through something similar last year and once they told me it was in final review, I got my decision 5 days later. The hardship note was smart too - I think that really does help prioritize cases. Fingers crossed you get good news soon and can finally put this nightmare behind you. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Quick update: Got my first payment today! It included backpay for all 6 weeks I was waiting, so I received a lump sum for those weeks plus the current week. Such a relief! Going to keep job searching but this definitely takes some pressure off while I'm looking.

That's such a relief to hear you got approved and received all your backpay! I'm in a similar situation - my benefit year ended in February and I just submitted my reopening application last week. Reading about your 6-week wait is making me nervous, but it's encouraging to know that it worked out in the end. Quick question - when you say you uploaded your last paystub, was that from the landscaping job or did you need to provide paystubs from the entire 7 months you worked there? I'm wondering how much documentation I should prepare just in case they ask for more info. Also, did your new weekly benefit amount get calculated automatically once approved, or did you have to do anything else to get that $386 figure? Thanks for sharing your experience!