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you should probably report amazon to the EEOC too!!!! what they did is basically discrimination if they knew he had disabilities and didnt help him when it was getting too much. my friend's brother got a settlement from his employer for something similar
This!!! The unemployment appeal is just one part of it. Amazon's behavior sounds like it violated multiple laws. Document everything!
Since he has a new job now, one thing to keep in mind: Pennsylvania UC benefits are calculated based on your highest quarterly earnings during the base year. So even though he's employed now, those past earnings at Amazon still matter for his benefit eligibility and amount. That $8,800 is likely based on his earnings there, and he's entitled to those benefits if he was wrongfully terminated. For the appeal to the Board of Review, be very specific about the timeline: when he was hired, when Amazon became aware of his disabilities, when incidents occurred, when accommodation was requested, etc. Timeline clarity helps demonstrate the causal relationship between his disability, Amazon's failure to accommodate, and the incidents that led to termination.
That's a great point about being specific with the timeline. I'm going to put together a detailed chronology tonight. The referee seemed to get confused about the sequence of events, which probably didn't help our case. And you're right about the benefit calculation - his Amazon wages were higher than his current job, which is why the benefit amount is so significant.
I went through something similar last year. The key for me was documenting the inconsistencies in what my employer said. If they told your husband they were restructuring but then claimed a policy violation to UC, that's a huge red flag the referee will notice. In my case, I had my denial overturned and received backpay for all the weeks I was eligible. Make sure your husband keeps filing his weekly claims even while waiting for the appeal hearing - that way if you win, he'll get paid for all those weeks.
Yes, he should absolutely resume filing weekly claims immediately! This is one of the most common mistakes people make. Even when denied, you should continue filing your weekly claims while appealing. If you win your appeal, you can only be paid for weeks you properly filed for. He may have already lost some weeks of potential benefits, but he should start filing again right away to prevent losing more. In some cases, you can request to file for past weeks by calling UC and explaining that you didn't understand you needed to keep filing, but it's not guaranteed they'll allow it.
my cousin waited 5 months for her appeal and still got denied anyway. the whole thing is just a way for them to avoid paying us what we deserve. good luck but dont get your hopes up
That's not entirely accurate. While the system is frustratingly slow, appeals statistics show that approximately 30-40% of initial denials are overturned on appeal. The outcome really depends on the specific circumstances of separation and how well you can document your case.
FINAL UPDATE: Had my hearing this morning and I WON MY APPEAL!!! The referee immediately ruled in my favor when my former employer couldn't explain why they gave different reasons for my termination. Now they're saying it will take 2-3 weeks for payments to start processing, but at least I'll be getting all the back payments from October! Thanks everyone for your help and support during this incredibly stressful time. For anyone else going through appeals - document EVERYTHING and don't give up!
Great news! Just be aware that the back payments might come in separate chunks rather than all at once. Also, your former employer still has 15 days to appeal this decision to the Board of Review, though it sounds like they don't have a strong case. Congratulations!
Fatima Al-Qasimi
dont get too excited, the money network card is a pain if thats how ur getting paid. took me another week to actually get the card after payments were issued
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Liam Sullivan
•Thankfully I set up direct deposit when I first applied. At least that's one thing I did right!
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Giovanni Colombo
Just a reminder - after you file tomorrow, give the system 24-48 hours to process and show payment dates. Don't panic if they don't show up immediately after you certify. The system usually updates overnight Sunday into Monday, but sometimes it takes until Tuesday morning.
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Liam Sullivan
•Thank you for the reminder. I'll try to be patient (though it's really hard after waiting 8 weeks already!
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