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Based on everything in this thread, I think your best approach is to: 1. Document the offer completely 2. Report it accurately on your weekly claim 3. Be prepared to explain specifically why it doesn't meet the 80% threshold at your current stage 4. Try to speak directly with an ESD representative for clarity (using Claimyr or other means to get through) 5. Continue your job search efforts at the same or increased intensity The system is designed to help people find suitable employment, not force them into jobs that represent a major regression in their career or financial stability. Just make sure you follow all the proper procedures so your benefits remain protected.
I went through something similar about 8 months ago. The key thing that saved me was getting everything in writing and being very specific about WHY the job wasn't suitable when I reported it. Don't just say "low pay" - calculate the exact percentage difference and mention other factors like the increased work days. In my case, I declined a job that was 40% less than my previous wage at the 14-week mark. ESD initially flagged it for review, but because I had documented everything properly and could show it was well below the 80% threshold for my timeframe, they approved my continued benefits without any issues. Also, if this employer is pressuring you for a quick answer, remember that you have the right to reasonable time to consider any job offer. Don't let them rush you into a decision before you've had time to calculate all the financial implications and document everything properly.
This is really reassuring to hear from someone who went through almost the exact same situation! The fact that you successfully defended declining a 40% pay cut at 14 weeks gives me hope. I'm definitely going to calculate the exact percentage and document the increased workdays as additional factors. The employer did say they need an answer by Friday, but you're right - I shouldn't let them pressure me into rushing this decision when my benefits could be at stake. I'll take the time I need to get everything documented properly first. Thanks for sharing your experience!
To summarize and clear up any remaining confusion: 1. Shared Work benefits ARE reduced by your earnings (75% deduction formula) 2. You MUST report ALL earnings including tips 3. Job search requirements apply UNLESS your employer has standby status 4. Your employer must submit Shared Work claims showing your reduced hours 5. You still must file your weekly claim in addition to what your employer submits The main advantage of Shared Work over regular UI is that you can work more hours while still getting some benefits, and you maintain your connection to your employer. It's a great program when understood correctly!
Just wanted to add my experience as someone who's been on Shared Work for almost 6 months now. The most important thing is to be completely honest about ALL your earnings - I've seen too many people get in trouble thinking they could hide cash tips or side work. Also, keep detailed records of everything you report because if ESD ever audits your claim, you'll need to show proof. I use a simple spreadsheet tracking my hours, base wages, tips, and what I reported each week. It's saved me so much stress knowing I have everything documented properly. The program really does help bridge the gap when hours get cut, but only if you follow the rules exactly!
That's really smart advice about keeping detailed records! I'm definitely going to start a spreadsheet like you mentioned. Quick question - do you track your cash tips separately from credit card tips, or just lump them all together when you report? I'm trying to figure out the best way to organize everything so I don't miss anything or double-count something when I file my weekly claim.
Congratulations Oliver! That's fantastic news about winning your appeal. I went through something similar last year and the relief is incredible. One thing I wish someone had told me - keep detailed records of everything during the implementation phase too. Screenshot your online account status, save any emails or letters you receive, and document any phone calls you make. If anything goes wrong during the back pay processing, having that paper trail can save you from starting over. Also, the back pay might come in chunks rather than one lump sum depending on how your claim was structured, so don't panic if you don't see the full amount right away. Wishing you a smooth implementation process!
This is such helpful advice Tyler! I hadn't thought about documenting the implementation phase too but that makes total sense. Thanks for the heads up about the back pay potentially coming in chunks - I would have definitely panicked if I only saw a partial amount at first. I'm going to start taking screenshots of my account right now. Really appreciate you sharing your experience!
Congratulations Oliver! This is such great news and gives hope to all of us dealing with ESD appeals. I'm currently in week 5 of waiting for my own appeal decision, so seeing success stories like yours really helps keep me motivated. Quick question - did you have legal representation for your hearing or did you represent yourself? I'm trying to decide if I should get help or if having good documentation like you mentioned is enough. Also, thank you to everyone sharing practical advice about the implementation process - I'm taking notes on all of this for when (hopefully) I get good news too!
I'm going through something similar right now - my appeal hearing was last week and I'm seeing the same "adjudication in progress" status. It's nerve-wracking not knowing what's happening behind the scenes! From what I've read here and other forums, it seems like this is just the normal waiting period while they process the judge's decision. One thing that's helped me stay sane is setting up text alerts in eServices so I get notified immediately if anything changes. Also been checking the correspondence section daily like others mentioned. The waiting is the worst part but sounds like we just need to hang in there and keep filing those weekly claims!
@Ella Knight I m'so glad I m'not the only one going through this right now! The text alerts are a great idea - I didn t'even know that was an option. I ve'been obsessively checking eServices multiple times a day which is probably making my anxiety worse. It s'reassuring to hear from everyone that this status change is normal. Fingers crossed we both get good news soon!
I'm in a similar boat - had my appeal hearing last month and went through the exact same status changes you're describing. The "adjudication in progress" status appeared about 2 days after my hearing and I was worried it meant something bad. Turns out it's completely normal! Got my decision letter in the mail exactly 12 days after the hearing (favorable decision), and then it took another 5 business days for the payments to actually show up in my account. The whole time I kept filing my weekly claims like others have mentioned. One tip: if you have access to eServices, check the "Letters" or "Correspondence" section daily. My decision actually showed up there 3 days before the physical letter arrived in the mail. Saved me a few days of stress! The fact that your employer didn't show up is definitely a good sign - they can't present their side of the story if they're not there. Hang in there, it sounds like you're on the right track!
@Naila Gordon Thank you so much for sharing your timeline! That s'really helpful to know the decision showed up in eServices before the mail - I ll'definitely start checking the Letters section daily. 12 days total doesn t'seem too bad, and it s'encouraging that your employer s'no-show worked in your favor too. I m'trying to stay optimistic but this waiting period is brutal when bills are piling up. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here, it s'making me feel much less alone in this process!
Carmen Diaz
I'm going through something similar right now - my employer is claiming I abandoned my job when they actually terminated me for "restructuring." It's so frustrating when they can just lie like that! One thing that helped me was thinking about WHY my employer might be lying. In my case, I think they don't want their unemployment insurance rates to go up from having to pay out benefits. That could be worth mentioning at your hearing - give the judge a reason to understand your employer's motivation to misrepresent what happened. Also, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims! I almost made that mistake early on. Even though you're disqualified right now, you need to keep certifying so you can get backpay if you win your appeal. The fact that you applied immediately after being let go is definitely in your favor. I did the same thing and my lawyer said that's one of the strongest pieces of evidence that I didn't voluntarily quit. People who quit usually take time before filing because they know they might not qualify. Stay strong and stick to the truth! The system isn't perfect but it's not completely rigged either.
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Grant Vikers
•Thanks Carmen, that's a really good point about explaining WHY the employer might be lying. I hadn't thought about the unemployment insurance angle - that definitely gives them motivation to misrepresent what happened. And yes, I've been keeping up with my weekly claims even though it feels pointless right now. It's reassuring to hear from someone else going through the same thing. How far along are you in your appeal process?
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Ava Martinez
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My former employer claimed I "no-call no-showed" when they actually laid me off due to downsizing. It's incredibly stressful when you know you're telling the truth but have limited documentation. Here are a few things that have helped me prepare for my upcoming hearing: 1. I created a detailed written statement with exact dates, times, and what was said during my termination meeting. Even without witnesses, having specific details shows you're not making things up. 2. I gathered all my recent pay stubs to show I was working consistently right up until termination - no pattern of missing work or problems that would lead to quitting. 3. I'm bringing screenshots of job applications I submitted immediately after being laid off. This shows I was actively looking for work right away, which supports that I didn't choose to leave. 4. I found old performance reviews and any positive feedback emails that show I was a valued employee in good standing. The most important thing my friend who won a similar appeal told me was to stay calm during the hearing and let the employer explain their version first. Often they'll contradict themselves or provide details that don't add up. Then you can point out the inconsistencies when it's your turn to speak. You've got this! The truth has a way of coming out, especially when you're well-prepared. Keep us updated on how your hearing goes!
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Molly Hansen
•Ava, this is such great advice! I'm definitely going to create that detailed written timeline - you're right that having specific dates and times makes it sound more credible. I also love the idea of bringing job application screenshots. I applied to like 15 places the week after I was laid off, so that should definitely help show I wasn't planning to quit. It's so helpful to hear from people who are going through or have been through the same thing. This whole process is so stressful but reading everyone's advice here is giving me hope that I can actually win this appeal!
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