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One important thing to note: if you're approaching your benefit exhaustion, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even for the week you receive your final payment. Sometimes people stop filing when benefits run out, but if any extensions are authorized later, you need unbroken weekly claims to qualify automatically. Also, your RESEA participation should have connected you with enhanced job placement services - be sure to follow up with that program coordinator specifically.
Hey Jamal, I went through something similar in 2023 after my factory job ended. One thing that really helped me was signing up with temp agencies that specialize in manufacturing - they often have short-term assignments that can tide you over while you search for permanent work. Places like Aerotek, Kelly Services, and Manpower usually have industrial positions that pay decent wages. Even if it's just a few weeks here and there, it gives you income and keeps your skills sharp. Also, don't overlook utility companies and hospitals - they often need maintenance staff with manufacturing backgrounds and the pay is usually solid. I know it's scary when benefits are running out, but you've got experience and that certificate from RESEA, so hang in there!
This is really helpful advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about temp agencies specifically for manufacturing. Do you know if working temp jobs affects your unemployment benefits at all? Like if I get a 2-week assignment, do I have to stop filing claims completely or can I still get partial benefits for the weeks I'm not working? I'm worried about messing up my remaining benefits by taking temp work.
Update: Just wanted to let everyone know I finally got my determination letter in the mail today! It took exactly 17 days after the hearing. The referee ruled in my favor! Now I'm just waiting for the payments to hit my account. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!
Congrats Jamal! That's such great news and gives me hope for everyone else still waiting. 17 days is right in that sweet spot everyone was mentioning. Thanks for coming back to update us - so many people post their questions but never follow up with the outcome. Hope your payments come through quickly!
This is so encouraging to see! I'm actually going through a similar situation right now - had my hearing last week and have been stressed about the wait time. Seeing that you got a positive outcome in 17 days gives me hope. Did you have to provide any additional documentation after the hearing, or was it pretty straightforward once the hearing was done? Thanks for taking the time to update everyone!
Based on what everyone has shared, it seems like your best options are: 1. Contact the Referee Office directly using the number on your hearing notice 2. If you can't get through, try calling the UC Service Center (though this can be difficult) 3. Check if any documents may have been mailed separately or sent to an old address 4. Request the documents be re-sent via email if possible 5. If you still can't get the information with enough time to prepare, request a continuance at least 3 business days before your hearing Remember to document all your attempts to get this information. This creates a record showing you've been trying to participate in the process in good faith, which can help your case if you need to appeal later.
I'm dealing with something similar right now! My employer is disputing my claim and I only found out the details by accident when I called about a different issue. The rep mentioned they were claiming I was terminated for "excessive absences" which was news to me since I was told it was a layoff due to budget cuts. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of everything - I screenshot my portal daily now and save any emails or letters I get. Also, if you do get through to someone on the phone, ask them to email you a summary of what was discussed. Some reps will do this if you explain you're preparing for a hearing. The whole system seems designed to keep you in the dark until the last minute. It's really unfair that we have to fight so hard just to get basic information about our own cases.
Dylan Fisher
Just to follow up - did you ever get your payment? I'm curious if it was the card expiration issue or just the normal delay for first payments.
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Katherine Hunter
UPDATE: The money finally showed up on my card this morning! So it took exactly 6 business days from the \
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Oliver Cheng
•That's great news! 6 business days does seem to be pretty typical for first payments in a new benefit year. Good to know for others who might be in the same situation. Thanks for updating us - it helps when people follow up with what actually happened!
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Lena Schultz
•So glad it worked out! I've been following your situation because I'm dealing with something similar - my payment has been "processing" for 3 days now. Your timeline gives me hope that it's just the normal delay for first payments. Did you end up checking the Money Network website directly like Dylan suggested, or did it just eventually show up on the card?
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