Notes

I am appealing the decision that determined that I was ineligible to receive unemployment benefits for the 6 weeks I requested it filed on the 18th of April, 2020.

The three reasons to my appeal are:
• Incorrect information in the decision letter
• Fear of health and safety due to COVID-19
• Difficult financial obligation

In the decision letter on page 2, it says "the evidence shoes the claimant was on a requested leave of absence." This statement is incorrect. I expressed my Covid-19 concerns to my employer and after the relative of someone who worked in very close proximity, I felt extremely unsafe. This compelled me to stay home and avoid going out to maintain my safety.

In the phone call, I was asked if my physician advised me not to work due to Covid-19. I said no because I did not have call or communicate with my physician in any way during this time but in the decision letter, I believe it is being taken out of context implying that I spoke with my physician regarding this, which I did not. Once more to clarify, I had no contact with my physician at the time. The statement that "the claimant was not advised by her licensed physician to quarantine." I believe was taken out of context based on the question that was received in the phone call and implies I had previous contact with my physician regarding the matter, which I did not.

I expressed my fear of Covid-19 to my employer and not once did I request a leave of absence. I never asked my employer for time off. I simply expressed my fear and concern of the virus that, at the time, was resulting in most schools and businesses closing. I expressed my concerns to Tommy who is one of the head individuals at the plant. The reason states "claimant shall not be entitled to unemployment insurance benefits if away from work on a leave of absence at claimant's own request." which is incorrect. These statements have been highlighted in a copy of the letter that is included with this letter.

Once again, I never requested leave of absence but simply stated my concerns of Covid-19 to my employer and my concerns fell on deaf ears. There was absolutely nothing done to mitigate the risk nor social distance, which was fiercely recommended by the CDC and still is to mitigate the likelihood of contracting Covid-19. At the time I left for 6 weeks, we were within 3 feet of one another. To put this into perspective, if I wanted to tap on one of my co-workers next to me, I would not need to stand up. I simply would need to just reach out and tap them. That's how close we were and nothing changed despite fears of safety.

Given my financial obligations and income, which I have attached as evidence, repayment of these benefits would create a severe financial hardship that would be long lasting and limit my ability to ensure basic necessities for the household. In the event of these reasons not being sufficient to warrant an appeal, I would like to ask for forgiveness of 75% of the amount due to financial circumstances and hardship. The amount I would owe, around $4,225, is nearly 25% of my annual gross (not net) income before basic expenses like food, electricity, and water. I have my w2 statements attached to prove my status as well as my income.


Included documents:
Decision letter outlining the incorrect information
W2 forms
3 weeks of income for the month of December


Based on the information that I inputted as well as the evidence, I believe that the decision should be appealed in my favor.

Thank you,
Jessie Cody

X_________________________________________

February 6 2022