Dear AFT Guild City, Cuyamaca, Grossmont, Mesa, and Miramar College Adjunct Faculty Members,
As the fall semester comes to an end, you should be aware that you are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits, even if you have already been given an assignment for the spring.
The process for applying for benefits can be complicated especially with the new fraud and identity protection features. To help you navigate your way through this new process, we have put together a comprehensive guide to the filing process which can be found here, including information on where/how to apply, tips to assist you in filling out the claim, and common eligibility concerns. We strongly urge you to read through this entire guide prior to applying.
In addition, please visit the Guild’s website for additional important information regarding applying for unemployment benefits and/or participating in our community assistance programs (the latter two programs are available year-round):
Quick Tips & Reminders:
To receive the maximum benefit, applications should be submitted immediately following the completion of your last class session or last day of your non-classroom assignment for this semester.
If you’ve already filed a claim for unemployment benefits within the last 52 weeks, and have not exhausted the benefits your entitled to or benefit year, don’t file a new claim; you must reopen your claim to continue receiving benefits. If you need to start a new claim, you can re-submit for a new claim online and assistance is available in our comprehensive guide.
You should receive some kind of response and/or documents within 2 weeks of submitting your claim. If you have not received anything, contact EDD as soon as possible to ensure your claim was submitted properly or that you have not missed an important request.
If you are submitting a new claim note that the EDD continues to change their online application form. Consequently, we have updated our comprehensive guide as best we can, but it may not be a perfect match to your individual situation. However, you should find the answers you need somewhere within this document. Please let me know if there are any errors or omissions we need to correct on this document.
CFT is offering two EDD Workshops this week to support our members in accessing these Unemployment Benefits. The workshops are for members only and will be held on Tuesday, Dec 14th, 12-1:30pm and Wednesday, Dec 15th, 10-11:30am. Here’s the registration link: https://cft.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvfuyvpz4pH9VwPhKvkbzJj2b1iUvcf9FG
If you are ever denied your claim for benefits, please contact us right away so we can assist with your appeal. AFT Guild members will be assisted free of charge, including being represented by our attorney in an appeal hearing if determined appropriate by the Guild.
Wishing you a stress-free end of the semester and a well-deserved winter break!
In Solidarity,
Jim
Jim Mahler, President
AFT Guild, Local 1931
