9 weeks waiting for PA UC benefits - Will different job search sites disqualify me?

You do NOT have to use PA CareerLink for your job searches to count. Any job search method is fine as long as you're keeping good records of your work search activities. For each week, PA requires you to complete at least 2 work search activities (applying for jobs, attending interviews, etc.). Just make sure you document the employer name, date of application, position, and method of contact in case they audit you later. The 9-week wait is unfortunately not uncommon right now, especially if there are any 'open issues' on your claim.

i waited 11 weeks back in november so ur not alone... system is completly broken

The job search requirement is just that you complete work search activities - doesn't matter which sites you use! I was in a similar situation last month, waiting 7 weeks with no payment. I finally managed to get through to an actual UC rep using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this service that helps you bypass the busy signals and connects you with a PA UC agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The agent told me there was an 'open issue' on my claim that needed to be cleared, and she fixed it while I was on the phone. Got my payments the following week including all the backpay.

It took less than 30 minutes from when I signed up until I was talking to an actual UC rep. Compared to the weeks I spent getting busy signals, it was totally worth it. They resolved my issue immediately once I got through.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE PPL GIVE UP!!! I HAD TO WAIT 13 FREAKING WEEKS BEFORE GETTING PAID AND THEN THEY HAD AUDACITY TO ASK WHY I DIDNT CALL SOONER!!! How am i SUPPOSED TO CALL WHEN THE LINE IS BUSY FOR 2 MONTHS STRAIGHT????

Just to clarify about the work search requirements - PA requires you to complete and document at least two work search activities per week. These can include: 1. Applying for positions through ANY job search site (CareerLink, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) 2. Taking a civil service test 3. Creating or posting your resume on a job posting website 4. Attending a job fair or recruitment event 5. Interviewing for a position You also need to do at least one job application that specifically matches your skills and experience. The system will calculate how long you've been unemployed and may request additional activities if you've been unemployed for an extended time. As for the delay in processing, check your dashboard for any 'open issues' - these are the main reason claims get delayed. There might be a verification issue, a former employer contesting something, or missing documentation they need.

my sister waited 12 weeks and then got told she accidently put wrong date of seperation and had to start over all again... check ur dates carefully maybe thats why its taking long

anybody else notice how winter is ALWAYS when they get the most backed up? happens every january like clockwork. probly cuz holiday temps all get laid off at same time

To address your original concern - as long as you're meeting the work search requirements and documenting them properly, you're fine regardless of which platform you use. The key elements PA UC looks for are: 1. At least 2 work search activities per week 2. At least 1 job application matching your skills/experience 3. Proper documentation with dates, employer information, position, and contact method If you're doing all that, the specific websites you use don't matter at all. Even in-person inquiries count if documented. Regarding the wait time - definitely try to reach them by phone. An 'open issue' on your claim won't resolve itself without intervention, and unfortunately, the system doesn't always clearly explain what the issue is.

Update: I finally got through to PA UC this morning and got my issue resolved! For anyone waiting a long time like me, here's what helped: 1. Used the Claimyr service mentioned above to get through the phone system 2. Had all my claim information ready (claim number, last 4 of SSN, dates, etc.) 3. Spoke with a rep who found that my identity verification was flagged for review 4. They cleared it while I was on the call and said I should see payment within 3-5 business days including all backpay The rep also confirmed that job searches on any platform are valid as long as they're documented properly. Such a relief to finally have this moving forward!

They said they're severely understaffed and have a backlog of claims with 'open issues' that require manual review. Apparently these don't get looked at in any particular order unless you call in. The rep admitted it's a broken system but said calling is definitely the way to speed things up. Good luck!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - filed my claim on January 13th and still waiting for my first payment. Like you, I've been using Indeed and LinkedIn mostly for job searches and was worried about the CareerLink requirement. Reading all these responses is really helpful! I've been keeping detailed records of all my applications (company name, position, date applied, etc.) and doing way more than the minimum 2 per week. It's good to know the platform doesn't matter as long as you document everything properly. I also have an 'open issue' showing on my dashboard with no explanation. Definitely going to try calling this week - or maybe that Claimyr service if the phones are still impossible. This whole system is so frustrating when you're already stressed about finances!