Update: I had my hearing yesterday and wanted to thank everyone for the advice! I submitted all my documentation ahead of time, prepared a timeline, and stayed calm during the questioning. The referee was actually very professional and gave me plenty of time to explain my situation. My former employer did participate and tried to claim I never got approval for the medical appointments, but I had emails showing their approval for each one! The referee seemed to pay close attention when I presented those. No decision yet, but I feel much better about my chances now. The referee said to expect a decision within 10-14 days. Fingers crossed!

Final update: I WON MY APPEAL! Got the decision letter today stating that my medical appointments were approved absences and therefore NOT willful misconduct. The referee specifically cited the evidence I submitted showing prior approval from my manager. I've already filed claims for all the back weeks I missed, and the UC rep said I should receive payment within 2-3 business days. Such a relief! Thank you to everyone who provided advice and support. For anyone else going through this process - good documentation and preparation really do make all the difference.

If you do have issues with your claim after filing, don't waste time with the chat feature on the website. It's almost impossible to get actual help that way. I spent two weeks trying before I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real agent on the phone. Their video shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The agent was able to clear up my issue in minutes once I actually got through.

Just want to add one more important tip: the week in PA UC runs Sunday-Saturday. So if your last day is Friday, June 30th, you can file on Saturday, July 1st. Your first eligible week would be July 2-8, which is the waiting week (unpaid). Then your first payable week would be July 9-15, which you'd claim during your biweekly filing around July 23rd, with payment typically arriving 2-3 business days after that successful biweekly claim.

my cusin had hearing last month and won becuz he brought alot of evidence, make sure u have everythng printed not just on ur phone

To answer your question about submitting evidence beforehand - you absolutely can and should. There should be instructions on your hearing notice for how to submit evidence in advance. This gives the referee time to review it before the hearing. But ALSO bring copies to the hearing as backup. And regarding the CareerLink documentation - when I visited in person, they gave me a printout with my registration confirmation number and date. They also helped me complete the required work search activities that were part of my back-weeks. Ask them to note in your file that you had a technical issue with your SSN that prevented earlier registration. One last tip - after my hearing, it took about 14 days to get the decision. If you win, they'll release all your back payments at once, which was a huge relief. Stay positive and be super prepared!

Just checking back - has your payment date shown up yet? If it's been more than 3 business days since you filed and still no payment date, you might want to check if there's an "open issue" on your claim. You can see this in your claim status section of your dashboard.

awesome! glad it worked out for u!

My sister went through this in January. No extensions but she applied for cash assistance through the county assistance office while she kept looking for work. It's not much but it helped her bridge the gap. Think I heard they might be doing some state grant thing for people too but I don't remember the details.

I work as an employment counselor, and unfortunately, regular state UC benefits are currently capped at 26 weeks maximum in Pennsylvania with no extensions available unless there's a new federal program created (which hasn't happened since the pandemic programs ended). However, I wanted to add some important information that others haven't mentioned. If you're approaching the end of your benefits: 1. If you worked AT ALL during your current benefit year (even part-time while receiving partial benefits), once your benefit year ends (not when benefits exhaust), you may qualify for a new claim with a different financial determination. 2. Before your benefits run out completely, connect with PA's Rapid Response services through CareerLink. They specifically help people transitioning off of UC. 3. Look into PA's Short-Term Compensation program if you're open to part-time work as a bridge. Also, keep in mind that benefit year ≠ eligible weeks of benefits. Your benefit year is a 52-week period, but most claimants only qualify for up to 26 weeks of actual benefits within that year.

is there a fee for transfering to bank? i just got my card and havent used it yet

Update for anyone who finds this post in the future: My money finally showed up in my bank account today, so it took exactly 3 business days (Thursday to Tuesday). I was also able to call my landlord and explain the situation, and they agreed to waive the late fee as long as I pay by Wednesday. Lesson learned - I'll start transfers much earlier next time!

Went thru this exact thing in 2023! Here's my timeline: - Got hurt in January - Company closed in March while I was still on STD - STD ran out in July - Doctor cleared me for work in August - Applied for UC right after getting cleared - Had to do a phone interview to explain the situation - Got approved after 3 weeks My benefit was based on my regular wages before the injury. They use your highest earning quarter in the base year to calculate it. BUT make sure you answer the weekly certification questions correctly!! When they ask if you were able to work, you can only say YES once your doctor has cleared you.

One important thing to consider: if your layoff happens while you're on STD, make sure your employer codes it correctly as a layoff due to business closure, not as a separation due to medical reasons. This makes a big difference for your UC claim. Also, when you're medically cleared and ready to apply for UC, have these documents ready: 1. Letter from employer stating you were laid off due to business closure 2. Doctor's release stating you're able to work (with or without restrictions) 3. Documentation of your STD claim dates Then when you call the UC service center to file (which can take many attempts to get through), clearly explain your situation. The representative will likely need to set up a fact-finding interview to review your case properly.

after you try the state rep thing if that don't work try Claimyr that someone mentioned. my buddy used it last month and got through in like 20 minutes after trying to call for weeks. cost some money but he said it was worth it when ur desperate

Update: Called my state rep this morning and spoke with someone who handles UC issues. They took all my info and said they'll contact UC on my behalf. They said to give them about a week to get a response. Fingers crossed something happens! If not, I'll try that Claimyr service as a backup plan. Thanks everyone for the advice - will let you know what happens.

One more thing to be aware of: when they do process your back payments, they'll issue them all at once, but sometimes they appear as separate transactions on your Money Network card. Don't be alarmed if you see multiple deposits over 1-2 days - that's normal for back payments covering multiple weeks.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know my payments hit my card this morning! It took exactly 11 calendar days (8 business days) from when I got the referee's decision. Everything came through correctly including all the back weeks. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and info while I was waiting.

when i filed my claim back in January they actually told me they were planning to switch to a new system where you create your own PIN online instead of getting it in the mail but i guess they haven't done that yet. so annoying how government agencies take forever to upgrade their systems

UPDATE: My PIN came in the mail today! You all were right about it being in a separate letter. Looks like it took exactly 5 business days after my confirmation letter. Thanks to everyone who helped calm me down! Now I just need to figure out how this weekly certification thing works...