I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Just got laid off two weeks ago and the PA UC system feels like it was designed by someone who actively hates unemployed people. The most frustrating part for me has been the "work search" requirements - they want you to apply to jobs AND do additional activities, but nowhere does it clearly explain what counts as an "activity." I've been panicking that I'm doing it wrong and will get my benefits cut off. Also, can someone explain why they need to know my high school graduation year? And my spouse's social security number even though we file taxes separately? It feels like they're collecting way more personal info than necessary just to make the process more intimidating. Reading everyone's tips here is honestly the most helpful info I've found anywhere. The official PA UC website is useless - it's like they wrote the FAQ section specifically to confuse people more. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

I just went through this exact same frustration a few months ago! The PA UC system is absolutely maddening, especially when you're already stressed about being unemployed. Here's what I wish someone had told me from the start: For the BYB date (Benefit Year Beginning) - this is crucial because it starts your 52-week clock. You MUST file all your weekly claims within this period, even if you find work and stop claiming for a while. If you don't use all your benefits within that year, they're gone. The repetitive questions are indeed designed to catch inconsistencies, but here's the key: answer them exactly the same way every single time. I started keeping a little notepad with my standard answers to avoid accidentally contradicting myself. For work search, keep detailed records: company name, position, date applied, how you applied (online, email, in person), and contact person if available. PA requires 2 job applications plus 1 additional work search activity per week. Activities can include updating your LinkedIn, attending virtual job fairs, or even visiting CareerLink's resource center. One tip that saved me: file your weekly claims on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings instead of Sunday/Monday when everyone else is trying. The system is much more stable then. The whole process is definitely designed to discourage people, but stick with it - you've earned these benefits through your previous work!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now! Filed my claim in mid-March after being laid off from my construction job, and immediately got hit with the "eligibility review - prior benefits" status. I received PUA in 2020 when construction work dried up during lockdowns, but I've been working steady ever since and paying into the system. What's really frustrating is that they make you feel like a criminal for using a program THE GOVERNMENT created during a national emergency. I've been calling every day for two weeks and can't get through to anyone. My claim just sits there saying "under review" while my bills pile up. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both comforting and terrifying - comforting to know I'm not alone, terrifying to see people waiting 6-7 weeks for resolution. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service @Natalie Wang mentioned because this endless phone tree is driving me insane. For anyone else dealing with this - I've been keeping detailed notes of every interaction, uploading any documents I can think of, and most importantly continuing to file my weekly claims even though I'm not getting paid. Sounds like that's crucial for getting backpay later. This whole situation is just wrong - we shouldn't be penalized for following the rules during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. Stay strong everyone!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm going through the exact same thing! Filed my claim in early March after my hotel job ended due to downsizing, and immediately got flagged for this "PUA comparison review." I received PUA in 2020 when the hotel industry completely shut down - you know, because there was a GLOBAL PANDEMIC and they literally told us to apply for these benefits! Now I'm being treated like some kind of suspect for following government guidance during the worst crisis in decades. I've worked continuously since 2021, paid my taxes, contributed to the UC system, and this is how they treat me when I legitimately need help again? The phone system is a joke - I've called over 200 times in the past 3 weeks and gotten through exactly ZERO times. My claim just sits there saying "under review" while my rent is due and my car payment is overdue. I'm definitely trying that Claimyr service everyone's mentioning because this is driving me to my breaking point. What's really messed up is that they're essentially punishing us for surviving 2020. We didn't choose to have a pandemic, we didn't choose to lose our jobs, and we didn't choose to need government assistance - but we followed the rules and applied for the help that was offered. Now that legitimate help is being used against us like we're criminals. Keep filing those weekly claims everyone, and document everything! We shouldn't have to go through this but at least we're not alone in this nightmare.

I made a similar mistake a few months back but with a different question - accidentally said I received pension payments when I didn't. The anxiety is real! Just want to echo what others have said about calling ASAP. One tip that helped me get through faster: try calling right at 8am when they open, or around 11:30am-12pm when some people break for lunch and the lines might be slightly less busy. Also, have your Social Security number and confirmation number from your weekly cert ready before you call - it speeds up the process once you do get through. The rep I spoke with said these kinds of simple mistakes are actually pretty common and they can usually fix them in just a few minutes once you're connected. Hang in there!

Just went through this exact same situation last week! I also accidentally clicked "yes" to being absent from work when I meant "no" - it's so easy to make that mistake when you're rushing through the weekly cert. I was freaking out too because I really needed that payment. Here's what worked for me: I called the main PA UC number (1-888-313-7284) first thing Monday morning at exactly 8:00am and got through after about 45 minutes of waiting. The rep was actually really understanding and said it happens all the time. She fixed it right there on the call and told me my payment would only be delayed by 1-2 business days instead of the usual week processing time. The key is calling as early as possible and being ready to explain exactly what happened. Don't panic - they can definitely fix this for you!

I've been following this thread and wanted to share something that might help - have you looked into gig work as a bridge while you continue your job search? Apps like Instacart, DoorDash, or even TaskRabbit can provide some immediate income that won't interfere with your UC benefits if you stay under the earnings threshold mentioned by @Sofia Peña. Also, many people don't know that PA has a "Short-Time Compensation" program where if you find part-time work with an employer who participates, you can still collect partial benefits. It's worth asking potential part-time employers if they participate in this program. One more thing - check with your local library for free resume review services and computer/internet access for job searching if you need it. Many libraries also host job fairs and career workshops. You're clearly doing everything right, so don't lose hope. Sometimes it just takes that one right opportunity at the right time.

I went through almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago - down to my last 2 weeks of UC benefits and absolutely panicking about rent. Here's what ended up working for me: 1. Applied for SNAP benefits immediately (like @Libby Hassan suggested) - it took about 2 weeks to get approved but having food covered was huge relief 2. Got on a payment plan with my landlord BEFORE missing rent - most are surprisingly understanding if you're proactive 3. Found temp work through three different agencies simultaneously - this was key because it gave me multiple income streams while keeping me under the UC partial benefit threshold The temp work wasn't glamorous (data entry, filing, reception coverage), but it kept me afloat for 3 months until I landed my current permanent position. One of those temp assignments actually led to my permanent job offer. Also, if you haven't already, call 211 from any phone - it's a free service that connects you to local assistance programs you might not know about. They helped me find emergency utility assistance and a local food bank. You're going to get through this. I know it doesn't feel like it right now, but you're being proactive and that's going to make all the difference.

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Just filed my first two weeks and was so confused when I only got paid for the second week. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful - sounds like the waiting week payment will come later after I've filed consistently for a few weeks. It's frustrating that the PA UC website doesn't make this clearer, but at least now I know what to expect. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I'm dealing with this exact same confusion right now! Just filed my initial claim last week and was totally panicked when I read different things online about whether the waiting week gets paid or not. This thread has been incredibly helpful - it sounds like the consensus is that you do eventually get paid for the waiting week, but it comes later after you've filed consistently for several weeks. I wish the PA UC system would just put a clear explanation right on the filing page instead of leaving everyone to figure it out through trial and error. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's really reassuring to know this is normal and I didn't mess something up!