One more thing to consider - if this is a UC check from a claim that's more than one year old, Treasury might have moved it to unclaimed property status. In that case, you'd need to file a claim through the unclaimed property website. Also, I forgot to mention in my first comment, but you should make sure your mailing address is 100% correct in the UC system. Even a small error like an apartment number missing can cause a check to be returned to Treasury.

Any luck with contacting them? I'm curious if any of the suggestions worked for you.

I had a similar situation last year where my base period was missing an entire quarter of wages (about $12,000 worth). I filed the wage protest and kept receiving my original benefit amount while they reviewed everything. When they approved it about 5 weeks later, they increased my weekly benefit AND paid me the difference for all the weeks I'd already claimed at the lower amount. Make sure you have documentation for EVERYTHING. I included: - All paystubs - W2 forms - Letter from my employer confirming dates and wages - Copy of my work schedule showing regular hours Be super thorough with your evidence and it should go smoothly without interrupting your current payments.

UPDATE: I was able to get through to a UC rep using that Claimyr service someone recommended. The agent confirmed that filing a wage protest using form UC-1921W will NOT stop my current benefits while they review my missing wages. She also said I should expect it to take 4-6 weeks for processing. I'm gathering all my paystubs now and will submit everything tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your help! What a relief to know I won't lose my current payments while waiting for the correction.

Just wanted to give you a heads up that when the card DOES arrive, you have to activate it immediately!! I made the mistake of waiting a couple days to activate mine because I was busy, and it triggered some kind of security protocol where I had to verify my identity AGAIN. Such a headache! Also make sure to create your Money Network online account right away so you can track your balance and payments.

UPDATE: I decided to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through to a UC agent! The agent confirmed my card was mailed on January 7th (not the 4th when I was approved). She said there was a backlog of card requests and that's why it took a few extra days to actually send it. According to her, I should receive it by tomorrow or Friday at the latest. She also helped me set up direct deposit for future payments so I won't have to deal with this card stress again! Thanks everyone for your help!

i had 2 wait 14 weeks last year when my boss said i was fired 4 attendance but i had approved FMLA leave!!! called my state rep after week 10 and got paid 2 weeks later. wish i had done it sooner!!!! they can definitely help speed things up

Just remembered something important - if you do finally get through to PA UC, ask them specifically what "issue code" is holding up your claim. Each type of issue has a different resolution process and timeline. If it's an "employer protest" those take forever, but if it's something simple like an "identity verification" it might be resolvable on the same call. Knowing the exact issue code gives you more power.

Just curious - what was your separation reason? That makes a huge difference in appeal outcomes.

Based on your situation (termination for alleged performance issues with no formal documentation), you actually have a decent case. PA unemployment law requires employers to show willful misconduct for a disqualification, and poor performance without warnings typically doesn't meet that standard. The fact that you didn't receive formal warnings works in your favor. To answer your recording question - the referee already makes an official recording of the hearing, and that becomes part of the record if there's a Board appeal. You don't need your own recording, and in fact, some referees don't allow participants to record hearings.

Something important that nobody has mentioned: If you're reopening within the same benefit year (sounds like you are), you don't need to serve another waiting week. That's one advantage of a reopened claim vs. a brand new one. Also, make sure your work search registrations are up to date with PA CareerLink. Having an incomplete profile there can trigger an unnecessary review of your work search compliance.

Update??? Did your payments start? I'm in a similar situation and waiting to see what happens with yours before I reopen mine...

It actually depends on your specific situation. If you have a simple claim history (only worked for 1-2 employers in PA), then online is faster. If you worked for multiple employers, worked in different states, or have special circumstances like a union job with recall rights, then calling might actually be better because they can address those nuances immediately. Just a heads up - regardless of how you file, be prepared for possible identity verification through ID.me. This is a relatively new requirement and catches some people off guard.

After seeing these responses I tried using Claimyr this morning because my claim has been stuck for weeks and HOLY CRAP IT ACTUALLY WORKED!!! Got through to a real person in about 10 minutes who fixed my issue!!! Worth every penny because I was about to lose my mind with the busy signals and disconnects!!!

One more crucial thing to prepare for: During the hearing, the referee will likely ask if you had the ability to avoid reaching the maximum points. For example, if you had personal or vacation days you could have used instead of calling off (which would have prevented getting points), they may consider that evidence that you could have avoided termination. Make sure you're prepared to explain why you couldn't use PTO if that applies to your situation.

good luck my dude. let us know how it goes

Update on your options: 1. Continue with new claim - This is simplest but you'll lose that one week's payment permanently. 2. Appeal the new claim - File an appeal explaining the misunderstanding about your employment status as an educational employee. Include documentation showing your regular employment pattern and return date. 3. Contact UC directly - Explain that as an educational employee with reasonable assurance of returning to work, you mistakenly indicated a new separation when you should have reported continuing employment with zero earnings. Option 3 is fastest if you can reach them. If you decide to continue with the new claim, make sure to answer correctly going forward - always indicate you're employed but with zero earnings during non-work periods.

Just wanted to update that I got through to PA UC today using Claimyr after trying for 3 days on my own. The agent explained exactly what others here said - for educational employees, we should report still being employed but with zero earnings during scheduled breaks. She was able to fix my claim and release my payment for the missed week! So relieved.

Just wanted to say congrats on winning your appeal! I've been fighting my own appeal for 10 weeks now and still waiting. It's so frustrating. Did you have a lawyer for your hearing or did you represent yourself?

Quick update on my earlier comment - when you file those backdated weeks, make sure you answer the questions exactly the same way you would have at the time. Like if they ask if you were able and available to work, say yes (assuming you were). The system might flag your claim for review if your answers don't make sense for someone who was unemployed at the time. Also, once you do get all your backdated weeks processed, the payments usually come all at once, not spread out. So be on the lookout for a larger deposit to your Money Network card.