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So I finally got my unemployment determination approved on 1/14/25 (after waiting forever!!) and I can see in my portal that taxes were withheld from my benefit amount. But it's been 3 days and the payment status is still showing as 'in progress' with no transaction number assigned. My benefit pay date just says 'in progress' too. I haven't received my Money Network card in the mail yet either, which I understand takes time, but I thought once approved the payment would at least process quickly? Does anyone know how much longer I might be waiting for the funds to actually be released to the card? I've got rent due next week and I'm starting to stress out...
I'm at my wit's end with PA unemployment! I filed my initial claim 9 weeks ago and I'm STILL waiting for them to make a decision. Every week I file my weekly certification like clockwork, but my dashboard just shows 'pending' for all payments. I've tried calling at least 50 times over the past two months and either get a busy signal or it hangs up after the automated message. The one time I got through, the rep just said 'it's in the queue for an examiner review' and couldn't tell me anything else. My rent is already late and my landlord is getting impatient. Has anyone found a way to actually get someone to look at their claim faster? I'm starting to think they're just hoping I'll give up and go away. Any advice before I completely lose it?
FINAL UPDATE: I finally got my interview scheduled for next week! After reading the advice here, I both sent a hardship message AND contacted my state representative's office. Not sure which one worked (maybe both?), but someone from the rep's office called me yesterday saying they'd contacted UC on my behalf, and this morning I got an email with my interview date. It's still a week away, but at least there's movement! Thanks everyone for your help - I'll post again after the interview to let you know how it went.
That's excellent news! Make sure you're well-prepared for the interview. Have all your documentation organized and ready to present. Be factual and concise when explaining your situation. And remember - if the initial determination isn't in your favor, you have the right to appeal within 15 days. Good luck with your interview!
Hang in there! I went through almost the exact same situation last year - 8 weeks pending with no communication. What finally helped me was doing three things at once: 1) Filed a complaint with the PA Department of Labor's ombudsman office, 2) Had my local state senator's office contact UC on my behalf, and 3) sent a certified letter to the UC director explaining my hardship situation. Within 10 days of doing all three, I got my interview scheduled. The key is creating multiple pressure points so your case gets flagged for attention. Also, start gathering rent receipts, utility bills, and any eviction notices now - you can present these as evidence of financial hardship during your interview to potentially expedite the decision. Don't give up - the system is broken but there are ways to work around it!
I'm so tired of dealing with the Money Network card for my unemployment payments! The fees are killing me and the ATM near me never seems to work right. I finally decided to switch to direct deposit to my checking account. Filled out all the info on the PA UC portal yesterday, but I'm wondering how long this typically takes to process? Will my next payment still go to the card or will it hit my bank account? Anyone made this switch recently? Just trying to plan my bills accordingly since I'm cutting it close this month. Thanks in advance!
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my direct deposit switch went through! Took 8 business days for the status to change to active in the system. My payment from last week went to the Money Network card as expected, but today's payment hit my bank account directly! Thanks everyone for the helpful information and suggestions. Such a relief to be done with that card!
Great to hear! Thanks for updating us. I'd still recommend keeping that Money Network card in a safe place until your claim ends, just in case there are any issues or adjustments that might get sent there.
Congrats on getting it switched over! I'm going through the same process right now - submitted my direct deposit info 3 days ago and the waiting is killing me. Those Money Network fees are absolutely ridiculous, especially when you're already struggling financially. Good to know it typically takes about a week to process. Did you get any kind of confirmation email when the status changed, or did you just have to keep checking the portal?
Super confused about what's happening with my PA unemployment! For the past month, I was working part-time (around 25 hours) and still getting partial UC benefits with no issues. Two weeks ago I reported my partial earnings and got paid the reduced amount right on schedule. Then last week my hours got completely cut, so I filed my weekly certification reporting zero income. I got paid that week no problem. But when I went to file THIS week's claim, the system suddenly made me file a completely new initial claim instead of just letting me do my regular weekly certification! Why would they make me start over when nothing changed except that I'm now fully unemployed instead of partially? I'm worried this is going to cause a big delay in my payments. I've got rent due in 10 days and was counting on this money. Has this happened to anyone else? How long did it take for payments to start up again after having to file a new claim? I'm panicking a little bit here!
What a stupid system. WHY can't they just put some kind of explanation in their stupid system when they make you file a new claim?? I swear they do this stuff on purpose to make people give up on getting benefits they're entitled to. Glad you got it fixed but it shouldn't be this complicated!!!
Hey everyone! I'm new to this community but going through something similar right now. I was getting partial benefits while working reduced hours at a restaurant, then last week they told me they're cutting all my shifts indefinitely due to "slow season." When I went to file my weekly claim yesterday, the system forced me to file a brand new claim too! Reading through all these comments is both scary and helpful - scary because it sounds like this could take weeks to resolve, but helpful because now I know what's happening. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that @Zoe Stavros mentioned since I can't afford to wait weeks either. Thanks @QuantumQuester for explaining the "job separation issue" - that makes so much more sense than the system just randomly making us refile for no reason. Going to gather up all my documentation from my employer showing the hour cuts before I try to call. This whole system really needs better communication! A simple "Your claim requires review due to change in employment status" message would save everyone so much stress and confusion.
Hey everyone, I'm really stuck between a rock and a hard place with my job situation. I've had TWO shoulder surgeries (labral repair + bicep tenodesis) on my right side within the last year, and I physically CAN'T handle my normal 40-hour work week anymore. I've been limping along using short-term disability benefits off and on when the pain gets unbearable, but I just got notified that I've maxed those out. My FMLA protection expires in about 3 weeks, and my employer is starting to make comments about attendance and reliability. Can I qualify for partial PA unemployment if I need to reduce my hours? Or is there some other program I should look into? I've worked at this company for 5+ years and don't want to lose my job, but I'm literally in tears by the end of full shifts from the pain. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Good news!!! My frend says make sure u get the ADA thing in WRITING tho. Some companys try to go back on stuff if its just verbal promise.
Congratulations on getting the accommodation approved! That's a huge win. Just wanted to add a few things based on my experience with both ADA accommodations and partial UC in PA: 1. When you apply for partial UC, you'll need to report your reduced earnings each week. The good news is that PA has a "partial benefit credit" - you can earn up to 30% of your weekly benefit amount without any reduction to your UC payment. 2. Keep detailed records of your accommodation - not just the HR letter, but also any communications about how it's working out. This will be crucial if you need to extend or modify the accommodation later. 3. If your employer decides the accommodation isn't working after the trial period, having that documentation will also help if you need to apply for full UC benefits. The fact that your HR was cooperative is really encouraging. Many companies are more willing to work with employees than people realize, especially when you come with proper medical documentation. Hope the reduced schedule gives you the relief you need to heal properly!
Emma Swift
Update: My payment status just changed to 'paid' this morning and now shows a transaction number! Thanks everyone for the reassurance. Now I'll just keep an eye out for the card in the mail. Hopefully it comes before rent is due, but at least I know the money is on its way.
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Isabella Tucker
Great news! Now that your payment shows 'paid' with a transaction number, you should receive your Money Network card within 7-10 business days. Remember to activate it immediately when it arrives. For future reference, once you have your card and online account set up, you can also choose direct deposit to your personal bank account for future payments if you prefer that over the card.
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Chloe Boulanger
Congrats on getting your payment to "paid" status! That's always such a relief. Just wanted to add that when your Money Network card does arrive, make sure to keep the envelope it comes in - it has important activation instructions and the customer service number printed on it. Also, if you're still worried about timing for rent, some landlords will accept a screenshot of your "paid" status with transaction number as proof that payment is coming, especially if you explain the card delivery situation. Worth asking if you're cutting it close!
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