Also don't forget about the job search requirements! Since you're seasonal you still need to do your job searches each week even though you're probably going back to the same employer. My buddy forgot about that last year and lost benefits for two weeks until he appealed and got a sympathetic examiner.

Just went through this exact same situation last month with my seasonal construction layoff! Definitely wait until Monday to reopen - you're thinking about it correctly. I made the mistake of reopening on a Friday while I still had hours that week and it flagged my claim for review. Took almost 2 weeks to sort out. The key is to reopen AFTER your final day of work is completely done. Then your first weekly certification will be the following Sunday for the week that just ended. Also make sure you have all your final pay info ready when you reopen - they'll ask for your last day worked and final gross pay. Good luck with the seasonal cycle!

Another thing to check - log into your portal and look at the "Payment Information" section. Does it show your weekly benefit amount (WBA) calculated correctly? And check your claim status to make sure it doesn't say you need to complete ID verification or something else before payment. Sometimes they approve the reason for separation but there's STILL other hoops to jump through!!! 😡

Since your claim status is "Active" and your WBA is calculated, that's a good sign everything is in order. Typically, payments should process within 2-3 business days after approval, but with 18 weeks of backpay, it might take a bit longer. The system processes large backpay amounts through an additional review sometimes, which can add a few days. If you don't see anything by early next week, that's when I would definitely try to reach someone by phone.

To update everyone, I just checked the PA Department of Revenue website and they're reporting an average 24-day processing time from the date you receive that message. They're also saying that returns filed after April 15, 2025 (even with extensions) are taking longer - about 30-35 days on average. If it's been more than 6 weeks, you should definitely call them at 717-787-8201.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my PA return about 4 weeks ago and got that processing message last week. It's so stressful waiting when you're relying on that money! From what everyone is saying here, it sounds like anywhere from 3-6 weeks is normal. I've been checking my bank account obsessively every morning. Hopefully we both get our refunds soon! At least the UC payments are something, even if they don't cover everything with how expensive everything has gotten.

One more important tip about appeals: When you participate in the hearing, focus specifically on the reason stated in your denial letter. For example, if you were denied because they claimed you violated company policy, your evidence and testimony should directly address that specific reason. Many appellants make the mistake of discussing unrelated issues or workplace grievances that don't address the stated reason for denial. The referee can only overturn the decision based on evidence that contradicts the specific disqualification reason. Your video evidence sounds perfect for this if it directly disproves their claim about policy violation. Make sure to point out exactly what the video shows and how it contradicts their specific allegations.

Just wanted to add that you should also keep detailed records of everything during this process. I kept a journal with dates, times, and who I spoke with at UC - it really helped during my hearing when they asked about timeline details. Also, don't panic about the 2-week rent deadline. Many landlords will work with you if you explain you're waiting on UC appeal results, especially if you can show them your appeal paperwork as proof. I had to do this and my landlord gave me an extra 3 weeks once they saw I had a legitimate case pending. Your video evidence sounds really strong! Make sure to watch it yourself a few times and practice explaining what it shows in simple, clear terms. Sometimes what seems obvious to us isn't immediately clear to someone else viewing it for the first time.

one more thing nobody mentioned - when u get it dont try to activate it late at night. the activation system is down from like midnight to 4am for maintenance or something i tried for an hour before i gave up and it worked fine next morning

Just wanted to add my experience - I got my new blue Money Network card about 2 weeks ago. The envelope it comes in is really plain and thin, so I almost threw it away thinking it was a credit card offer! It just says "Important Financial Information" on the outside. Also, when you activate it, make sure you have your SSN ready because they ask for it during the phone activation process. The whole thing took me about 5 minutes once I got through. Hope this helps!