glad u got it sorted out!! this stuff is always so confusing lol

This is such a relief to read! I was about to post almost the exact same question because I started getting these ReliaCard texts last week too after not collecting UC since early 2022. Mine also show $0 balance but I was worried someone might be trying to access my account. Reading through all the responses here, especially Mateo's update that it was just a system glitch from an update, makes me feel so much better. I'm definitely going to call ReliaCard tomorrow to get removed from their text notifications too. Thanks for posting this - you probably helped a lot of people who are dealing with the same thing!

To give you the complete picture, here's the exact PA UC partial benefit calculation: 1. They take 30% of your Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR) as your Partial Benefit Credit (PBC) 2. Subtract your gross earnings from your WBR 3. If the remainder is $5 or more, that's your partial benefit 4. If the remainder is less than $5, you get no benefit that week In your case: - WBR: $605 - PBC: $181.50 (30% of $605) - Earnings: $80 - Since $80 is less than your PBC, you get your full WBR of $605 One more important thing - when you start your job on December 2nd, make sure to report that you've returned to full-time work on your last weekly certification. This closes your claim properly.

Congratulations on landing the new job! Just wanted to add one more tip from my experience - make sure to keep documentation of that $80 payment (pay stub, direct deposit record, etc.) in case PA UC ever audits your claim later. I had to provide proof of earnings from 8 months prior when they did a random review of my case. Also, since you mentioned budgeting for the transition week, remember that your unemployment payment might come a day or two later than usual if their system flags the earnings report for manual review (even though it shouldn't affect your benefit amount). Better to plan for a slight delay just in case!

After reading through all the comments, I wanted to mention that when my hearing was finally scheduled, it was by telephone due to the backlog. Make sure your phone number is correct in the system, and be prepared to answer when they call - even if it shows as an unknown or blocked number. They're very strict about being available at the scheduled time, and if you miss the call, it can further delay your case.

I'm in the exact same boat - filed my appeal in December after being wrongfully denied (employer falsely claimed misconduct) and it's been radio silence since then. The stress is unreal, especially with rent and utilities piling up. One thing I learned from calling around is that you can also try reaching out to your local legal aid society - some offer free help with UC appeals and can sometimes get better responses from the system than we can as individuals. Also, if you have any coworkers who witnessed your layoff or have knowledge of the circumstances, start getting their contact info now in case you need them as witnesses for your hearing. Hang in there - from what everyone's saying it sounds like 4+ months is unfortunately the new normal, but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel!

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at UC this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got connected in about 30 minutes. The agent explained that my employer coded my separation as "lack of work" but I had selected "laid off" on my application. She fixed it while I was on the phone and said my payments should start processing within 48 hours. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.

Wow, what a journey! So glad you got it resolved @Harper Collins. Your experience really shows how important it is to actually speak with someone - these separation coding issues seem pretty common but the system doesn't make it clear what's wrong or how to fix it. For anyone else dealing with similar issues, it sounds like the key is persistence in getting through to a real person who can actually see what's causing the hold-up. Four weeks of stress for what turned out to be a 5-minute fix is ridiculous, but at least you'll be getting all those back payments soon!

Sorry to hear about your layoff - that's always tough when it comes out of nowhere. Just wanted to add a few practical tips since you're trying to get ahead of this: 1. File your claim online at www.uc.pa.gov the day after your last day of work (not before). The system is usually less busy early morning or late evening. 2. Have your last 18 months of employment history ready - they'll ask for dates, wages, and reason for separation for each job. 3. Set up direct deposit right away instead of waiting for the debit card - it's faster and more reliable. 4. Start your work search activities immediately even before your first payment. You'll need to do at least 5 qualifying activities per week and report them when you file your weekly claims. The good news is with 5 years at your company, you should definitely qualify for the full 26 weeks of benefits. The amount will depend on your earnings, but you're looking at up to $784/week max. Stay organized with your job search documentation - PA can audit your work search activities at any time. Good luck with everything!

Really sorry to hear about the sudden layoff - that's always stressful when you don't see it coming. I went through the same thing about 8 months ago and can share what I learned from the process. The $784 maximum weekly benefit that others mentioned is correct, but like someone said, you probably won't get the full amount unless you were earning around $1,960+ per week before taxes. The formula they use is based on your highest quarter of earnings in your "base period" (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file). One thing I wish I had known earlier - PA unemployment has a "waiting week" where your first eligible week won't be paid, so factor that into your budget planning. Also, if you have any vacation pay or severance coming from your employer, that might delay when your benefits start since they consider that "wages" even after your employment ends. Make sure to apply online at www.uc.pa.gov as soon as possible after your last day. The sooner you apply, the sooner your claim gets processed. And definitely keep detailed records of every job you apply to - they can audit your work search activities at any time and you'll need proof of at least 5 activities per week. Hang in there - the system can be frustrating but if you stay on top of it and document everything, you should be able to get through the 26 weeks while you find your next opportunity.