One additional suggestion: if you haven't already, document every communication with your former employer about the separation. Text messages, emails, the final paycheck stub showing layoff vs. quit - anything that supports your version of events. The more prepared you are for the actual hearing, the better your chances of winning regardless of their delay tactics.

I went through almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago - employer contested my layoff as a "voluntary quit" and then kept rescheduling the hearing. What finally worked for me was filing a complaint with the PA Department of Labor & Industry's Office of UC Tax Services at the same time I was pushing for the hearing to proceed. I explained that the employer was using delay tactics and it seemed like they were trying to avoid the hearing because they knew their case was weak. The complaint didn't directly speed up my hearing, but it created a paper trail that showed the employer's pattern of avoidance. When I mentioned this complaint during my eventual hearing, the referee seemed to take note of it. Also, make sure you're documenting every single postponement with dates and reasons - this pattern of delays can actually work in your favor during the hearing itself.

Oh wow, that's good to know! I wasn't sure if I needed to do those while it was still under review. Going to start my job search activities today then. Thanks for the heads up!

I went through this exact same situation in December when my retail seasonal job ended. The "under review" status for reopened claims is honestly the worst part because you have no idea what's happening behind the scenes. A few things that helped me: 1) I called right at 8 AM when lines opened and got through after about 2.5 hours on hold, 2) The agent told me they were just verifying my employer's separation information which took about 12 days total, and 3) I kept filing my weekly certs the whole time even though it felt pointless. When it finally got approved, I received all the back pay in one lump sum. Also definitely keep up with your work search requirements like others mentioned - they're super strict about that now even during the review period. Hang in there, it's frustrating but it will get resolved!

Just tried and its working now!! Just filed my weeks!

I've been dealing with this exact same issue! Started getting the 503 error on Monday when trying to file my weekly certification. What's really frustrating is that there's no clear communication from PA UC about these outages - I had to find out about the maintenance from this thread. For anyone still having problems, I found that using an incognito/private browsing window sometimes helps, and definitely try the direct link Omar shared. Also, if you're still stuck, document the error messages with screenshots in case you need to prove you tried to file on time. The system really needs better error handling and user communication!

Thank you all for the advice. I'm going to start preparing for the appeal now even though I haven't been denied yet. I'll gather the death certificate, funeral program, and get a letter from my therapist. Really appreciate all your help during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother, Malik. Losing a parent is devastating and you shouldn't feel guilty about not being able to handle work immediately after such a traumatic event. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you have a good chance on appeal even though PA UC will likely deny you initially. The fact that you've already started grief counseling shows you're taking steps to address your mental health, which will help your case. Make sure to emphasize in your appeal that your mother's death was sudden and unexpected, and that you were in such severe emotional distress that you couldn't think clearly enough to request leave. A reasonable person in your situation would understand why continuing to work felt impossible. Stay strong and don't give up if they deny you first - many people win these appeals when they have legitimate good cause like you do.

glad u got it figured out! make sure u activate the new card right away cuz sometimes they lock it if u dont do it fast enough

This is such a relief to see you got it sorted out! The Money Network card expiration issue catches SO many people off guard. I went through something similar last year and spent weeks thinking it was a UC processing problem when it was actually just my card. For anyone else reading this thread - definitely save that Money Network number (888-233-5916) in your phone. Their customer service is actually pretty good compared to trying to reach UC directly. And like Romeo said, activate that new card ASAP when it arrives! Hope your rent stress is resolved now that you know the payment is actually there waiting for you!