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To answer your latest question - you should bring printed copies of everything if possible. This includes: 1. Work search record forms or detailed notes of all job applications 2. Copies of job applications if you have them 3. Current resume (they'll help you update it) 4. Photo ID 5. Your UC claim information Being over-prepared is better than under-prepared. And don't worry too much - these sessions are designed to help, not to trip you up. The vast majority of people leave with their benefits intact and some helpful resources.
They typically don't contact employers during the session itself, but PA UC does conduct random audits where they may verify your work search activities afterward. This is why it's crucial to have accurate information about where you applied, when, and the method of application (online, in-person, etc.). As long as you've been honest in your applications, you have nothing to worry about. One tip: After your RESEA session, continue logging into PA CareerLink regularly (at least once a week) as sometimes they monitor this activity as part of your ongoing eligibility requirements.
I had this problem last month too actually, but it was only down for like half a day. Is anyone else having trouble with the Money Network card site too? I'm wondering if it's related because I can't check my balance there either.
For future reference: If you encounter system maintenance during your filing period, you have three options: 1. Wait for the system to come back online (usually 24-48 hours for emergency maintenance) 2. Call the UC service center (though busy signals are common during outages) 3. If your benefits are at risk due to approaching deadlines, you can submit a request for backdating through your dashboard once the system is back up PA UC typically extends filing deadlines automatically when there are system-wide issues, but it's always best to file as soon as possible once service is restored.
make sure u dress nice for the video hearing! my friend wore a hoodie and felt like the judge was judging him lol
After your hearing, regardless of the outcome, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims. Many claimants stop filing during the appeal process, which is a mistake. If you win, you'll only be paid for weeks you actually filed claims.
Thank you for this important reminder! I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims. Do I need to keep meeting the work search requirements while waiting for the appeal decision?
My cousin works at the unemployment office and she says they're backed up with claims right now because of seasonal layoffs. You might want to file right after your hours are cut so you get in the queue. Oh and my brother-in-law got partial unemployment last year when his factory cut everyone to 24 hours.
That's not entirely accurate. While there may be processing delays, filing before actual reduction of hours will just result in a denial. The system is automated and will check if there's been an actual reduction in income. The correct approach is to file immediately AFTER the reduction occurs, not before.
I filed my claim yesterday after my first reduced schedule week. The system asked if I was still working and I said yes, then entered my reduced earnings. It looks like my claim is processing, but now I have an "open issue" showing on my dashboard. Is this normal for partial claims? How long does it usually take to resolve?
Yes, that's normal. An "open issue" often appears on partial claims because the system needs to verify with your employer about your hours reduction. This typically takes 2-3 weeks to resolve as they need to contact your employer and verify the information you provided. Continue filing your weekly certifications even while the issue is open. If it's not resolved after 3 weeks, that's when you should try contacting them.
I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now!!! I'm 52 and got fired last week for "performance issues" after 6 years with no problems! They started nitpicking everything after I asked for a different chair because of my back problems. Now I'm so stressed waiting to see if my UC claim will be approved or denied! How are you holding up? Have you filed yet? This is all so unfair!!!
I'm not the original poster, but I want to encourage both of you to hang in there. The UC process can be stressful, but don't let that discourage you from pursuing your benefits. Document everything, file your biweekly claims consistently even if the initial determination is pending, and be persistent about contacting UC if you have questions. Most importantly, keep applying for jobs that meet the work search requirements (at least two job applications per week). You don't want to risk your benefits by missing those requirements.
One thing nobody mentioned yet - when you file your claim online, save or print EVERY screen. The PA UC website is notorious for glitches where your information disappears. Also, after you file, you'll need to register with PA CareerLink and do your weekly work search activities (apply to at least 2 jobs each week). They're really strict about that part.
To clear up some confusion: There are two types of overpayments in PA UC: 1. Non-fault overpayment: When the error wasn't your fault (like their calculation error). No penalties, just repayment. 2. Fault overpayment: When you provided incorrect information. Can include penalties and interest. Based on what you've described, you have a non-fault overpayment. Since you've confirmed they're taking it all at once, that makes sense for a small amount like $118. For anyone with larger overpayments, you can request a repayment plan by submitting the Overpayment Waiver form through your dashboard.
Just to add some clarity here - the transaction numbers appearing means your payment has been authorized, but there's an entire electronic payment process that has to happen after that. The timing can also be affected by when your payment was processed. If it was authorized late in the day Monday, the ACH transfer might not have initiated until Tuesday morning, which could push your deposit to Thursday. One thing to check: are you sure you're set up for direct deposit and not the Money Network card? Sometimes people get confused about which payment method they selected. If you're supposed to be getting the Money Network card, you would need to wait for that to arrive in the mail.
That's a good point! I just double-checked my payment preferences in the portal and it definitely says direct deposit to my checking account. When I first filed, they gave me the option for either direct deposit or the card and I chose direct deposit. The transaction details specifically say "Direct Deposit" next to the payment amount.
YES! The money hit my account this morning! Exactly 2 business days after the transaction numbers appeared, just like several of you said. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance. Now I can finally pay my bills!
UPDATE: I tried that Claimyr service and finally got through to someone at UC! The rep explained that I need to file a renewal claim (which I already did) AND they can backdate it so I don't lose my remaining weeks from the previous benefit year. They said my lump sum payment was for the weeks I had already filed before my BYE date, but I need to speak with a specialist about claiming my remaining weeks. They're supposed to call me back within 48 hours. Will update again when I hear something!
FINAL UPDATE: Got the call back and it's all sorted! They're processing my renewal claim and will allow me to file for all my remaining weeks from the previous benefit year. The specialist explained that because my payment delays were due to system issues on their end (the identity verification that took forever), I qualify for special handling. Just wanted to thank everyone for the help and advice - would have been completely lost without it!
The Pennsylvania UC system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING about this requirement. They don't make it clear how to properly document work searches because they WANT people to mess up so they can deny benefits. It's absolutely infuriating. I got audited last year and even though I had been doing MORE than the required job searches, they initially denied my claim because I didn't have the EXACT documentation format they wanted. I had to appeal and it was a nightmare. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING IN EXCRUCIATING DETAIL if you don't want to be screwed over later!!!
While I understand your frustration, I don't think the system is deliberately designed to trick people. It's just bureaucratic and outdated. The best approach is to use their official UC-304 form which has all the fields they require. That form was specifically created to ensure you're documenting everything correctly. As long as you use that form and keep copies of job application confirmations, you should be well-protected during an audit.
Thank you all so much for your help! I feel much better about this now. I'm going to: 1. Continue filling out the UC-304 form each week with all my job applications and work search activities 2. Save confirmation emails and screenshots as proof 3. Upload the completed form to my UC portal documents section 4. Answer "yes" to the work search question during weekly certification 5. Keep all these records for at least 2 years I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this to me. The UC system is so confusing when you're new to it!
Omar Hassan
the whole system is a mess. my buddy said they outsourced the call center last year and none of the new people know what theyre doing. even if u get thru they put u on hold forever and then disconnect u anyway
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Freya Pedersen
UPDATE: I was able to get through! I tried the early morning trick and called the 888 number at 7:58am exactly. Got put in the queue instead of getting disconnected. Waited about 35 minutes but finally spoke to someone who was able to clear the open issue on my claim. It was just a verification thing on their end. For anyone else struggling to get through, definitely try calling right before they officially open!
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Sean Doyle
•OMG thank you for sharing this!!! I'm going to try this tomorrow morning! So glad you got your issue fixed!
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CosmicCruiser
•Great to hear you got through! This is exactly why I suggest calling right before they open. The system starts accepting calls a minute or two early, but most people don't start calling until 8:00 exactly. Glad your issue was simple to resolve once you actually reached someone.
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