I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare! The fact that your employer waited until AFTER you won your appeal to suddenly claim misconduct is extremely suspicious and honestly feels like retaliation. Having those text messages from your manager confirming the layoff is going to be huge for your case. A couple things that might help strengthen your appeal: - Try to get any documentation showing the restaurant's reduced business during that time (maybe old schedules, receipts, or even social media posts about being slow) - If other employees were laid off around the same time, see if any would be willing to provide brief statements - When you file your appeal, specifically mention the suspicious timing of your employer's "new evidence" - why didn't they present this during the original hearing if it existed? The whole situation is infuriating but you're handling it exactly right. Getting legal aid involved is smart, and having actual documentation (those texts) puts you in a much stronger position than most people dealing with these kinds of employer lies. Don't let them intimidate you - the Board of Review should be able to see through this obvious retaliation attempt. Keep fighting!

This is absolutely infuriating! Your employer submitting "new evidence" claiming misconduct AFTER you already won your appeal reeks of retaliation. The fact that you have text messages from your manager confirming it was a layoff is going to be crucial - that's exactly the kind of documentation that wins these cases. When you file your appeal, make sure to emphasize the suspicious timing. If your employer had legitimate misconduct evidence, why didn't they present it during the original hearing? The Board of Review needs to see that this is clearly an attempt to reverse a decision they didn't like. Also, try to gather any additional evidence about the restaurant's business conditions at the time - old schedules showing reduced hours, any documentation of other layoffs, social media posts about being slow, anything that supports the legitimate business reason for the layoff. You're doing everything right by getting legal aid involved and acting quickly on the appeal. Don't let this employer intimidate you with their false claims. The system may be broken in many ways, but when you have solid documentation like those texts, justice usually prevails. Keep us updated on how the Board of Review hearing goes!

Back to the tax question - make sure you also see if you qualify for the Tax Forgiveness program in PA. If your total income is below certain thresholds (which vary based on number of dependents), you might not owe any state tax on your UC benefits. This is especially important if unemployment was your main source of income last year. You'll need to fill out Schedule SP with your PA return to claim this benefit. The income limits are fairly generous.

Great to see you got it figured out! Just wanted to add one more tip for anyone else dealing with this - if you're using TurboTax and can't find the "Less Common Income" section, you can also search for "1099-G" in the search bar at the top and it should take you right to the unemployment income entry page. Also, definitely check that Tax Forgiveness program - I was surprised how many people qualify but don't know about it. The income thresholds are updated each year so even if you didn't qualify before, you might this time around!

Yes, absolutely mention both of those points! Inconsistent enforcement of rules and lack of progressive discipline are both factors that can help your case. PA unemployment referees often consider these elements when determining if there was actual misconduct. Document the names of coworkers with similar or worse attendance who weren't fired if you can. The more specific details you can provide, the stronger your case will be. Best of luck with your hearing!

Congratulations Cole! This is such fantastic news and really inspiring for anyone else going through the appeals process. Your case is a perfect example of why documentation and preparation matter so much - having those text messages about bus delays and knowing the exact company policy made all the difference. It's also great validation that the system can work when you present the facts clearly. Enjoy getting those back benefits and I hope your job search goes smoothly from here!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My UC benefits are ending in just over a week and I've been getting completely different answers every time I call. Yesterday one agent told me there were definitely no extensions available, but then when I called back today about a different issue, that agent mentioned something about possibly qualifying for additional weeks. It's so confusing and stressful when you're already worried about finding work. Based on all the detailed responses here, it's finally clear that Extended Benefits aren't triggered in PA because our unemployment rate is too low. I'm a teacher and have been searching for 5 months since budget cuts eliminated my position. The education job market is really tough right now with so many districts cutting staff. I think I'm going to have to start looking at substitute teaching or tutoring work to bridge the gap while I continue searching for a permanent teaching position. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - it's both reassuring and frustrating to know we're all dealing with the same confusing information from UC agents!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! My benefits are ending in about 2 weeks and I've also gotten completely different answers from UC agents - it's so frustrating when you're already stressed about job hunting. One agent told me I might qualify for 13 additional weeks, another said no extensions at all. Based on everyone's detailed explanations here, it's now crystal clear that Extended Benefits aren't available because PA's unemployment rate (4.3%) is below the 6.5% threshold needed to trigger them. I'm a social worker and have been searching for 4 months since my nonprofit lost funding. The human services field is really competitive right now. I think I'm going to have to look into case management temp agencies or even consider retail work to bridge the gap. Has anyone had luck with United Way or other nonprofit staffing agencies? They sometimes have short-term grant-funded positions that could help while continuing the search for permanent work. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know what to expect instead of getting the runaround!

Thanks everyone for the explanations! I understand now that the monetary finality date is just about when they can make changes to my benefit amount calculation, not when my benefits end. I'll keep filing my weekly claims and doing my work search activities. I double checked and my wages seem to be reported correctly so I don't need to worry about the finality date. This makes me feel much better!

Glad you got your answer! Just wanted to add that you can always check your benefit year end date in your account dashboard too - that's the date that actually matters for when your claim expires (usually 52 weeks from when you first filed). The monetary finality date threw me off too when I first saw it. PA's system really needs better explanations for all these confusing terms!