Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: The PA UC system is definitely backed up, but there is no intentional delaying of claims. The main issues are staffing shortages and an outdated computer system. Also, for the original poster: Make sure you're filing your biweekly claims properly during this waiting period, and double-check that your job search activities are being recorded correctly (you need to be doing at least 2 work search activities per week). Many claims get delayed because of job search requirement issues.

I'm going through something similar right now - been waiting 4 weeks with my claim under examiner review. The waiting is really stressful, especially when bills are piling up. From what I'm seeing in this thread, it sounds like 3-8 weeks is unfortunately pretty normal right now. I've been trying the early morning calling strategy that some people mentioned, and I'm also going to look into contacting my state representative's office since that seemed to help someone else here. Hang in there - sounds like most people do eventually get approved and receive backpay for all the waiting weeks as long as you keep filing your biweekly claims. The system is definitely frustrating but you're not alone in this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress, especially with three kids to support. I went through almost the exact same situation about a year ago - got arrested for a bar altercation that made the local news, and my employer at a medical office terminated me the next day citing their "professional conduct" policy. The waiting period is absolutely brutal, but I want you to know there's real hope here. I ended up winning my case because PA law is pretty clear that misconduct has to be connected to your actual work performance. A DUI that happened completely outside of work hours and doesn't involve patients or job duties typically doesn't qualify as willful misconduct, regardless of what your employee handbook says. A few things that really helped my case: - I gathered every piece of positive documentation I could find (performance reviews, commendations, attendance records) - I researched whether the company had applied their policy consistently (they hadn't) - I stayed professional during the hearing and stuck to facts, not emotions - I emphasized that I was charged, not convicted, and the incident was totally unrelated to my job The whole process took about 5 weeks from denial to getting my first payment, but I got full back pay for all the weeks I had properly filed. Keep filing those weekly claims no matter what - that's crucial! Your 3-year perfect record is going to be huge in your favor. Hang in there - I know how terrifying this is when you have little ones depending on you, but the odds are actually pretty good based on what you've described.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of worrying about your kids and rent while dealing with legal issues and unemployment appeals is just overwhelming. I went through something very similar about 8 months ago when I got arrested for a minor assault charge (bar fight that got out of hand) and my employer at a nursing home fired me immediately citing their "zero tolerance for criminal activity" policy. The good news is I eventually won my UC case! The key things that helped me: 1) I documented my entire employment history - every performance review, commendation, attendance record I could find 2) I proved the arrest happened completely off-duty and had zero connection to my job responsibilities 3) I showed that I hadn't been convicted of anything yet - just charged 4) Most importantly, I found evidence that my employer had treated other similar situations inconsistently The referee ruling was really clear - she said that while employers can terminate for policy violations, PA unemployment law requires misconduct to be willful AND connected to work performance. Off-duty arrests that don't impact your job duties typically don't meet that standard, no matter what the employee handbook says. The process took about 6 weeks total, but I got full back pay for every week I had properly filed claims. Your 3-year perfect record is going to be incredibly powerful evidence in your favor. Keep filing those weekly claims no matter what status your case shows - you can't get back pay for weeks you didn't file. And definitely bring up that other employee who kept their job despite pending charges - inconsistent policy application really strengthens your case. Hang in there! I know how scary this is with kids depending on you, but based on everything you've described, you have a really strong case.

I'm in almost the exact same boat as you! Filed 5 weeks ago with 2 initial issues, got the examiner assignment email last week. It's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one going through this right now. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like the examiner step is just part of the normal process when there are questions to resolve - not necessarily good or bad, just necessary. The wide range of timelines people are sharing is pretty anxiety-inducing though! I've been obsessively checking my dashboard and making sure my phone volume is always up in case they call. Really hoping both of us (and everyone else waiting) hear something positive soon. This financial limbo is so stressful when you're trying to keep up with rent and bills. Thanks for posting this - it helps to know we're all in this together!

I'm going through something very similar right now! My claim went to an examiner about 3 weeks ago after having 2 initial issues, and I'm still waiting to hear back. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both helpful and stressful - the timelines seem to vary so much from person to person. Some people hear back in a week, others wait months! Your issues actually sound pretty standard based on what others have shared - layoff verification and identity checks are things they deal with regularly. The fact that you responded quickly with all your documentation should definitely work in your favor. I've been obsessively checking my dashboard and making sure I don't miss any calls from unknown numbers. The waiting is absolutely brutal when bills are piling up, but it sounds like most people do eventually get through the process. Keep filing those weekly claims like they told you - that seems to be crucial for getting back pay if you're approved. Hang in there!

Yes, the Sunday filings are your weekly certifications. Make sure when you do those, you're answering the work search question correctly. If you say you didn't complete work search activities when required, it will disqualify you for that week's benefits.

Just want to add that if you're in graphic design, don't overlook updating your portfolio on sites like Behance, Dribbble, or even LinkedIn - these count as work search activities! I've been updating mine weekly and documenting it. Also, reaching out to staffing agencies that specialize in creative roles is another good activity to track. Many of them in PA work with graphic designers for both temp and permanent positions. The key is being proactive about different types of activities so you're not just relying on job applications when openings are slim.

One important thing nobody mentioned: keep detailed records of your work hours, pay stubs, and any communication from your employer about the temporary nature of the work. If your claim gets flagged for review (which sometimes happens with partial work weeks), having this documentation ready will help resolve issues quickly. Also, Pennsylvania requires you to continue your work search activities even during weeks you work part-time, so don't forget to complete and log your required work search activities for that week as well.

Take the work! I was in almost the exact same situation last year - got called back for a 4-day project while on UC. I was terrified it would mess everything up but it was totally fine. Just make sure when you file that week you answer YES to working, put in your exact hours and gross pay, and the system calculates everything for you. I ended up getting a partial benefit that week since my earnings weren't super high, then went right back to normal filing the next week. Your claim stays open the whole time - no reapplying or waiting periods. The extra money from that week of work plus the partial benefit actually helped me a lot financially. Just keep all your pay stubs and documentation in case they ever ask for it later!