I'm actually going through something very similar right now! I was terminated from my job after giving my two weeks notice (they basically said "don't bother working the notice period, you're done now"), and then I had a brief job that ended due to transportation issues. The PA UC system is making me file a new claim too, which I was initially confused about. From reading all these responses, it sounds like this is totally normal when you've had any employment after your main separation, even if it was super brief. What I'm planning to do is file the new claim and be really specific about both separations - making it clear that my main employer TERMINATED me after I gave notice (I didn't just quit), and that the brief job ended due to circumstances I couldn't control. It's actually kind of comforting to see so many people have dealt with this exact situation. The system seems confusing but it sounds like as long as you document everything clearly and emphasize the right details, it usually works out. I'm going to gather all my documentation before I file and make sure I have everything organized. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps to know what to expect!

Reading through all these responses really helps clarify the situation! I went through something similar about 6 months ago - was let go after giving notice at my main job, then had a very brief position that didn't work out. The PA UC system absolutely will force you to file a new claim when there's been any employment after your original separation, even if it was just for a couple weeks. The most important thing is how you describe each separation. For your main job, make it crystal clear that YOU were terminated AFTER submitting notice - you were willing and able to work your notice period but they chose to end your employment immediately. That's definitely not misconduct on your part. For the PRN position, childcare issues that couldn't be resolved can qualify as "necessitous and compelling" reasons for leaving under PA law, especially if you can document that it was an unexpected situation. Don't let the system's requirement for a new claim discourage you. Your benefit calculation will still be based on your wages during the base period, which should include your longer-term employment. Just make sure to file your weekly certifications even while waiting for a determination, and keep all your documentation organized in case they need additional information. The process might take a few weeks but you should definitely qualify for benefits given your circumstances.

UPDATE: Got my decision letter today - APPROVED! It took exactly 5 weeks and 2 days after my hearing. Thanks everyone for your advice and support during the wait. The letter says I should see payments within 7-10 business days for all my back weeks. Such a relief!

Congratulations @Alexander Evans! That's such great news and what a relief that must be. 5+ weeks is way too long but at least you got the outcome you deserved. For anyone else still waiting - this gives me hope that the system does eventually work, even if it's frustratingly slow. Thanks for updating us with the good news!

Any updates?? Did you get your decision yet?? The waiting is THE WORST part of the whole horrible process!

Hang in there! I know the waiting is absolutely brutal. I went through something similar last year where my employer tried to retaliate after I requested FMLA for my dad's surgery. The whole process took about 3 months but I eventually won. A few things that helped me: 1) Keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - dates, phone calls, emails, etc. 2) Don't let your employer intimidate you with their stonewalling tactics. 3) Consider filing a complaint with the Department of Labor if they continue refusing to provide your personnel records. You're doing all the right things by sending that certified letter. The fact that they're being so difficult with documentation honestly just makes them look worse. Most referees can see right through these tactics. Wishing you the best outcome!

Congratulations on your victory! That feeling of relief after months of stress must be incredible. From what I've seen in this community, the Pennsylvania UC system can be frustratingly inconsistent with payment timing after appeals. Some folks get their money in under a week, while others wait 2-3 weeks or more. The good news is that your status already changed to 'eligible' - that's usually the first domino to fall. Keep an eye on those individual weeks switching from 'appeal pending' to 'payable' over the next few days. Once that happens, payment typically follows within 24-48 hours. In the meantime, definitely keep filing your weekly certifications and try not to stress too much about the exact timing. You've already won the hard part! If you don't see any movement after 10 business days, that's when I'd consider reaching out to them directly.

Huge congratulations on winning your appeal! That must feel like such a weight off your shoulders after 2 months of uncertainty. From what I've experienced and seen others post about, PA UC payments after successful appeals typically process within 5-10 business days, though it can vary. The fact that your status already changed to 'eligible' online is definitely a positive sign - that usually happens pretty quickly after the referee makes their decision. Those individual weeks showing 'appeal pending' should flip to 'payable' over the next few days, and once that happens, you're usually looking at payment within 1-2 business days after that. Just keep filing your weekly certifications while you wait, and try not to stress if it takes the full week or so. You've already cleared the biggest hurdle! If nothing changes after about 10 business days, that's when I'd consider calling to check if there are any manual steps needed.

Congrats on getting the job and getting your pay rate sorted out! Just wanted to add - since you mentioned potential commission, make sure to report any commission earnings in the week you actually receive them (not when you "earn" them through sales). Commission reporting can be tricky because it's often paid in a different pay period than when the sales were made. Also, $18.50/hr is pretty decent for retail management! Hope the new position works out well for you.

This whole thread is super helpful! I'm bookmarking it because I'm still on UC but actively interviewing and will probably face this same situation soon. @Mei Chen congratulations on landing the job! One quick question for everyone - if you start a job mid-week (like on a Wednesday), do you report earnings for that partial week or wait until the following full week? I want to make sure I understand the timing correctly for when I hopefully get an offer.