did u get a financial determination letter? sometimes they dont actually have all ur wage info and thats why it gets stuck

Just an update - I saw your question about whether to email or call your state rep. Definitely do BOTH. Call their office first thing in the morning, and also send a detailed email. The more information you provide, the better they can help you. Include: 1. Your full name as it appears on your claim 2. The last 4 digits of your SSN 3. Your contact information (phone and email) 4. Your claim confirmation number (if you have it) 5. The date you filed 6. How many weeks you've been waiting 7. That you're pregnant and in financial hardship State representatives have staff specifically designated to handle UC issues. They can often get results within 5-10 business days for urgent cases.

Just wanted to add that even if there is a separation issue, make sure you continue to file your weekly claims as soon as the system allows you to do so (even if that's after 9/15). The system will hold those payments until the issue is resolved, but if everything gets approved, they'll release all the held payments at once. If you don't file during that time, you won't get retroactive payments for those weeks even if you're eligible.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at UC this morning! Used the Claimyr service that someone recommended here and it worked pretty well. The agent explained that my employer didn't contest anything - it was actually a system flag because my last day of work on my initial application was different from what my employer reported (off by one day). The agent corrected it immediately and removed the hold. I can file my weekly claim tomorrow! So relieved this got resolved quickly.

My appeal process took exactly 24 days from acknowledgment letter to hearing date notice, then another 14 days until the actual hearing. This was in February 2025, so pretty recent. My hearing was by phone and lasted about 30 minutes. The referee asked me questions first, then my former employer, then allowed cross-examination. I won my appeal because my employer couldn't prove misconduct (different issue than yours, but similar process). One thing I'd recommend - when you get your hearing notice, it will include instructions for submitting evidence. Don't wait until the hearing to present your documentation. Submit it according to their instructions at least 3 days before your hearing date so the referee has time to review everything. Good luck! The waiting is definitely the hardest part.

i had an apeel last year and won it. they asked ME questions first then my boss. my boss didnt even show up to the hearing call so i won automatically lol. but they still asked me stuff. make sure ur by ur phone when they call!!

One other important thing to remember - when you file your new claim, you'll need to restart your work search activities right away for the new benefit year. Make sure you're completing your 6 work search activities per week starting with the new claim. The system doesn't always make this clear, but your work search requirements restart with the new benefit year.

To clarify some confusion in this thread: PA unemployment allows you to file a new application up to two weeks before your benefit year ends OR any time after it ends. Since your benefit year ended 12/28, you should file immediately. There's no advantage to waiting until Sunday - that's only relevant for weekly certifications, not new applications. File today, and you'll be able to file your first weekly certification for the new benefit year this Sunday. This prevents any gap in benefits between your old claim and new claim.

After you used Claimyr to reach someone, be sure to ask them specifically about a "financial hardship waiver" for the overpayment. If you can prove paying it back would cause financial hardship, they sometimes waive part or all of it. But they don't volunteer this information unless you specifically ask!

That's great news! Now you know exactly what to focus on for your appeal. Look for any 2020 tax documents that show your rideshare income was your primary source. Bank statements showing regular deposits from the rideshare companies could help too. The more documentation the better.

I tried doing Uber while on unemployment and it was NOT WORTH IT!!! Every single week my claim would get flagged for "additional review" and my payments would be delayed by 2-3 weeks. The stress of not knowing when I'd get paid was worse than just focusing on finding a new job. Just my two cents but seriously consider if the extra income is worth the headaches!!!!

Update: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice! I called PA UC using the Claimyr service that someone recommended (which did work great btw) and got some clarity. I'm going to limit my freelance work to less than 10 hours per week and make sure to report all earnings when I do my weekly certification. The agent confirmed that as long as I'm still actively looking for full-time work and meeting my work search requirements, occasional freelance gigs won't disqualify me. I'll just have reduced benefits on weeks I have income. Thanks again for all the help!

One additional point that might help ease your mind: PA UC regulations (specifically Chapter 65.63) state that when a claimant has earned six times their weekly benefit rate at a new job following a voluntary quit, the voluntary quit is no longer disqualifying. Since you worked at the tech job for 7 months, you've almost certainly met this requirement, which means your resignation from the accounting position shouldn't affect your eligibility. Keep certifying for benefits weekly while waiting for the determination. If approved, you'll receive all back payments for properly certified weeks.

my cousin works for UC (not saying this to brag lol) and she says they have a HUGE backlog right now because they updated their computer system in March and it's causing all kinds of problems. so prob nothing to do with your specific situation just general incompetence

Just wondering... did you try applying for jobs outside medical billing? When my IT benefits ran out I ended up taking a customer service job at a call center. Pay sucked compared to what I was making but it paid most bills until I found something better 3 months later. Sometimes u gotta take whatever u can get

One more thing to consider - while regular UC maxes out at 26 weeks, check if you might qualify for Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) if your job loss was related to foreign competition. Also, if you're a veteran, there are additional programs through the VA that can provide extended support. Lastly, while it won't help immediately, contact your state representative and senator to express your situation. Pennsylvania used to have a 'High Unemployment Extended Benefits' program that could kick in during tough economic times, but it requires legislative action to reinstate.

my cousin got approved after her employer ghosted the uc office too. took like 6 weeks tho. the good news is youll get all that backpay when it finally goes thru!

One more thing to check - make sure you're completing your work search activities each week (2 per week) and documenting them properly. Even though your claim is pending, they'll verify your work search compliance before releasing payments. I've seen people get held up at the finish line because they weren't keeping good records of their job applications.

For your appeal hearing, organize all your evidence chronologically and make 3 copies of everything - one for yourself, one for the referee, and one for your employer (who may or may not show up). Practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely. Focus on these points: 1. Your sister's medical condition requiring care 2. That you notified your employer and requested accommodation 3. That your employer refused accommodation 4. That you had no alternative but to quit 5. That the performance review was unrelated or possibly retaliatory Bring a timeline of events with specific dates. Referees appreciate organization and clear presentation of facts. And yes, they will backpay all weeks if you win the appeal, so keep filing those weekly claims!

Submit documentation both ahead of time AND have it ready during the hearing. When you receive your hearing notice, it will have instructions for submitting evidence beforehand. Follow those exactly, and make sure to send it by the deadline. But also keep copies to reference during the hearing. As for your withheld final paycheck - that's a separate issue from UC. File a wage complaint with the PA Department of Labor & Industry ASAP. Employers cannot legally withhold your final paycheck for alleged PTO overages without prior written agreement. You can file the complaint online at www.dli.pa.gov.