When I was on unemployment last year my payments would show up as "paid" on Tuesdays but I couldn't actually use the money until Thursday morning. My bank (M&T) told me there was nothing they could do to speed it up because it's how the ACH system works or something. Just sharing my experience!

I went through this same situation a few months ago with PA UC! Here's what I learned from experience: when it shows "paid" in the portal, that means PA has released the funds, but your bank still needs to process it. I have Wells Fargo and my first payment took 4 business days to actually be available for withdrawal even though it showed up in my account after 2 days (they put a hold on it). After that first payment though, all my weekly payments were available the next business day after showing "paid" in the system. Definitely call your bank ahead of time to ask about holds - some will waive them if you explain your situation and that you need the funds for bills. Also keep in mind that if your payment shows "paid" on a Friday, you're looking at potentially waiting until Tuesday due to weekends. Hope this helps and congrats on getting approved!

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I'm going to file my appeal today and make sure I include all my documentation showing it was a layoff. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims, and I'll look into the 211 resources to help me get through this period without payments. It's really unfair that they can just decide you quit when you didn't, and then you have to wait months to fix it, but at least I know what to expect now. I'll update once I hear about my hearing date.

Hey Connor, just wanted to add that you should also request your employer's response to your claim when you file the appeal. Sometimes employers don't respond at all or provide weak evidence for their "voluntary quit" claim, which really helps your case. You can usually request this through the appeals office. Also, if you have any text messages or voicemails from your manager about the layoff, screenshot/save those too - they can be powerful evidence. The whole system is definitely stacked against us, but having every piece of documentation possible gives you the best shot. Hang in there!

I went through something similar last year when my warehouse had blocked emergency exits. A few things to add to the great advice already given: 1) Take photos of the non-functioning fire sprinkler system and any related documentation if you can safely do so - visual evidence is powerful in UC hearings. 2) If you have coworkers who are also concerned, see if they'll provide written statements about the safety issue. 3) Keep a daily log of any safety incidents or near-misses that occur while the system is down. The more documentation you have showing this is an ongoing, serious hazard, the stronger your UC case will be. Also, PA UC benefits have been taking 4-6 weeks to process even straightforward claims lately, so make sure you have some savings to tide you over if you do quit. Good luck and stay safe!

As someone who's helped colleagues through the UC process, I want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned yet: make sure you understand PA's "suitable work" requirements if you do get approved for benefits. Since you're in management, UC might expect you to accept management-level positions during your job search, not just any hospitality job. This could affect your benefit duration if you turn down offers they consider "suitable." Also, given that you've been in this role for 2 years, you should qualify for the maximum 26 weeks of benefits if approved. One more practical tip: start gathering your employment documents now (pay stubs, W-2s, etc.) because you'll need them for your UC application, and if the hotel does get shut down by the Fire Marshal, it might be harder to get those documents later. The fact that you're taking all the right steps with OSHA and documentation puts you in a strong position either way this resolves.

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at UC after calling repeatedly this morning! Turns out there was an overpayment of $1,450 from when I started my part-time job. They say I reported my start date incorrectly (though I'm 99% sure I didn't). The good news is I was able to set up a payment plan - $60/month which I can manage. They're sending me all the paperwork so I can review exactly what happened. The person I spoke with said I can still file an appeal if I have documentation showing I reported correctly. Thanks everyone for your advice! Definitely don't ignore these notices like I almost did.

So glad you got through and got it sorted out! $60/month is definitely manageable. Definitely get that "record of claim" document Emma mentioned - I had a similar situation where I was 100% sure I reported correctly, and the record showed I was right. Ended up getting the overpayment reversed completely after my appeal. Keep copies of EVERYTHING they send you, and if you do decide to appeal, don't let the payment plan stop you from fighting it if you truly believe you reported correctly. You can maintain the payment plan while the appeal is pending. Good luck!

Congrats on getting through it! Your update is really helpful for others who might be nervous about their first RESEA appointment. It sounds like most people have positive experiences when they're prepared and honest about their job search efforts. The fact that your phone notes were accepted is especially good to know since not everyone has access to a printer. Thanks for following up to let everyone know how it went!

As someone new to this community who might be facing a RESEA appointment soon, this whole thread has been incredibly helpful! It's great to see people sharing their actual experiences rather than just speculation. @Yuki Yamamoto your update really puts things in perspective - it sounds like going in prepared and being honest about your job search efforts is the key. The fact that digital records on your phone were accepted is especially good to know since not everyone has easy access to printing. I'm curious though - did your advisor give you any specific tips during the meeting about job searching that you hadn't thought of before? Thanks for taking the time to update everyone on how it went!