Thank you all SO much for the helpful advice! I feel much more prepared now. I've gathered all my medical documents, printed out the text messages, and created a timeline of events. I also found emails from HR confirming they couldn't accommodate my restrictions. I'll practice explaining my case clearly and make sure my phone is fully charged on the 23rd. Will update after the hearing to let everyone know how it goes. Fingers crossed!

You're absolutely on the right track with your preparation! I had a very similar case in 2023 - workplace injury, doctor cleared me with light restrictions, employer said no dice. Won my appeal because I could prove I was "able and available" for work within my medical limitations. One thing that really helped my case was showing I understood the difference between being unable to do my SPECIFIC job versus being unable to work at all. The referee seemed to appreciate that distinction. Also, if you have any evidence of other employees getting accommodated for restrictions (even temporary ones), that could strengthen your argument that your employer's refusal was unreasonable. Quick heads up - they might ask about whether you looked for other work during this period. Having those office job applications you mentioned ready to discuss will be perfect. Shows you were actively seeking work that matched your capabilities. You sound well-prepared! The fact that you have the initial accommodation agreement AND the reversal in writing is huge. That's exactly the kind of evidence that wins these cases.

Just want to add my experience - I had a similar situation with a family emergency that kept me from filing for 3 weeks. The reopening part was actually easier than I expected, but getting those missed weeks paid was a nightmare. Here's what I wish I'd known: 1) Don't just send one message about the Credit for Weeks of Ineligibility - follow up every few days until someone responds, 2) If possible, get a doctor's note that specifically mentions you were "unable to file unemployment claims" during your hospital stay (not just that you were sick), and 3) Screenshot everything in case they lose your documentation. The whole process took me 2 months but I did eventually get all my backpay. Stay persistent and don't let them brush you off!

Hey there! I'm so sorry to hear about your hospitalization - pneumonia is no joke and I hope you're recovering well. I actually went through something very similar about 8 months ago when I had emergency surgery and missed 3 weeks of filings. Here's what I learned: The good news is that PA does have a process for this exact situation, but you really need to be proactive about it. First, definitely reopen your claim ASAP through the online portal. When it asks why you didn't file, select medical reasons and be specific about the hospitalization dates. The key thing everyone's mentioned about "Credit for Weeks of Ineligibility" is absolutely correct - that's the official term you need to use. But here's something I learned the hard way: when you send that message through the system, also include the phrase "temporary medical inability to file claims" because that's what triggers them to look at it as a filing issue rather than a work availability issue. Also, if you can get your doctor to write a letter stating that you were "medically unable to perform normal activities including filing unemployment claims" during your hospital stay and recovery period, that really helps. The more specific the better. Don't get discouraged if it takes a while - mine took about 6 weeks total but I did get every penny of backpay. You've got this!

Hey Aurora, I feel your frustration! I went through something similar last year as a rideshare driver. The PA system really needs to fix this - it's crazy that they still have application forms for programs that ended years ago. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of how my "contractor" job actually worked. Like others mentioned, if your delivery company controlled your schedule, required you to use their app/equipment, set strict performance standards, or required uniforms, you might have a strong misclassification case. I ended up qualifying for regular UC after proving my rideshare company treated me more like an employee than a true independent contractor. Also, when you call, ask to speak with someone specifically about "employment determination" - they can review your work situation and decide if you were properly classified. It's worth the fight, especially since you've been paying taxes on your income. The phone system is terrible, but try calling right when they open at 8 AM - I had better luck getting through early in the morning. Don't let them brush you off with a quick "contractors don't qualify" response. Make them actually review the details of how your job worked day-to-day. Good luck! The system is broken but there might still be options for you.

I just want to echo what others have said about the misclassification angle - it's definitely worth pursuing! I work in HR and see this issue a lot with delivery companies. The key factors that suggest employee status (vs contractor) are: 1. Company controls WHEN you work (set schedules vs. true flexibility) 2. Company controls HOW you work (specific procedures, GPS monitoring, performance metrics) 3. Company provides equipment/uniforms 4. Company has the right to fire you for performance issues From what you've described, your delivery company sounds like they were treating you as an employee while calling you a contractor to avoid paying unemployment taxes and benefits. This is actually illegal and PA has been cracking down on it. When you call, be very specific about these control factors. Don't just say "they required uniforms" - explain the full picture of how they controlled your work. If you have any documentation (emails about schedules, performance reviews, training materials), keep that handy. Also, definitely mention that second delivery company you worked for - even if it was minimal hours, it all counts toward your base period earnings if they were classifying you as W-2. The PA UC determination process can take a while, but don't let that discourage you from filing a proper claim if you think you have a case. You deserve benefits if you were essentially functioning as an employee!

I went through something similar last year - my claim was stuck in review for 6 weeks. Here's what finally worked for me: I contacted my state rep AND also reached out to the PA Department of Labor & Industry's ombudsman office. You can find the ombudsman contact info on the PA.gov website under "File a Complaint." They're specifically there to help resolve UC issues that aren't getting addressed through normal channels. Between my rep and the ombudsman, my claim was finally processed within a week. Don't feel bad about escalating - you've waited long enough and you deserve answers!

I'm in a similar situation - my claim has been under review for 3 weeks now and I'm starting to get worried. Reading through all these responses is really helpful! It sounds like 4 weeks is definitely long enough to start escalating. I think I'm going to wait one more week and if there's still no movement, I'll contact my state rep. The ombudsman office suggestion is great too - I had no idea that existed. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in dealing with this frustrating system.

For future reference, I recommend following the PA Labor & Industry Twitter/X account (@PALaborIndustry) and checking their website announcements section. They usually post system maintenance schedules a few days in advance. They also have an email notification system you can sign up for that will alert you about planned outages.

Thanks for all the helpful info everyone! I'm new to the PA UC system and had no idea about the scheduled maintenance windows. I was panicking when I couldn't log in this morning thinking something was wrong with my account. Really appreciate @Ian Armstrong sharing the Twitter account info - just followed them so I won't be caught off guard next time. The email notification system sounds like a good idea too. It's reassuring to know there's a grace period for technical issues like this!