As an update for anyone finding this thread later: The official PA UC policy on RESEA and work search exemptions was clarified in January 2025. If you have a verified start date with ANY employer (new or previous), you can request exemption from RESEA using form UC-RESEA-EX. The form must be submitted with: 1. A copy of your offer letter showing start date 2. Contact information for the employer 3. Your signed attestation The confusion comes from outdated forms and varying information from representatives. Always get exemptions in writing, and continue participating in required activities until you receive official exemption confirmation.

Glad you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for future readers - when you submit that UC-RESEA-EX form, make sure to keep copies of everything and get a confirmation number if possible. I've seen cases where paperwork gets "lost" in the system. Also, if your start date gets pushed back for any reason, you'll need to update them immediately or risk losing your exemption. Good luck with the new job at Comcast!

@OriginalPoster For weekly certifications, early morning (6-8am) or late evening (after 9pm) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays tend to have the least traffic. Sundays and Mondays are the busiest days because that's when most people file. Glad you got your direct deposit working! The system definitely has its quirks but once you learn the patterns it gets easier to navigate.

I had this same exact issue about 3 weeks ago! The greyed out direct deposit option is super frustrating. What worked for me was clearing all my browser data (cache, cookies, everything) and then trying again in incognito/private browsing mode. Sometimes the site gets confused with stored data from previous sessions. Also make sure you don't have any ad blockers running - they can interfere with the form elements loading properly. If none of that works, try accessing the site through a different device entirely (like your phone vs computer). The mobile version sometimes works better for certain screens. Hope this helps!

After seeing these responses I tried using Claimyr this morning because my claim has been stuck for weeks and HOLY CRAP IT ACTUALLY WORKED!!! Got through to a real person in about 10 minutes who fixed my issue!!! Worth every penny because I was about to lose my mind with the busy signals and disconnects!!!

As someone who just went through this process in December, I'd say go with online but have a backup plan. The online system worked fine for me - took about 45 minutes because I had to dig up some old employer info. The key is having everything organized beforehand so you don't hit those timeout issues people mentioned. One thing I wish someone had told me: take screenshots of every page as you go through the process, especially the final confirmation screen. When I had a question about my claim status later, having those screenshots saved me from having to call in. Also, if you're filing now in March, you're actually in a good spot timing-wise since it's not peak season like it was during COVID or right after the holidays when everyone's getting laid off. The system should be running smoother. Good luck with your claim! Construction work can be tough with the seasonal ups and downs, but at least PA UC is there to help bridge the gap.

They said they're severely understaffed and have a backlog of claims with 'open issues' that require manual review. Apparently these don't get looked at in any particular order unless you call in. The rep admitted it's a broken system but said calling is definitely the way to speed things up. Good luck!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - filed my claim on January 13th and still waiting for my first payment. Like you, I've been using Indeed and LinkedIn mostly for job searches and was worried about the CareerLink requirement. Reading all these responses is really helpful! I've been keeping detailed records of all my applications (company name, position, date applied, etc.) and doing way more than the minimum 2 per week. It's good to know the platform doesn't matter as long as you document everything properly. I also have an 'open issue' showing on my dashboard with no explanation. Definitely going to try calling this week - or maybe that Claimyr service if the phones are still impossible. This whole system is so frustrating when you're already stressed about finances!

I just went through this whole process and got my decision yesterday (I won!). One thing nobody mentioned - at the start of the hearing, the referee will ask if you received the hearing packet and if you have any additional evidence to submit. If you have those emails about restructuring and budget cuts, tell the referee you want to submit them at this time. Also, when I used Claimyr to reach someone at UC before my hearing, they were actually able to explain exactly what to expect and gave me some tips specific to my case. Definitely worth calling to ask questions beforehand if you're nervous. Good luck! The waiting for the decision was the hardest part for me.

I'm going through something similar right now - my employer is also claiming misconduct when I know I was laid off due to budget cuts. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! A few things I've learned from my research that might help you: 1. Pennsylvania considers it misconduct only if it was "willful" - meaning you deliberately violated company policy knowing it could lead to termination. Being laid off for lack of work doesn't meet this standard. 2. Keep your answers short and factual during the hearing. The referee will ask specific questions, so don't feel like you need to tell your whole story at once. 3. If your employer mentions any attendance issues like in your packet, be ready to explain which absences were approved/excused vs. unexcused. Documentation helps a lot here. 4. I've heard that having a coworker who was also laid off testify can be really powerful evidence that it was truly a reduction in force. The fact that you have emails about restructuring and budget cuts sounds like strong evidence in your favor. Make sure to mention these right at the beginning when the referee asks about additional evidence. You've got this! The preparation you're doing now will make all the difference.