UPDATE: I got through to someone at UC using that Claimyr service. They were actually really helpful and explained that the referee will make a decision within 14 days typically. The agent noted my file with an explanation of why I missed the hearing. They also said I should immediately file for reopening once I get the decision if it's not in my favor. Just wanted to update everyone and say thanks for all the advice!

Hang in there Ruby! I went through almost the exact same situation in 2022. I also thought "phone hearing" meant they'd call me, but it turned out I needed to call THEM at a specific number during the hearing time. The confusion is totally understandable because the notices aren't super clear about this. When I missed mine, the referee took about 12 days to decide and unfortunately ruled against me since I was a no-show. BUT - and this is important - I filed the reopening request immediately after getting the decision letter and explained the confusion about the hearing format. They granted the reopening and I got a second hearing where I was able to present my case properly and won! The key is acting fast once you get that decision letter. Don't beat yourself up too much - this happens to more people than you'd think. Keep checking your mail and be ready to file that reopening request right away if needed.

Just checking back - were you able to get any emergency assistance for your electric bill? If you still need help, the PA Customer Assistance Program (CAP) through your utility company might be another option. Also, did you have any luck contacting UC?

Really glad to hear you got the 7-day extension and that your state rep is helping! That's fantastic progress. Just wanted to add - if you haven't already, make sure to document EVERYTHING about your case (dates you called, reference numbers, names of people you spoke with, etc.). Keep a written log because if there are any issues later, having that paper trail can be super helpful. Also, some food banks in PA can help with utility assistance too if you need additional resources. Fingers crossed your examiner contacts you soon!

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - the 26-week cliff is brutal and it sounds like you've been doing absolutely everything right. I went through something similar in 2023 and wanted to share a few things that helped me get through it: First, definitely apply for everything you can immediately - SNAP, TANF, emergency rental assistance through your county. The application processes take time so start them all now even if you think you might not qualify. For medical billing specifically, have you looked into working with medical billing companies that serve smaller practices? A lot of solo practitioners and small clinics outsource their billing now. Companies like Kareo, AdvancedMD, and athenahealth often contract with experienced billers for remote work. The pay might not be what you're used to, but it could bridge the gap. Also check if your local community college has any workforce retraining programs with stipends - some of them specifically target people who've exhausted UI benefits. Even if it's not directly medical billing, skills like QuickBooks certification or medical assistant training could open up opportunities. One more thing - contact 211 (just dial 2-1-1) for your area. They maintain a database of local emergency assistance programs that caseworkers at other agencies might not even know about. You're clearly a hard worker caught in an impossible situation. This isn't your fault - the system is just broken right now. Hang in there and don't be afraid to accept help wherever you can find it. ❤️

I'm so sorry you're facing this situation - the anxiety of hitting that 26-week cutoff is just crushing, especially with a family depending on you. I've been reading through all the amazing advice in this thread and wanted to add a couple more resources that helped me when I was in a similar spot: 1. Check if your area has any "One-Stop Career Centers" - they're federally funded and sometimes have emergency assistance funds or connections to employers that regular job sites don't. The staff there often know which local companies are actually hiring vs just posting fake job ads. 2. For medical billing, consider reaching out to physical therapy clinics and chiropractor offices directly - they're often understaffed in billing and might be willing to hire someone part-time or as a contractor even if they're not actively recruiting. 3. If you have any old contacts from your 8 years in medical billing, now is the time to reach out. I know it feels awkward, but people in the industry understand how tough things are right now. A former coworker or supervisor might know about openings that aren't posted yet. 4. Look into your local Area Agency on Aging - even if you're not a senior, they sometimes administer emergency assistance programs for all ages and often move faster than other agencies. You're clearly doing everything right and this job market is just brutal right now. The fact that you're getting zero callbacks with 8+ years of experience shows this is about the market, not your qualifications. Keep fighting - you've got this! 💪

After trying everything people suggested here, I finally got through using Claimyr today! The agent confirmed my claim was stuck in their "state wage investigation" queue and needed manual processing. They expedited it and said I should see payments within 7-10 days. Will update if the money actually shows up. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

I'm dealing with a similar situation but from a different angle - I'm a former state employee who just started the UC process after seeing all these horror stories. Should I be doing anything proactively to avoid getting stuck in this limbo? Like calling that HR Service Center number right away or making sure my claim is flagged properly? I worked for the Department of Health and my last day was two weeks ago. Really don't want to end up in the same 5-month nightmare you're going through!

One additional thing to consider - in your weekly certifications, make sure you're consistently reporting your job search activities. Even though you haven't been paid yet, failing to report the required job search activities could lead to disqualification for those specific weeks. PA requires at least one application and one work search activity weekly. This is especially important for contested claims like yours, as they will scrutinize everything if they're looking for reasons to deny benefits. Also, if you haven't already, check to make sure your payment method is properly set up in the system. Once your claim is approved, payment will be directed to whatever payment method you have on file. Some people discover after approval that their banking information was incorrect or their Money Network debit card address was wrong, causing further delays.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - 5 months without income is absolutely devastating. I went through something similar in 2022 when I was fired while on medical leave, though mine only took about 3 months to resolve. A few things that helped me during the wait: 1. Document your financial hardship thoroughly - keep records of all bills, notices, etc. This can help if you get a chance to request expedited processing 2. Check with your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) for emergency assistance programs in your area 3. If you have any union representation or know an employment attorney, sometimes they can make calls on your behalf that carry more weight 4. Consider reaching out to local news stations - they sometimes do stories on UC delays that can put pressure on the system The backpay situation is real though - when I finally got approved, I received about $8,000 all at once covering the months I waited. It was overwhelming but such a relief. Hang in there and keep fighting - you're doing everything right by continuing to file weekly and staying persistent.