You've been so helpful, thank you! I'm going to start a job search log right away. I'll also check our employee handbook - pretty sure they have a 3-strike policy they completely ignored in my case. Hopefully that helps my claim!

I'm so sorry you're going through this! The same thing happened to my brother last year - suddenly fired for "performance issues" after 5+ years and consistently good reviews. It's like they keep you thinking everything is fine then blindside you. From what I've learned lurking here, having those positive reviews is HUGE for your case. Screenshot/save every email, review, or text that shows you were doing well. Even casual "good job" messages from your boss can help. One thing that really helped my brother was writing down EVERYTHING he could remember about the termination call while it was still fresh - exact words used, who was on the call, time, etc. The details matter if it goes to a hearing. You've got this! The system is designed to help people who get wrongfully denied benefits. Just be patient with the process and keep detailed records of everything.

Second update: Got my financial determination letter today! They approved me for partial benefits. My weekly benefit rate is $320, which means I can earn up to $96 (that 30% partial benefit credit thing someone mentioned) before they start reducing my benefit amount. With my current 20-hour schedule, I should get about $150 in UC benefits each week in addition to my reduced paycheck. I'm still doing the work search requirements even though it feels weird. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!

Glad to hear your partial benefits got approved! That's a relief when you're dealing with such a significant hour reduction. One thing I'd add for anyone else reading this - if your employer tries to contest your claim (like saying you voluntarily reduced hours), don't panic. PA unemployment will investigate and you'll have a chance to provide your side of the story. Keep any emails, texts, or written notices about the hour reduction as evidence. Also, if you're union, definitely reach out to your rep - they can sometimes help with the documentation process or even challenge the employer's decision to cut hours in the first place.

After your hearing, regardless of the outcome, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims. Many claimants stop filing during the appeal process, which is a mistake. If you win, you'll only be paid for weeks you actually filed claims.

I went through a similar hearing last year where my employer tried to claim I was fired for cause when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. The key thing that helped me was having ANY kind of documentation from around the time of termination - even informal stuff counts. Do you have any emails you sent to family/friends right after being fired? Screenshots of job search activity that started immediately after your termination date? Even your unemployment application date can help establish the timeline. The fact that they paid you after you stopped working is HUGE - employers don't typically pay people who quit or abandon their jobs. Also, during the hearing, if your employer contradicts themselves or changes their story from what they initially reported to UC, the referee will definitely notice. Stay consistent with your version of events and don't let them rattle you. You've got this!

UPDATE: Just got back from my hearing and I WON!!! The employer did show up, but they had ZERO documentation of any unprofessional behavior. The referee kept asking them for specific incidents with dates and they couldn't provide anything concrete. When I showed my termination paper with "no reason given" plus my recent positive performance review, the referee seemed really convinced. She even commented on how unusual it was to pay someone for days not worked if misconduct was involved. Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice - it truly made all the difference! Now I'm just wondering how long until I actually see payments? The referee said I should receive a written decision within 10-14 days, but didn't say when payments would start.

Congratulations Michael! That's fantastic news! 🎉 Your case is a perfect example of why it's so important to appeal these bogus denials. Regarding payment timing - in PA, once you receive the favorable written decision, payments typically start within 1-2 weeks. Since you've been filing your weekly claims during the appeal (great job listening to that advice!), you should receive retroactive payments back to your original claim date. Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims until you see the payments hit your account. Sometimes there can be a brief processing delay even after the decision is issued. Your victory gives me hope for others facing similar situations. Employers really can't just make up misconduct after the fact without documentation - the system does work when you come prepared with evidence like you did!

Update us after you file the appeal on how long it takes to get a hearing date. In 2024 they've been scheduling them faster than last year - my friend just had her appeal hearing scheduled only 10 days after filing. Much better than the 4-6 week waits people were experiencing in 2023.

Don't panic - you have a strong case! A 70% reduction in hours (40 to 12) absolutely constitutes good cause for quitting in PA. I work as a paralegal and see these cases regularly. Here's what you need to know: File your appeal TODAY online through your UC dashboard. Don't wait! The 15-day deadline is firm and there's no extension. For the appeal form, keep it brief: "I disagree with the determination because the substantial reduction in my work hours from 40 to 12 per week created a necessitous and compelling reason to leave employment." Start organizing your evidence NOW: - Pay stubs showing your regular 40-hour weeks before the cut - The new schedule showing 12 hours - Your resignation email mentioning the hours as the reason - Any communications with your employer about the reduction - Documentation of your attempts to find alternatives (like that 90-mile position they offered) The hearing will likely be by phone within 2-3 weeks. During the hearing, emphasize that you tried to work with your employer before quitting and that the income reduction made the job financially unsustainable. You've got this! The key is being prepared and professional during the hearing.