Kind of a side question but related - does anyone know if the severance affects the job search requirements? Do I still need to apply to jobs while getting severance even if my benefits are $0?

Just wanted to add my experience from when I was laid off in 2023 with severance. I filed immediately and I'm so glad I did! Even though my weekly benefits were reduced to $0 for the first 6 weeks due to severance, when the severance ended my benefits kicked in right away without any delays. The key is being super accurate when reporting your severance amounts each week - I kept detailed records of every payment. Also, don't forget that your severance might push you into a higher tax bracket temporarily, so definitely consider having taxes withheld from your UC benefits when they do start. The whole process was way less painful than I expected once I got into the routine of filing weekly claims.

I went through this exact situation about 3 months ago and it was so stressful! What I learned is that PA UC basically runs two separate systems - one for processing payments and another for managing payment preferences. When you switch from debit card to direct deposit, your preference gets updated immediately in their system, but it takes several payment cycles for the actual payment processing to catch up. During my transition, I had 3 payments go to my old debit card even after my dashboard showed direct deposit was active. The good news is that once it switches over, it's pretty reliable. Just keep checking both places and don't throw away that Money Network card until you're 100% sure all payments are going to your bank account!

I work for a local credit union and see this issue frequently with our members who receive PA UC benefits. One thing that might help reduce anxiety during the transition is to call your bank and ask them to set up text alerts for ANY incoming ACH deposits, even small ones like $0.01 test deposits. Sometimes PA UC will send a small test deposit to verify your account before sending the full payment amount. Also, make sure the routing and account numbers you provided are exactly correct - even one wrong digit will cause the payment to bounce back to the debit card system. If you have your bank statements handy, double-check those numbers in your PA UC dashboard. The transition period is definitely frustrating, but most people see their payments switch over within 2-3 payment cycles once the account verification is complete.

my boss tried to do the EXACT same thing to me but i got lucky and found another job before they could fire me. these companies think they OWN us and our time!!! the whole system is rigged against workers with families. good luck with your claim!

I'm sorry you're going through this! I had a similar situation a few months ago where I was fired for not being able to work mandatory overtime due to my elderly mother's medical appointments. The separation issue on my claim took about 3 weeks to resolve, but I was eventually approved. The key things that helped my case were: having documentation of my caregiving responsibilities (medical appointment schedules), showing that I had communicated my limitations to my supervisor in writing (emails), and demonstrating that the overtime demands were unreasonable and not part of my original job description. Since you have documented daycare late fees, that's great evidence that you had legitimate childcare obligations. Make sure to bring those receipts to your interview and emphasize that you were a reliable employee who just couldn't accommodate last-minute schedule changes due to your parental responsibilities. PA generally recognizes family care obligations as good cause. Stay strong - the system is frustrating but it does work out for legitimate cases like yours!

One last thing to keep in mind - after you receive your determination, either side (you or your employer) has 15 calendar days to appeal if they disagree with the decision. If your employer appeals, you'll need to attend an appeal hearing, which adds more time to the process. Just be prepared for that possibility. Based on what you've described, with your documentation of harassment and no evidence of tardiness warnings from your employer, you have a strong case.

I went through something similar last year - employer claimed I was fired for "poor performance" when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. The whole process is nerve-wracking but it sounds like you have solid evidence on your side! In my case, it took about 2 weeks after the interview to get a determination. The key thing that helped me was having everything organized - screenshots, emails, any documentation that contradicted their claims. Since you have proof of harassment and no tardiness warnings in your file, that's huge in your favor. Keep filing your weekly claims and try to stay patient (easier said than done, I know). The waiting is the worst part but once you get that approval letter, the backpay will come through. Hang in there!

when this happened to me i just lied about my hours the next time so my claim wouldn't close again... probably not the best advice but it worked lol

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now, except I work part-time as a substitute teacher. My hours change every week depending on who needs coverage. It's such a headache having to potentially reopen my claim every other week! What I've started doing is calculating exactly how many hours I can work before hitting that 140% threshold, and then I try not to exceed it. Might be helpful for you too if your retail job will work with you on scheduling.