Just wanted to add that you should also keep detailed records of when you submit everything and how you submit it (mail, fax, online upload). I learned the hard way that PA UC sometimes "loses" documents, so having proof of submission dates can be crucial if there are any delays. Also, if you're mailing documents, use certified mail with return receipt - it's worth the extra cost for the peace of mind. Good luck with getting this sorted out!

As someone who went through a similar wage discrepancy issue with PA UC last year, I wanted to share a few additional tips that helped speed up my process. First, when you organize your paystubs, put them in chronological order and highlight the gross pay amounts - this makes it easier for the examiner to quickly verify your earnings. Second, if you have any employment verification letters or hire/termination letters from HR, include those too as they help establish your exact employment dates. Finally, don't be surprised if they ask for additional documentation even after you submit everything - I had to provide bank deposit records showing my direct deposits matched my paystubs. It's frustrating but hang in there - once they get the monetary determination straightened out, your separation appeal will get back on track. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from submission to new hearing date.

awesome! glad it worked out for u!

Great to see this worked out! This is actually a really helpful thread for others who might face the same situation. For future reference, Miguel, when you have partial work weeks like this, you can expect these temporary delays in payment processing - it's just the system doing its due diligence. The key is to always report accurately (which you did perfectly) and then be patient with the review process. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!

One other option to consider: PA UC has regional career centers where you can sometimes get in-person help with claims. You can find your nearest one here: https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/. Call ahead to confirm they can help with UC issues and what documentation to bring. In-person is sometimes faster than phone or email.

I feel your pain - the PA UC system is absolutely brutal right now. I went through the same nightmare 2 months ago. Here's what finally worked for me: I combined several approaches at once. First, I contacted my state rep (like others mentioned) AND also tried calling the Philadelphia UC service center directly at 215-560-7885 instead of the main number - sometimes different offices have shorter wait times. I also kept trying the online messaging system every few days with slightly different wording. What really pushed it over the edge was when I started documenting everything - dates I called, times I waited, screenshot of error messages - and mentioned in my state rep contact that I was keeping records for potential legal action. Suddenly things started moving. Don't give up, but definitely try multiple channels simultaneously rather than just one approach.

UPDATE: I finally got through to PA UC this morning! Used the Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked - got connected to a rep in about 25 minutes instead of dealing with busy signals all day. The agent confirmed what many of you said about the base year issue, but she was able to apply the alternative base year calculation which included my recent wages. I'm now ELIGIBLE! The weekly benefit amount isn't huge but it's definitely better than nothing. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions - this community really saved me from a financial disaster!

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and get this resolved. The alternative base year calculation really does make a difference for people in situations like yours. Thanks for coming back to update everyone - it's really helpful to know that there IS a solution to this frustrating base year problem. Hopefully your experience will help other people who run into the same issue. Enjoy having some peace of mind during your plant shutdown!

my cousin works for the unemployment office and she says your almost definitely gonna win this. employers pull this crap all the time at the end of claims to scare people. they know theyre gonna lose but they hope u miss the hearing or something so they win by default. DONT MISS THE HEARING WHATEVER U DO!!!

This sounds like a last-ditch effort by your employer to avoid paying their share of UC taxes. The timing is super suspicious - waiting 21 weeks when they had 15 days to appeal initially. I've seen this before where employers suddenly "remember" to challenge benefits right before they end, hoping people will just give up or not show up to the hearing. Since you have written proof from the county that their case is closed, you're in a really strong position. The burden of proof is on THEM to show why they waited so long and to provide evidence for their claims. Your documentation directly contradicts their appeal, so unless they have something new (which it sounds like they don't), this should be pretty straightforward. Even if the worst happened and you lost, the overpayment would likely be classified as non-fault since you were truthful in your application. But honestly, with that county letter in hand, I'd be shocked if you didn't win this. Stay calm, bring your evidence, and let them try to explain their 5-month delay to the referee.