Don't panic - this is a super common issue! I work part-time in benefits administration and see this mistake constantly. The key thing is to get it corrected quickly. Try calling first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) when call volume is lower. If you can't get through, keep trying every few hours. The correction is usually simple once you reach someone - they just need to update your certification to show $0 wages and 0 hours instead of blank fields. Your benefits shouldn't be denied over this as long as you're proactive about fixing it. The system just needs complete information, even if that information is zeros.

I've been dealing with PA UC for over a year now and can confirm this is one of their most common system quirks. The "missing wages" flag usually doesn't mean you're disqualified - it just means they need complete data. When you're still employed but worked 0 hours, the system needs to see actual zeros entered, not blank fields. I've found the best time to call is Tuesday or Wednesday mornings around 8:15 AM - seems like Monday is always swamped and Fridays are hit or miss. If you do get through, have your SSN and claim confirmation number ready because they'll ask for verification right away. The fix itself takes like 2 minutes once you're connected to the right person.

hey did anyone ever figure out if u need to keep filing the weekly claims even after benefits run out??? seems pointless but im worried about messing something up

I'm dealing with a similar situation - just exhausted my 26 weeks last month and the whole process has been so confusing! Reading through everyone's responses here has been more helpful than anything I found on the official PA website. One thing I wanted to add is that when I went to my local CareerLink office (took the advice from this thread), they helped me apply for several programs I didn't even know existed - including some emergency assistance funds that aren't well publicized. They also connected me with a job placement specialist who's been way more helpful than just applying online alone. Also wanted to confirm what others said about continuing to certify - I kept doing it for 3 weeks after my benefits ended and I'm glad I did because it helped when I applied for SNAP benefits. They wanted proof I was still actively looking for work and unemployed. Hang in there @Lilah Brooks - the healthcare job market is tough right now but there are people and resources out there to help bridge the gap!

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is the potential impact of your separation reason on requalifying. Since you mentioned the company is "really struggling," make sure you understand the difference between being laid off due to lack of work versus being terminated for other reasons. If you're laid off due to company downsizing/financial issues, that's typically considered "lack of work" and won't create any eligibility issues. But if there are performance concerns or attendance issues that could be construed as misconduct, that could complicate things even if you meet all the financial requirements. Also, when you do the wage inquiry that others suggested, ask specifically about how your separation pay or any unused vacation time might affect the timing of when you can start collecting benefits. Sometimes there's a waiting period if you receive certain types of separation payments. The good news is that with 5 months of work at decent wages, you should have multiple viable options whether you reopen your existing claim or file a new one - it's just about timing it right to maximize your benefits.

I went through something very similar last year! Got laid off, collected UC for about 4 months, then got a new job that only lasted 6 months before another layoff. The timing piece everyone is talking about is absolutely critical. Here's what I wish I had known: PA has this thing called a "wage inquiry" where you can call and they'll tell you exactly what wages they have on file for each quarter and whether you'd qualify. Do this BEFORE you file anything! It saved me from making a costly mistake. In my case, I had earned enough to meet the 6x rule but my new job wages mostly fell in the "lag quarter" so they wouldn't count toward my base year if I filed right away. I ended up waiting about 6 weeks until the quarter changed, which allowed more of my recent wages to count. Also, don't overlook the option to reopen your existing claim if you still have weeks and time left in your benefit year. Sometimes that's better than rushing into a new claim with insufficient wages. Your benefit year runs until October, so you might have that option if you get laid off soon. The key is having all the information before you make a decision. The UC reps can walk you through different scenarios during the wage inquiry call.

Just a quick update on audit timeframes - the PA UC department recently published that their current backlog for audit resolutions is 6-10 weeks, so unfortunately your 8-week wait is within their current expected timeframe. However, that doesn't mean you should just wait passively. Being proactive by contacting them can help ensure your case doesn't fall through the cracks.

I've been dealing with PA UC claims for years and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help while you're waiting for your audit to resolve: 1. Document EVERYTHING - keep screenshots of your dashboard status, save any emails/letters, and write down dates/times when you try to call 2. Check your employer's side too - sometimes they don't respond to UC's requests for information, which can delay the audit 3. If you have direct deposit set up, make sure your banking info is still current in the system 4. Consider setting up text/email alerts in your dashboard if you haven't already Also, regarding the Claims Investigation Unit that NeonNova mentioned - they typically handle these between 8am-12pm, so try calling right at 8am for better odds of getting through. The regular customer service line gets swamped but the investigation unit line sometimes has shorter wait times. Hang in there - I know 8 weeks feels like forever when you're worried about bills, but most audits do eventually resolve with back pay included.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to reopen my claim next week and make sure I have all my employment information and work search records organized. It's a relief to know I shouldn't have to go through another hearing about my original separation. I'll update here if I run into any issues with the process for anyone who might be in a similar situation in the future.

I went through a similar situation last year - had a favorable hearing decision and then reopened my claim about 6 months later. The good news is that your previous employer can't challenge the same separation issue that was already ruled on. The "no fault" decision is final for that employment period. When you reopen, you're essentially continuing your existing benefit year with the 30% reduction, not starting a brand new claim. Just make sure you have documentation of your part-time work ready and keep detailed records of your job search activities. The process was pretty straightforward for me once I got through the initial reopening steps. Hope this helps ease some of your worries!