Just wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful - since you mentioned this offer came without an interview and seems a bit rushed, make sure you get everything in writing before you start. Get a clear job description, the exact probation period terms, and what the evaluation criteria are for the probation period. Also, document your first day of work carefully because PA UC will want exact dates when you report your employment. Take a photo of your first paycheck stub too - it'll have your start date and employer info that UC might ask for later. I know the offer seems sketchy, but $22/hr is definitely better than UC payments, and from what others have shared here, it sounds like you should be able to resume your benefits if things don't work out. The fact that you're being proactive about understanding the rules puts you in a much better position than most people. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I've been through something similar! Last fall I took a temp-to-perm position that had a 3-week trial period while I was on UC. The job ended up being a disaster (they had me doing completely different work than advertised), and I was let go after 2 weeks. Here's what I learned: Keep ALL your paperwork from this job offer - the email from the recruiter, any offer letter, documentation about the 15-day probation period, everything. When I reopened my claim, PA UC asked for specific details about why the job ended and having that documentation made the process much smoother. Also, when you report your work on the weekly certification, be super precise with your dates and earnings. I made the mistake of estimating my hours the first week and it caused a flag on my account that took forever to resolve. One last thing - trust your gut about this job seeming sketchy. Even if it doesn't work out, at least you'll have tried, and based on what others are saying here, you should be able to get back on your original claim. The fact that you're asking these questions ahead of time shows you're being smart about it. Most people just wing it and end up in trouble later!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - uploaded documents for an unresolved issue 8 days ago and still waiting. The uncertainty is the worst part because you can't plan anything when you don't know if it'll be resolved tomorrow or in 2 months. One thing that helped me stay organized was keeping a log of every call I made, what rep told me what, and screenshots of my dashboard each day. That way when I call again I can reference exactly what I was told before. Also discovered that calling right at 8am sharp gives you the best chance of getting through - set multiple alarms! Really hope your husband's claim gets resolved soon. The stress of not knowing when money will come in while bills pile up is awful.

I went through this exact nightmare 3 months ago! My claim was stuck for 19 days after uploading documents for an "employment verification" issue. What finally worked for me was calling the UC office at exactly 7:59 AM and asking to speak specifically with a "claims examiner" rather than just any rep. Regular phone reps can only see basic info but can't actually process documents. The claims examiner was able to pull up my uploaded docs while I was on the phone and approve them immediately! Also want to echo what others said about contacting your state rep - that's not just a rumor, it really works. They have direct lines to UC supervisors. My neighbor got her 6-week delay resolved in 2 days that way. Hang in there - the back pay will come all at once when it's finally processed, and you won't lose any money as long as you keep filing weekly. The system is broken but you will eventually get what you're owed!

So glad you handled this the right way! This is exactly what everyone should do in this situation. The fact that your employer was understanding and willing to work with you shows how important it is to be upfront and honest. You've protected yourself from fraud charges and potential thousands in repayments. Plus now you can focus on your job search without worrying about any legal issues hanging over your head. Thanks for updating us - this will be really helpful for anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation!

Really appreciate you sharing your update! Your situation is a perfect example of why transparency is always the best policy with unemployment benefits. It's so easy to think about taking shortcuts when you're stressed about money and dealing with little kids, but the potential consequences just aren't worth it. The fact that your employer was cooperative shows that most reasonable people understand that circumstances change, especially when childcare is involved. Your approach of getting everything documented and staying on top of the work search requirements is exactly what others in similar situations should follow. Hope your job search goes smoothly!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I just wanted to add that I work in HR (not in PA but familiar with unemployment law) and your employer's threats are really common intimidation tactics. They know most people don't understand the difference between performance issues and willful misconduct, so they try to scare employees out of applying. The fact that you were terminated for not meeting quotas after only 3 months actually strengthens your case - it suggests you didn't have adequate time to fully learn the role and develop the necessary skills. Most reasonable people would agree that's a performance/capability issue, not deliberate misconduct. Also, document everything about tomorrow's termination meeting if possible. If they make any statements about the reasons, try to get them in writing or at least take notes immediately afterward. This can be helpful if they try to change their story later during the UC process. You've gotten great advice here - definitely apply right away and don't let their threats stop you. The worst they can do is contest your claim, which just means both sides get to present evidence. You have nothing to lose by applying and potentially benefits to gain!

Connor, I just went through a very similar situation in PA last month! Got fired from my sales job for missing targets and my manager also threatened that I wouldn't get benefits. I was so scared I almost didn't apply, but I'm so glad I did because I got approved! Here's what helped me: I kept detailed records of all my sales activities, training sessions, and client interactions to show I was genuinely trying to succeed. When PA UC interviewed me, I explained that I was putting in effort but just couldn't close enough deals in the short time I was there. The investigator told me that not meeting quotas is usually considered a "lack of skill or ability" rather than willful misconduct, especially when you can show you were trying. Your employer can contest it (mine did), but UC makes the final decision based on facts, not threats. One thing that really helped my case was that I documented every training I attended and every sales call I made. If you have any of that kind of documentation, definitely bring it up during your interview with UC. Don't let them intimidate you - apply right away and be completely honest about everything. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, and that includes people who just aren't cut out for certain sales roles. You've got this!

dont forget u have to do the work search activities again while waiting for the new claim. my buddy got denied cuz he thought he could skip those while waiting for approval

Just checking back - did you receive your financial determination yet? If it's been more than 10 days and you haven't received anything, I'd definitely recommend reaching out to the UC office directly.