UPDATE: I was able to get through to someone at UC using the Claimyr service that was mentioned below (definitely worth it after 2 days of constant busy signals). The rep confirmed it was my benefit year ending that triggered the new application requirement. She said since I had some temp work during my previous claim that paid more than 6x my weekly benefit amount, I should qualify for a new claim. She also said there would be a waiting week, but payments should start the following week if everything processes normally. Thanks everyone for your help!

Great to hear you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else dealing with this - when you hit the benefit year end, make sure to keep filing your weekly certifications even while the new claim is being processed. Sometimes people think they should stop filing until the new claim is approved, but you need to maintain your filing schedule or you could lose benefits for those weeks. The system will backdate your new claim to cover any gap once it's approved, but only if you kept filing. Learned this the hard way during my first BYE transition!

I got through to PA UC today after trying for 2 days straight with the lockout issue. For anyone facing the same problem, here's what worked: call exactly at 7:58am, then press options 1, then 3, then 1. This routing seems to have shorter queues than the main line. The agent was able to verify my identity and immediately unlock my account while I was on the phone. The whole process took about 10 minutes once I finally got through. Regarding the exhaustion notice - they confirmed it's just an automated alert that triggers at week 24. My full 26 weeks of benefits were still intact.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and it was SO stressful! The "exhaustion" email really does just mean you're getting close to your 26-week limit, not that your benefits are actually cut off yet. I panicked when I got mine at week 23. For the lockout - definitely try Nina's advice about calling at 7:58am with those specific button presses (1-3-1). That routing worked for me too when the main line was impossible. Also, while you're waiting to get through, make sure you're still filing your weekly claims by phone at 888-255-4728 like Paige mentioned. I almost missed a week because I thought I couldn't file while locked out. One more tip - if you have any old emails or texts from PA UC, they sometimes have your claimant ID number which can speed up the identity verification process when you finally reach someone. Good luck and don't give up - you'll get those last 2 weeks!

Update: I called that Benefit Payment Services number first thing this morning like someone suggested and actually got through after only 20 minutes! The rep explained that Wells Fargo has been automatically rejecting the UC verification attempts because they look like suspicious patterns to their system. Apparently this happens with a few banks, but Wells Fargo is the most common culprit. The rep offered to switch me to the Money Network card instead of paper checks, which I accepted. Should arrive in 7-10 business days. When I asked if there was any way to make direct deposit work with Wells Fargo, she basically said they've tried working with them but the issue persists. Something about incompatible security protocols. Might be time to consider switching banks if this happens again in the future. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

This is such a common issue! I had the exact same problem with Wells Fargo when I was on UC benefits in 2022. After dealing with paper checks for weeks, I discovered that you can also try calling Wells Fargo customer service and asking them to whitelist Pennsylvania UC deposits on your account. Sometimes they can add a note that allows the verification deposits to go through. If that doesn't work, definitely go with the Money Network card like Eleanor did - it's so much easier than trekking to the bank every week. You can use it at most ATMs and even transfer money online to your main Wells Fargo account once you get your benefits loaded. Just avoid the fee-charging ATMs and stick to the approved network they'll send you with the card. It's ridiculous that this is still an ongoing issue between Wells Fargo and PA UC, but at least there are workarounds now!

Has anyone else noticed that sometimes the ATMs say you've reached your limit even when you haven't? Last month I tried to take out $300 and it said I reached my limit after only taking out $200 earlier that day! Called Money Network and they said sometimes there's a 24-hour delay in processing withdrawals so it LOOKS like you hit your limit when you haven't. Just another way they mess with us!

UPDATE: I got through on the phone after trying like 8 times! The actual ATM limit is $500 but you can go to a bank teller with your ID and card and withdraw up to $1000 in cash. Also my login problem was because I was trying to create my account too soon after activation. For anyone else with this problem, they said wait 48 hours after activating the card before trying to set up online access. Thanks everyone for your help!

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to file successfully? The PA UC website is showing the issue has been resolved as of this morning.

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been trying to file since yesterday and keep getting that "can't file until 1/15" message even though it's 1/18. Really frustrating because I can't afford to miss my certification window. Going to try the phone system tonight like MidnightRider suggested. Has anyone else noticed if this happens around the same time every year? Wondering if there's a pattern to these system glitches.