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This is very likely legitimate backpay from the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Recalculation Initiative (PUCRI) that PA launched in late 2024. They're reviewing thousands of claims from 2020-2021 where claimants may have received incorrect benefit amounts due to system limitations during the crisis. The timing matches the current processing schedule - they're working through April-June 2020 claims right now. The lack of accompanying documentation is unfortunately typical of PA UC's administrative issues. Here's what you should do: 1. Take photos of the check and store them securely 2. Contact UC to confirm (yes, it's difficult but necessary) 3. If confirmed legitimate, keep documentation of the confirmation 4. Be aware this may affect your 2025 taxes The check is most likely valid, but verification is the safest approach before depositing.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at PA UC after using that Claimyr service (thanks for the recommendation). The agent confirmed the check is legitimate! Apparently, there was a statewide review of pandemic claims and they found that I should have received the additional $600 federal supplement for 2 weeks I was eligible but didn't get it, plus they recalculated my base year wages and found I qualified for a higher weekly benefit rate than I received. The agent said a notification letter was supposedly mailed 3 weeks ago explaining all this, but I never received it (typical PA UC). She's having another letter sent and noted in my file that the payment was confirmed legitimate. I'm depositing the check tomorrow! Thanks everyone for your help. If anyone else gets a surprise payment, definitely verify before cashing, but it might be legitimate backpay from this review they're doing.
anybody else notice they always seem to rule against the claimant? whole system is rigged if u ask me
This is factually incorrect. PA UC appeal statistics show that approximately 45-50% of claimant appeals are successful. The outcome depends entirely on the facts of your case and whether you meet the eligibility requirements under PA law. It's important not to spread misinformation that might discourage people from pursuing valid appeals.
Update: Just wanted to let everyone know I finally got my determination letter in the mail today! It took exactly 17 days after the hearing. The referee ruled in my favor! Now I'm just waiting for the payments to hit my account. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!
One final piece of advice - when you do get your hearing notice, it will include instructions about submitting evidence. Follow these EXACTLY and submit everything by the deadline. The referee can only consider properly submitted evidence. Also, be clear and concise during the hearing. Answer only what was asked, and stick to the facts rather than emotions, even though I know this is a stressful situation. If your case is about qualifying wages, make sure you have documentation of all employment during your base year period. Good luck!
btw if u do use that claimyr thing let us know if it worked im also having trouble getting through to someone
UPDATE: I finally got through to UC this morning! I used the Claimyr service that someone suggested above and got connected in about 25 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. The rep was able to file the partial week claim for me and said I should see those 3 days of payment in 2-3 business days. She also confirmed that I did everything else correctly with reopening my claim. Thanks everyone for your help!
my brother got aproved on a friday too and his money didnt show up until thursday morning so just wait it out
UPDATE: You guys were right! Just checked this morning (Monday) and now I see a transaction number has appeared! The payment status says "paid" with today's date. So relieved! Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance.
If Treasury confirms they've sent the payment, it should always eventually appear on your card. I've never heard of a confirmed payment not eventually showing up. However, if it's been more than 3-4 business days, you should contact Money Network directly as there could be an issue with your specific card.
Update: My payment FINALLY showed up on my Money Network card this morning! That's over 4 days after my claim was approved and 2 days after Treasury said they posted the payment. I'm definitely switching to direct deposit today. Thanks everyone for the advice and sharing your experiences - at least I know I wasn't alone in dealing with this!
To check your correspondence preferences, log in to your dashboard, click on "User Settings" in the left sidebar, then "Correspondence Preferences." You can update your settings there to receive both electronic and paper copies if you want to be extra safe. And yes, all tax documents including 1099Gs should appear under "Important Documents" - not the regular message center.
My sister had this exact same thing happen but then she also got a SECOND 1099G in the mail two weeks later with different amounts! Super confusing. Called UC and they said the second one was correct after they recalculated her benefits. Make sure you're using the most recent one if you end up with duplicates.
You have to call and request the overpayment waiver form (UC-482). They'll mail it to you, or sometimes they can email it. Make sure you attach as much documentation as possible showing financial hardship - bank statements showing low balance, bills, rent, utilities, etc. It takes time but it's worth it if they approve it!
One more thing to consider: if your current unemployment is with the same employer as when you received PUA, that might complicate things. But if it's a different employer, your case for waiver is stronger since it's a completely different claim. Also, make sure you're accurately reporting any part-time/gig work on your new claim to avoid creating another overpayment situation.
UPDATE: I was able to use that Claimyr service that someone recommended here and actually got through to a UC rep yesterday! They said my claim was under review because my employer reported different quarterly wages than what I had entered. The rep said now that I've uploaded my pay stubs showing the correct amounts, it should be resolved within 7-10 business days. Such a relief to finally know what's happening! I'll update again when I get a decision.
That's great news! It's always better once you know what the actual issue is. The wage verification reviews usually get resolved without too much trouble as long as your documentation is clear. Hope you get your payments soon!
FINAL UPDATE: Just got a notification that my review is complete and my claim was approved! All back payments should be deposited to my Money Network card within 2-3 business days. The whole review process took exactly 26 days from start to finish. Thanks everyone for your help and advice during this stressful time!
StarSailor
I tried that Claimyr service mentioned above last week when I couldn't get through about my open issue. It actually worked! Got connected to a rep in about 40 minutes after trying for days on my own. The rep was able to reset my PIN over the phone after verifying my identity. Might be worth a try if you're still stuck.
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Ava Thompson
•Seems kinda sketchy to me that we have to use some third party service just to reach our own government unemployment office! What's next, paying someone to get our tax refunds? The system is broken!!
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StarSailor
•I felt the same way at first but was desperate after two weeks of calling. It's ridiculous we need to use workarounds, but it did solve my problem when nothing else worked.
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NeonNova
UPDATE: We finally got through to someone! My husband tried the Claimyr service that was suggested here and got connected to a UC rep in about an hour. The rep said there was a backlog of PIN mailings and verified his identity over the phone, then helped him set up a temporary PIN so he could file while waiting for the mail. He was able to file for all the missed weeks too. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Sofia Hernandez
•awesome! glad it worked out for u!
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Dylan Campbell
•That's great news! Make sure he changes that temporary PIN to something more secure once he gets fully set up in the system. And remember to keep up with those weekly work search activities!
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