did u try the online chat? sometimes they can tell u more info there than when u call

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Filed my appeal in mid-December and still haven't heard anything about a hearing date. It's so frustrating because the initial denial seemed like such an obvious mistake - I was laid off due to company downsizing, not fired for cause. The uncertainty is almost worse than just being denied outright. At least now I know from everyone's responses that 8-12 weeks seems to be the norm, even though it's completely unreasonable. Thanks for posting this question - it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one stuck in this limbo!

When my appeal was finally scheduled, it went better than expected. The referee was actually fair and listened to both sides. My former employer didn't even have their documentation organized, and the referee seemed annoyed with them for that. I got my decision about 10 days after the hearing (approved!) and then backpay came another week later. So even though the wait is terrible, the actual hearing process was straightforward. Just be organized and stick to the facts.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my appeal in mid-January after being denied (employer claimed I was fired for cause but I was actually laid off due to budget cuts). It's been 10 weeks and counting with zero updates beyond the initial acknowledgment letter. The uncertainty is honestly the worst part - at least if they gave us realistic timelines we could plan accordingly. I've been keeping detailed records of everything and continuing my weekly claims like everyone suggests. Reading through these responses is actually really helpful though - sounds like 10-12 weeks is unfortunately the new normal. Hoping we both get our hearing dates soon!

@profile5 I got my decision in the mail about 10 days after the hearing. They also updated the portal a few days after that. Once I won the appeal, all my back payments came through within a week. Hoping for a quick resolution for you too!

Congratulations on finally getting your hearing date! I'm going through a similar situation - been waiting 6 weeks for my appeal hearing after being denied for "voluntary quit" even though I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. My former employer apparently told UC that I quit, which is completely false. I've been calling the referee office every morning at 8am sharp like you suggested, but still haven't gotten through. Did you have to call multiple days in a row, or did you get lucky on your first attempt? Also, when you finally got through, were they able to schedule your hearing right away during that call? Thanks for sharing your experience - it gives me hope that persistence will pay off!

Update: I finally got through to PA UC this morning! I used the Claimyr service that was suggested and got connected after about 25 minutes. The rep was actually really helpful and told me exactly how to upload my evidence. She also added detailed notes to my claim explaining that additional documentation was coming. I've uploaded all the text messages showing the bounced checks and safety issues, plus my bank statements showing the returned checks. The rep said they should review everything within 2 weeks. She also mentioned that pay issues are definitely considered good cause for quitting in PA, so I'm feeling more hopeful now. Thanks everyone for your advice! I'll update again when I hear something.

That's awesome news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and submit your evidence. Your situation sounds exactly like what "good cause" was designed to protect - nobody should have to work without reliable pay or in unsafe conditions. The fact that you documented everything with those text messages was really smart. I went through something similar a few years back (different state though) and having that paper trail made all the difference. It sounds like you've got a solid case, especially with the bounced checks since that's pretty black and white. Keep us posted on how it turns out - stories like yours give hope to others dealing with the same frustrating system!

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I'm going to file my appeal today and make sure I include all my documentation showing it was a layoff. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims, and I'll look into the 211 resources to help me get through this period without payments. It's really unfair that they can just decide you quit when you didn't, and then you have to wait months to fix it, but at least I know what to expect now. I'll update once I hear about my hearing date.

Hey Connor, just wanted to add that you should also request your employer's response to your claim when you file the appeal. Sometimes employers don't respond at all or provide weak evidence for their "voluntary quit" claim, which really helps your case. You can usually request this through the appeals office. Also, if you have any text messages or voicemails from your manager about the layoff, screenshot/save those too - they can be powerful evidence. The whole system is definitely stacked against us, but having every piece of documentation possible gives you the best shot. Hang in there!