Just want to echo what everyone else is saying here - this is such a common confusion point for new UC recipients! I made the exact same mistake when I first started collecting benefits. The lack of integration between CareerLink and the UC system is really frustrating, especially since they're both state systems. What helped me stay organized was creating a weekly routine: every Sunday I review all my job applications from the previous week, make sure I have screenshots/confirmations saved, and then enter everything when I file my weekly claim on Monday. I also keep a backup spreadsheet with all the details just in case the UC system glitches or I need to reference something later. The extra documentation might seem like overkill, but after reading about people getting audited and nearly losing benefits, it's definitely worth the peace of mind. Keep doing what you're doing with the detailed record-keeping - you're on the right track!

New UC recipient here and wow, this thread just saved me from making a huge mistake! I've been religiously applying through CareerLink for the past three weeks thinking everything was being tracked automatically for my work search requirements. When I checked my UC dashboard and saw it was completely empty, I panicked and thought there was some kind of system error. Reading everyone's experiences here makes it clear that I need to go back and manually enter all my applications ASAP. I've been keeping a basic log with company names and dates, but clearly I need to up my documentation game with screenshots and confirmation emails like everyone suggests. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge - this could have been a disaster if I'd found out during an audit instead of from this helpful community!

I'm in a similar situation - been waiting 7 weeks for my open issue to be resolved and getting really worried about making rent. Reading all these responses gives me hope that persistence pays off! Quick question for everyone who's had success with multiple contacts to their state rep - did you call or email the second time? I emailed the first time but wondering if calling might get faster attention since time is running out. Also, has anyone tried contacting BOTH their state rep AND their state senator at the same time, or is that overkill? Thanks for all the helpful advice in this thread - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this frustrating situation!

I went through this exact same situation last year! Contacted my state rep twice for the same open issue. The first time got me nowhere after 4 weeks, but the second time I was more strategic about it. I called instead of emailing, specifically mentioned it had been over 8 weeks total (someone here mentioned that's an important threshold), and I was very specific about my financial hardship - exact dates when rent was due, utilities getting shut off, etc. The key difference the second time was that I asked to speak with whoever handled UC cases specifically, not just the general staff. That person seemed to have better contacts at UC and knew exactly what buttons to push. My case was resolved within a week of that second contact. Don't give up - the system is broken but persistence really does work. The UC reps who tell you "nothing can be done" are just regular customer service staff. Your state rep has access to supervisors and managers who can actually move things along. 8 weeks is definitely long enough to justify pushing harder!

anybody know if these hearings can be done over the phone or do you have to go in person? my letter says something about options but its not clear

I'm dealing with something similar right now - got hit with a $3,100 overpayment notice from my 2022 claim just last week. Like you, I'm pretty sure I did everything right the first time around. One thing that's been helping me prepare is going through my old emails to find EVERYTHING related to my claim from back then. I found weekly certification confirmations, correspondence with UC, and even some screenshots I took of my dashboard. Also, if you still have access to your online UC account, log in and see if any of your old documents are still stored there. I was able to download some stuff I thought was long gone. The stress is real though - I've been losing sleep too. But from what I'm reading here, it sounds like people who come prepared with good documentation have a decent chance of winning these appeals. We got this!

I've been lurking in this community for a while as a new small business owner and finally decided to jump in because this hits so close to home! I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation at my coffee shop. I hired three part-timers specifically for weekend morning rushes, made it crystal clear during interviews that Saturday/Sunday availability was non-negotiable, and now two of them are saying they can't work weekends anymore because of "lifestyle changes." It's incredibly frustrating because I'm scrambling to cover shifts that were supposed to be reliably staffed. After reading all these responses, I realize I made the same mistake many of us small business owners make - not having written policies in place from the start. I'm definitely going to implement a formal availability policy ASAP. One question though - for those who've been through UC hearings, do the representatives actually understand the challenges small businesses face, or do they tend to side with employees regardless of the circumstances? I'm worried about getting hit with UC claims when I eventually have to let these people go.

I'm a new member here and going through this exact same nightmare with my auto repair shop! I hired a mechanic who said he could work any shift, then three weeks later tells me he can't do evenings anymore because he wants to "spend time with family." Meanwhile, I'm stuck with no coverage for my evening appointments and customers are getting angry. What really gets me is that during the interview, I specifically asked about evening availability and he said it was "no problem at all." Now I'm reading all these responses and realizing I don't have any written policies either - just verbal agreements. This is such a valuable thread for small business owners like us who are learning the hard way. I'm definitely implementing a written availability policy this week and requiring all schedule change requests in writing with proper justification. Has anyone here successfully challenged a UC claim based on availability issues, or do most small businesses just end up paying regardless?

I went through something very similar when I was laid off from my retail job in 2023. My claim was stuck in review for 7 weeks even though I had all my paperwork in order. What finally helped was filing a complaint with the PA Department of Labor & Industry's customer service department (separate from the UC phone line). You can do this online through their website. Within 3 days of filing the complaint, I got a call from a UC supervisor who was able to see that my former employer had never responded to their separation inquiry. They expedited my case and I had my benefits approved within the week. It's worth trying if you've been waiting this long - the complaint process forces them to actually look at your file instead of just letting it sit in the queue.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - filed in early February and still stuck in review after 6 weeks! It's so frustrating because like you, I have all my documentation submitted and have been doing everything required. The financial stress is really getting to me too. One thing I learned from calling repeatedly is that they're apparently severely understaffed and have a huge backlog from the holidays. The representative I finally spoke to said termination cases are taking 6-8 weeks minimum because they have to verify everything with the employer first. She assured me that as long as I keep filing my weekly claims, I'll get all the back pay once it's approved. I know that doesn't help with immediate bills, but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there!