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This is so frustrating! I'm having the exact same problem - been trying to file since yesterday and getting that ridiculous "can't file until 1/15" error when it's already 1/18. I'm relatively new to the UC system (only been filing for about 6 weeks) so I wasn't sure if this was normal or what. Reading through everyone's responses here has been super helpful though. I'm definitely going to try the phone system tonight and also attempt using a different browser like someone suggested. Really glad to hear from MidnightRider that PA UC acknowledged the issue and extended the filing window - that takes some pressure off at least. Has anyone had luck getting through on the phone system today, or is it still giving the same date error?
Welcome to the UC system - unfortunately these kinds of glitches are more common than they should be! I tried the phone system earlier today and it was still giving the same date error as the website, but that was around noon. Might be worth trying again tonight since they said they were working on a fix. Also definitely try Firefox or Edge like Liam suggested - sometimes the different browsers handle the UC website differently. Don't stress too much though, with the 3-day extension you should have time to get it sorted out. Keep us posted on what ends up working for you!
Just experienced this same issue this morning! I've been on UC for about 4 months now and this is the first time I've seen this particular error. Like others mentioned, I tried multiple browsers and devices but kept getting the "can't file until 1/15" message. What's really helpful is seeing that PA UC has acknowledged the problem and extended the filing window - that definitely reduces the stress. I'm curious if anyone knows whether this affects the timing of when we actually receive our benefits, or if it's just a filing system glitch that won't impact payment dates? Planning to try the phone system this evening if the website is still acting up.
Hey Keisha! I'm new to this community but have been dealing with UC issues for a while. From my experience, these filing system glitches usually don't affect the actual payment timing as long as you get your certification submitted within the extended window. The payments are typically processed on the same schedule once the system accepts your filing. Since PA UC extended the deadline by 3 days for this issue, you should still get paid on your normal schedule. Definitely try the phone system tonight - I've found it sometimes works even when the website is completely broken. Good luck getting through!
Really glad to hear you got the 7-day extension and that your state rep is helping! That's fantastic progress. Just wanted to add - if you haven't already, make sure to document EVERYTHING about your case (dates you called, reference numbers, names of people you spoke with, etc.). Keep a written log because if there are any issues later, having that paper trail can be super helpful. Also, some food banks in PA can help with utility assistance too if you need additional resources. Fingers crossed your examiner contacts you soon!
Thank you so much for the reminder about documenting everything! I've actually been keeping notes but not as detailed as I should be. I'll make sure to write down every interaction moving forward. And I had no idea some food banks help with utilities - that's really good to know as a backup option. This community has been such a lifesaver with all the advice. Really hoping to hear from the examiner this week!
Hey Scarlett, I just went through this exact situation about 3 months ago. Had an examiner assigned for a separation issue and was facing utility shutoffs too. Here's what helped me get through it: First, you're doing all the right things by calling 211 and your state rep - that's huge! The 7-day extension gives you some breathing room. For the examiner timeline, mine called exactly 9 business days after assignment. When they do call, make sure you answer - they usually only try a few times before moving on to the next case. Have all your documentation ready and be very clear about why leaving was necessary for you. Also, if you haven't already, check with your local Salvation Army or Catholic Charities - they often have emergency utility funds that are separate from what 211 offers. Sometimes you can stack assistance programs. One more thing - when the examiner does contact you, ask them directly if there's anything else you can provide to speed up the determination. Sometimes they'll tell you exactly what they need to make a quick decision. Hang in there! The waiting is the worst part but it sounds like you're being proactive with all the right steps.
This is such helpful advice, thank you! 9 business days gives me a realistic timeline to expect. I'll definitely make sure to answer any calls from unknown numbers this week - that's a great point about them only trying a few times. I have all my documentation organized and ready to go. I'll also check with Salvation Army and Catholic Charities for additional utility assistance. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience - it gives me hope that this will get resolved soon!
Yes, continue filing weekly claims even after your benefit year ends and you've submitted a new application. The system will know which claim to associate them with. If your new claim is approved, those weeks will be paid under the new claim. If denied, you haven't lost anything by filing the weekly certifications.
Just went through this exact situation last month! One tip that really helped me - when you file your new application, make sure you have all your employment records from the past 18 months ready. PA UC will need details about every employer, even that part-time job you mentioned. They'll ask for dates, wages, and reason you stopped working for each one. Having everything organized beforehand made the application process much smoother. Also, don't panic if your new weekly benefit amount is different - it's calculated based on your new base year wages, so it might be higher or lower than your previous claim. Good luck with the transition!
This is super helpful advice! I definitely don't have all my employment records organized yet. For that part-time job I mentioned, I think I still have my pay stubs somewhere but I'll need to dig them up. Do you remember if they ask for exact dollar amounts or just approximate wages? I'm worried I might not remember all the specific details from several months ago.
I totally get the anxiety of waiting for that first payment! I went through the exact same thing with PA UC about 6 months ago. My experience was similar to what others have shared - payment showed as processed on a Wednesday and hit my account Friday morning around 6 AM. One thing that helped me was setting up account alerts through my bank app so I got a notification the moment the deposit came through instead of constantly checking. Also, since you mentioned bills piling up, you might want to call any creditors and let them know payment is coming in the next few days - most are understanding about UC delays if you communicate proactively. The wait is brutal but you're so close to relief now!
That's such a great tip about setting up bank alerts! I'm definitely going to do that right now so I stop obsessively checking my account. And you're absolutely right about calling creditors - I've been avoiding my landlord's calls but maybe I should just be upfront that the payment is coming this week. It's crazy how much stress this whole process puts you through even when you know the money is finally on its way. Thanks for sharing your experience, it really helps to know I'm not alone in this!
I know exactly how you're feeling! I was in the same boat about 8 months ago - constantly refreshing my bank app every few minutes after my UC payment showed up in the portal. For Wells Fargo specifically, I've found they usually process UC direct deposits pretty early in the morning (around 5-6 AM) so if it doesn't show up tomorrow morning, definitely check Friday. One thing that helped my sanity was remembering that even though the UC system can be painfully slow with approvals, they're actually pretty reliable once payments are processed. You've made it through the hardest part - getting approved! The money is definitely coming, probably within 48 hours. Hang in there!
Thanks so much for the Wells Fargo timing info - that's exactly what I needed to hear! Knowing it usually hits around 5-6 AM gives me a specific time to check rather than refreshing all day long. You're absolutely right that getting approved was the hardest part. I keep having to remind myself that I made it through weeks of uncertainty and now it's just a matter of waiting a couple more days for the actual money. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - it makes this whole process feel so much less isolating when you realize other people have been through the exact same stress and came out okay on the other side!
Ezra Beard
I've been dealing with PA UC claims for years and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help while you're waiting for your audit to resolve: 1. Document EVERYTHING - keep screenshots of your dashboard status, save any emails/letters, and write down dates/times when you try to call 2. Check your employer's side too - sometimes they don't respond to UC's requests for information, which can delay the audit 3. If you have direct deposit set up, make sure your banking info is still current in the system 4. Consider setting up text/email alerts in your dashboard if you haven't already Also, regarding the Claims Investigation Unit that NeonNova mentioned - they typically handle these between 8am-12pm, so try calling right at 8am for better odds of getting through. The regular customer service line gets swamped but the investigation unit line sometimes has shorter wait times. Hang in there - I know 8 weeks feels like forever when you're worried about bills, but most audits do eventually resolve with back pay included.
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Aiden O'Connor
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I didn't even know there was a separate Claims Investigation Unit line. I'll definitely try calling them at 8am sharp tomorrow. Quick question - do you happen to know if there's a specific number for that unit or do I just ask to be transferred when I call the main UC line? Also really appreciate the tip about documenting everything - I wish I had started doing that from day one but I'll start now.
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Aisha Abdullah
I'm going through something similar - my claim has been in audit status for 6 weeks now and I'm getting really anxious about it. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! It sounds like the timeline can vary wildly. One thing I learned from calling repeatedly is that if you press "0" multiple times during the automated menu, sometimes it will transfer you to a person faster than going through all the menu options. Also, I've had better luck calling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays rather than Mondays when everyone is trying to file their weekly claims. @StarStrider - definitely keep filing your weekly claims and work searches like others mentioned. I made the mistake of missing one week early on thinking it didn't matter during the audit and had to explain that later. Stay persistent with trying to reach someone - it's frustrating but you'll eventually get answers!
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