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If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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I've been struggling with the same issue for weeks! After reading through all these suggestions, I'm going to try the Pittsburgh regional number tomorrow at exactly 8 AM. It's encouraging to see that Anastasia finally got through and resolved her issue. I'll also make sure to have all my documents ready - termination letter, social security number, and PIN. Has anyone else had success with the regional numbers recently, or should I also consider the callback feature if it becomes available?
@Keisha Jackson I tried the regional numbers last week and had better luck with the Harrisburg one 717-783-6925 (around) 8:15 AM after the initial rush. Took about 20 minutes on hold but got through. The callback feature is definitely hit or miss - I ve'only seen it available twice in the past month and both times it was gone within minutes. If you don t'get through with Pittsburgh, definitely try a couple of the other regional numbers. Also make sure you re'calling from the phone number associated with your claim - I heard that can sometimes help with verification. Fingers crossed for you!
@Keisha Jackson Just wanted to jump in and say don t'give up! I was in a similar boat a few months ago - stuck pending for 6 weeks. The regional numbers definitely seem to have better success rates than the main line. If the Pittsburgh number doesn t'work out, I d'also suggest trying the Allentown one 570-820-4617 (around) 8:30 AM - sometimes there s'a second wave of availability after the initial 8 AM rush dies down. And like others mentioned, have everything ready - SSN, PIN, separation documents, and maybe even your employer s'information just in case they need to verify anything. The whole system is frustrating but you ll'get through eventually!
I've been following this thread and wow, what a journey! Just wanted to add another tip that helped me recently - if you're getting the busy signal or automatic disconnects, try calling from a different phone number. I was using my cell phone for weeks with no luck, then tried calling from my landline and got through on the third try. Not sure if there's some kind of system that flags numbers that call too frequently, but it seemed to make a difference. Also, for anyone still struggling, I'd definitely recommend the state representative route that NebulaNomad mentioned - my cousin had to go that route and got her issue resolved within a week after months of calling. The whole system is definitely broken but there are ways around it if you're persistent enough!
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I'm really sorry you're going through this stress - having kids to support makes it so much worse. I went through something similar in 2023 and here's what I learned the hard way: You're absolutely right to be concerned - there are no extensions available right now after 26 weeks. But don't stop filing your weekly claims even after you exhaust benefits! I made that mistake and when I called UC later they told me I should have kept filing just in case anything changed. Since you mentioned manufacturing, have you considered looking into maintenance positions at hospitals, schools, or office buildings? The skills often transfer and these places are usually hiring. The pay might not be what you're used to, but it could bridge you until something better comes along. Also, if you haven't already, apply for SNAP benefits NOW - don't wait until your UC runs out completely. The application process can take a few weeks and you'll need that food assistance when the UC stops. PA Compass website makes it pretty easy to apply online. One last thing - check with your local food banks and churches even if you've never used them before. Many have programs specifically to help people who are between jobs, and some even have job networking opportunities. You've got this - two more weeks gives you time to prepare and line up other resources. Keep us updated!
This is such solid advice, especially about keeping the weekly filings going and applying for SNAP now rather than waiting. I never thought about maintenance positions but you're absolutely right - I know HVAC, basic electrical, and equipment repair from my manufacturing background. Hospital and school maintenance jobs probably have better job security too. I'm definitely going to start that SNAP application today. It's hard to admit I need food assistance but my kids come first. Thank you for being so practical and not making me feel bad about the situation - sometimes you need to hear from people who've actually been there.
I'm facing a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful. Just wanted to add that if you're in the Pittsburgh area, the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board has some programs that might help. They sometimes have rapid reemployment services and emergency assistance funds that aren't well advertised. Also, don't overlook temp agencies - I know it's not ideal, but some of the industrial temp agencies around here (like Labor Ready or Express Employment) can get you working within days, and many of their assignments turn into permanent positions if you show up consistently and work hard. The pay might be lower than what you're used to, but it's better than nothing while you're searching for something permanent. One more thing - if you have a local union hall (even if you weren't previously union), sometimes they have job boards or know about openings that aren't posted elsewhere. Worth a phone call at least. Hang in there - the fact that you're planning ahead instead of waiting until the last minute shows you're going to get through this. Keep applying everywhere and don't be too picky right now. You can always keep looking for something better once you have income coming in again.
This is really great local information, thank you Keisha! I'm actually in the Pittsburgh area too so the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board tip is perfect - I had no idea they had emergency assistance funds. I'll call them first thing Monday morning. You're also right about temp agencies - I've been avoiding them because I was hoping to find something permanent right away, but at this point I need to be more realistic. Getting some income flowing while I continue searching makes way more sense than holding out and ending up with nothing. I'll check out Labor Ready and Express Employment this week. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and practical advice - it's helping me feel less panicked and more prepared to tackle this situation head on.
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One more tip from someone who's been through this multiple times with PA UC - when you do reopen your claim after the contract ends, the system might ask you to complete a "work separation" questionnaire about why your employment ended. For contract work, they sometimes make this confusing by asking things like "were you laid off?" or "did you quit?" The correct answer for ended contracts is usually "laid off" with the reason being "lack of work" or "end of temporary assignment." Don't overthink it - just be clear that it was always meant to be temporary work and the agreed-upon timeframe ended. Also, if your contract gets extended (which happens sometimes), you can always stop filing weekly certifications again and then restart when it actually ends. The flexibility is one of the good things about PA's system once you understand how it works!
This is exactly the kind of detailed guidance I was hoping for! The work separation questionnaire sounds tricky - I would have probably answered wrong without your explanation. "Laid off" due to "lack of work" makes total sense for contract work, even though it feels weird to say when the contract just ended as planned. I really appreciate you mentioning that contracts can sometimes get extended too. I'm hoping mine might, but it's good to know I can easily adjust my filing if that happens. Thanks for sharing your experience with multiple contract situations - it's so reassuring to hear from someone who's navigated this successfully!
This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm actually in a very similar situation - just got my PA UC approval last week after months of waiting, but I'm starting a 4-month contract position on Monday. Reading through everyone's experiences has really put my mind at ease about being able to reopen my claim when the contract ends. I'm definitely going to bookmark this post and follow all the advice about keeping detailed records, using "lack of work" as the separation reason, and filing immediately on my last day. One question though - has anyone dealt with a situation where your contract employer offers to convert you to permanent but you're not sure if you want to stay? I'm wondering if turning down a permanent offer would affect my ability to collect UC benefits later if I end up needing them.
That's a really interesting question about turning down a permanent offer! From what I understand, PA UC generally looks at whether you had "good cause" for refusing work. If the permanent position has significantly different terms than your contract (like much lower pay, different hours, or responsibilities you didn't agree to), that could be considered good cause. But if it's essentially the same job with the same pay just made permanent, refusing it might be seen as turning down suitable work. I'd suggest documenting any legitimate reasons you might have for not wanting to stay permanent (like if there are red flags about the company, major changes to your role, or if you have another opportunity lined up). You might also want to consult with a PA UC rep before making that decision if the situation comes up. Better to get official guidance than risk your benefits later!
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Just wanted to follow up - how's your claim status looking now? Has the second issue been resolved or are you still waiting?
Update: I used that Claimyr service to get through to someone on the phone yesterday! The rep told me the first issue was a wage verification that got resolved, and the remaining issue is about my separation reason. They're sending me a questionnaire I need to fill out. At least now I know what's happening! Thanks everyone for the help and advice.
That's great news! So glad you were able to get through and get some real answers. Getting that questionnaire filled out promptly should help move things along. Hopefully you'll see some movement on your claim soon once they review your separation reason response. Keep us posted on how it goes!
That's awesome that you got through with Claimyr and finally have some clarity! I've been following your situation and it's so frustrating how they don't communicate what the actual issues are. At least now you know it's a separation reason questionnaire - those are usually pretty straightforward to fill out. Just make sure you're honest and detailed about why you left your job. Once you submit that, hopefully the last issue will clear quickly and you'll get all your backpay. Thanks for updating us - it gives hope to those of us still stuck in limbo!
This is such a relief to hear! I've been dealing with similar open issues and the lack of communication from PA UC has been driving me crazy. It's encouraging to see that Claimyr actually works - I've been hesitant to try third-party services but hearing success stories like this makes me want to give it a shot. The separation reason questionnaire shouldn't be too complicated, just make sure you have all your documentation ready when you fill it out. Fingers crossed your claim gets approved quickly now that you know what they need!
Lauren Johnson
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much more prepared now. I'll watch for the packet in early March, review everything carefully, and make sure I have all my own documentation ready. I actually found some emails from my manager about the restructuring that should help my case. Will update after the hearing!
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Daniel Rivera
Good luck with your hearing! I went through something similar in 2023 and it sounds like you're getting great advice here. One thing I'd add - when you get that packet, take pictures or scan everything as backup in case something gets lost. Also, if you have any witnesses who can speak to the restructuring (coworkers who were also laid off, managers who can confirm it wasn't performance-related), see if they're willing to participate in the hearing or provide written statements. The referee really wants to hear the full story, so having that documentation about the restructuring will definitely help your case.
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Dmitry Volkov
•That's excellent advice about taking pictures/scans of everything! I hadn't thought about getting statements from coworkers who were also affected by the restructuring. There were actually 4 other people laid off from my department at the same time, so maybe I can reach out to them. Do you know if written statements from former coworkers carry much weight with the referee, or is it better to have them actually participate in the phone hearing?
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