Based on your follow-up comments, it seems you have documentation about transportation issues. This is actually important because PA case law recognizes that tardiness due to genuine transportation problems may not constitute willful misconduct, especially if you notified your employer. For your appeal to the Board of Review, make sure to emphasize: 1. The transportation issues were beyond your control (include all documentation) 2. You communicated these issues to your employer 3. You made efforts to resolve the transportation problems 4. The tardiness was not frequent enough to show a disregard for the employer's interests The Board of Review does give cases a fresh look and will consider whether the referee correctly applied the law to the facts. They overturn referee decisions more often than people realize.

Thank you everyone for the advice! I'm going to appeal to the Board of Review within the 15-day window and gather all my documentation about the transportation issues. I'll also prepare myself for having to repay just in case the appeal doesn't work out. If anyone has gone through the Board of Review appeal process and has specific tips, I'd really appreciate hearing them.

Did you check your spam folder for any emails about the hearing? Sometimes PA UC sends reminder emails with the details that get filtered out. Just a thought!

UPDATE: I got through to someone at UC using that Claimyr service. They were actually really helpful and explained that the referee will make a decision within 14 days typically. The agent noted my file with an explanation of why I missed the hearing. They also said I should immediately file for reopening once I get the decision if it's not in my favor. Just wanted to update everyone and say thanks for all the advice!

my sister works for the unemployment office and she says they are SUPER backed up right now with claims!!!! like thousands of cases to review. so even if you have a valid case it might take a really long time. sad but true. the system is broken. good luck!!!

Thank you everyone for the advice! I just submitted my initial claim today and made sure to be extremely detailed about the timeline and my attempts to keep my job. I uploaded 8 different emails showing my requests and my boss's responses, plus the final denial. I'm mentally preparing for a denial and appeal process based on what you've all shared. And I'll definitely keep filing weekly claims no matter what happens with my initial determination. One more question - does anyone know if I need to be physically able to work to qualify for UC benefits? My recovery is expected to be about 6 weeks where I can't do my normal job (retail/standing all day). Will this disqualify me?

This happens every holiday. My brother works for a bank and says all the ACH transfers get backed up after federal holidays. Its not just unemployment its everything. One time my paycheck was 3 days late after 4th of July weekend and I about had a heart attack lol

For future reference, always give payments 2-3 business days after holidays to process. Also, if you're cutting it close with bills, remember you can request your payment method be changed from direct deposit to paper check or vice versa through your dashboard. Some people find one method faster than the other depending on their bank. Glad your payment arrived!

Just to clarify for everyone - PA UC has several possible deductions that can be applied to payments: 1. Federal income tax (10% - optional) 2. State income tax (optional) 3. Child support obligations (mandatory if ordered) 4. Overpayment recovery from previous claims (if applicable) 5. Pension deductions (in certain situations) The determination letter will specify which ones apply to your specific claim. Most commonly it's just the federal tax withholding that people notice.

Update: Just talked to my cousin and she checked her account. It was indeed the tax withholding! She found where to change it for future payments. Thanks everyone for the help!

omg u guys r making me nervous lol i have a hearing next week for my claim i hope my boss doesnt show up!!

One last tip I forgot to mention: KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS during the entire appeal process! If you win your appeal, they'll only pay you for weeks you properly certified. I've seen people win appeals but miss out on thousands because they stopped filing during the appeal process. Don't make that mistake!

Just wanted to add - save a copy of any email correspondence between you and your employer about your sick days. Also, make sure you understand the difference between being fired for cause (misconduct) versus being fired for performance issues. In PA, you generally qualify for UC if you were fired for performance reasons, but not for willful misconduct. Since you had doctor's notes for your absences, that strongly supports your case.

Thank you all so much for the advice! I just submitted all my evidence (doctor's notes, text messages showing I notified my boss about being sick, and a written statement). Feeling much more confident now. I'll update after the hearing!

To follow up on your eligibility question - with 51 weeks of full-time work, you definitely meet PA's requirements. Also, don't forget that Pennsylvania requires you to complete and document at least 6 work search activities per week (with at least 1 being a job application). Keep detailed records because they do audit these randomly.

PA UC has a form in your dashboard once you're approved where you can enter your work search activities each week. But I'd recommend keeping your own records too (dates, company names, position, application method, contact info). Some people have been asked to provide proof during audits. Good luck with your claim! With 51 weeks of full-time work, you should definitely qualify based on the 18 credit week requirement.

I'm in the same boat. Been trying to change my direct deposit info for weeks. This system is so broken 😫

Pro tip: if you can't get through on the main line, try calling right when they open. I got through in like 5 minutes last week!

Anyone else notice that the UI website is always "under maintenance" when you actually need to use it? 🙄

Have you tried reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes they can help push things through faster.