Pennsylvania Unemployment
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PA UC IDme verification page stuck spinning - anyone else having issues today?
Been trying to file my biweekly PA UC claim since 8am this morning, but I keep getting stuck at the IDme verification page. The circle just spins forever and nothing happens! I've tried 3 different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and even Edge) and restarted my computer twice. Is this happening to anyone else today or is it just my terrible internet? Getting really stressed because I don't want to miss my filing window and risk losing benefits this week. Any suggestions on how to get past this?
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PA UC paper check delivery time? Payment sent Friday but can't use Chime for direct deposit
Does anyone know the typical timeframe for PA UC paper checks to arrive? My payment was processed and sent out on Friday according to the portal. I was hoping it would be in my mailbox today (Monday) but nothing yet. Originally I wanted direct deposit but apparently they don't accept Chime as a valid bank for UC payments... really frustrating! I've never gotten a paper check for unemployment before. Is it usually 3-5 business days or longer? Starting to get anxious since rent is due soon.
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update us when u get ur check!! curious if yours is faster than mine was
Will do! I'll post again when it arrives. Checking my mailbox obsessively every day now lol
I'm in a similar situation - my payment was marked as sent last Tuesday and I'm still waiting. It's so frustrating because you never know if it's just normal mail delays or if something actually went wrong. I've been considering switching to the Money Network card too after reading all these comments about unpredictable check delivery times. At least with the card you know exactly when the money hits your account instead of playing this guessing game with USPS every week.
PA UC paper checks to Philly taking forever - anyone know actual delivery timeframe?
I'm seriously worried about my PA unemployment checks getting to me in Philadelphia. I changed bank accounts in January and UC couldn't direct deposit my benefits. They claimed to have mailed my first check on Feb 10th (Monday), but here we are three days later with nothing in my mailbox. Then when I filed my weekly claim early Sunday morning, they didn't even process the mail-out until Tuesday! The UC rep couldn't give me a straight answer on delivery times. I've been without income since mid-December when my seasonal retail position ended, and my rent is already late. Does anyone know how long these paper checks actually take to arrive in Philly or MontCo? The anxiety is killing me!
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UPDATE: First check finally arrived today (Friday)! So that was 4 business days from when they said they mailed it. Still waiting on the second one that was supposedly mailed Tuesday. Going to call on Monday to switch to that ReliaCard option - this is too stressful to deal with every week. Thanks everyone for your help and for sharing your experiences!
Glad you got it! The ReliaCard is way better, I switched last year and it's been smooth sailing since then.
So glad your first check finally showed up! 4 business days isn't too bad considering all the horror stories. Definitely get that ReliaCard set up ASAP - I made the switch last year after dealing with similar delays and it's been a game changer. You'll get your money so much faster and won't have to stress about mail delivery anymore. Hope your second check comes through soon too!
Can I file for PA UC after being fired for 'attitude' at 54? Age discrimination question
Just got fired from my retail job and need advice about filing for unemployment in PA. My manager claimed that the 'two oldest cashiers' (including me) had 'an attitude like they don't care.' I'm 54 with back problems that make me lean on the counter sometimes, and knee issues that prevent me from kneeling to stock shelves. When I used a stool to avoid kneeling, I was told it was a 'tripping hazard' and couldn't be up front. Then I got written up for 'insubordination' because I supposedly didn't respond until the third time someone called me (I honestly didn't hear them). The whole thing feels like age discrimination since they specifically singled out the 'older' employees. Can I still qualify for unemployment benefits after being fired? Does this sound like discrimination? I'm worried they'll fight my claim by saying I was fired for cause.
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One thing nobody mentioned yet - when you file your claim online, save or print EVERY screen. The PA UC website is notorious for glitches where your information disappears. Also, after you file, you'll need to register with PA CareerLink and do your weekly work search activities (apply to at least 2 jobs each week). They're really strict about that part.
Thanks for mentioning this. I've heard the website can be problematic. I'll make sure to save everything and get registered with CareerLink right away.
I want to add something important that might help your case - make sure you keep detailed records of any medical documentation related to your back and knee problems. If you have doctor's notes, physical therapy records, or any written communication with your employer about needing accommodations, gather all of that together. The fact that you were trying to work around your physical limitations with reasonable solutions (like the stool) shows you were making good faith efforts to do your job effectively. Also, when you describe the situation to UC, focus on the facts: you have documented physical limitations, you attempted reasonable self-accommodation, your employer denied this accommodation citing safety concerns, and then you were terminated shortly after with vague complaints about "attitude" that specifically targeted older employees. This creates a clear timeline that supports your case. One more thing - if you have any coworkers who witnessed the comments about "older cashiers" or saw you trying to accommodate your physical needs, ask if they'd be willing to provide statements. Witness testimony can be very valuable in both UC determinations and potential discrimination cases.
Need alternative PA UC phone number - 888-313-7284 never answers!
Been trying to reach PA unemployment benefits for TWO WEEKS straight and cannot get through on 888-313-7284! Just constant busy signals or it hangs up after the automated message. I've called at 7:59am, tried midday, even late afternoon - nothing works!! My claim has an issue that needs resolved ASAP and I'm about to miss rent payment. Does anyone know any secret backdoor numbers or extensions to get through to an actual human at the PA UC office? Getting desperate here...
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For your specific situation where you need immediate help, I'd recommend trying these approaches in order: 1. Call right at 8:00am and use the extension trick mentioned above 2. Contact your state representative's office (find yours at https://www.legis.state.pa.us/) 3. Try the chat function multiple times throughout the day 4. Consider using a service like Claimyr if you're still stuck after trying everything else Also, make sure you're still filing your weekly claims while trying to resolve whatever issue you have. Missing weekly certifications will cause more problems.
Thank you so much! I'm going to try all of these starting tomorrow. And yes, I've been making sure to file my weekly claims even though I haven't received any payments yet. Fingers crossed something works!
Did you ever figure this out? I'm curious which method ended up working for you because I might be in the same boat soon 😬
Update for anyone who finds this thread later: I ended up using the Claimyr service after trying everything else for another week with no luck. Got connected to a rep in about 30 mins and they fixed my issue (turned out I had answered a question wrong on my initial application which flagged my account). First payment hit my Money Network card yesterday! Relief!!
So glad you finally got through and got it resolved! That must be such a huge relief. Thanks for coming back to update us - this gives me hope that there actually are ways to get through this broken system. Definitely bookmarking this thread in case I run into similar issues with my claim.
Ev Luca
UPDATE: Mobile trick worked!! After trying my phone like @profile3 suggested, I was able to get through the IDme verification and complete my weekly claim filing. The page loaded much faster on my phone for some reason. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Collins Angel
Great news! Definitely remember this trick for future filings. The mobile site seems to use fewer resources and handle the authentication process better. Glad you got it sorted out!
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Marcelle Drum
nice! filing day is always so stressful lol
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Gabriel Ruiz
Literally just had this same problem but with my benefit year ending renewal. The IDme verification was stuck spinning for over an hour this morning. I got so stressed because my last payment is this week and if I don't get the new benefit year approved I'll have no income. This system is so broken it's ridiculous.
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Avery Davis
benefit year renewals are even worse than regular claims!! took them 8 WEEKS to process mine last year and i had to live off credit cards. make sure you start calling them everyday until it's fixed.
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Chloe Martin
@Gabriel Ruiz Did you try the mobile trick that worked for @Ev Luca? Might be worth a shot if you re'still having issues. Benefit year renewals are definitely more critical than regular claims - you really don t'want that to get delayed. If mobile doesn t'work, I d'definitely recommend calling first thing tomorrow morning or using that Claimyr service @Adaline Wong mentioned to get through to someone quickly.
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