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UPDATE: I finally got in! System is working now but super slow. For anyone still trying, be patient after you enter your PIN - it took almost 3 minutes for the next screen to load but it eventually did. Make sure you don't refresh or you'll have to start over!
For future reference, the best times to file your weekly claim are usually Tuesday or Wednesday mornings between 9-11am. The system has the least traffic then. Sundays and Mondays are always nightmares because everyone tries to file as soon as the week opens up. Also, if you ever can't file online, remember you can use the PA UC phone filing system at 888-255-4728, though it's pretty tedious to use.
That's really helpful advice! I'll definitely try mid-week next time instead of stressing on Sunday. Do you know if filing on a Tuesday vs Sunday affects when the payment gets processed?
I have question related too this. My benefit year ended last week and I filled new claim. Will my money card still work for new benefits or do I need to download diferent app? Anyone know?
Update: I found the app! For anyone else looking, search for "Money Network Mobile" exactly like that. Make sure the developer is Money Network Financial, LLC. I had to set up an account with my card info and now I can see all my transactions. Thanks for everyone's help!
Glad you got it working! Did you have to verify your identity? Last time I tried setting up my account it kept saying they couldn't verify me and I gave up.
i won my appeal btw! but it took foreverrr to get the decision. like 6 weeks after the hearing. they backdated the payments tho
Just wanted to update that I checked with my neighbor (mentioned in my original post) and you guys were right - she's just getting regular UC benefits, not extended. She thought they were extended because she had applied once before in 2023 and been denied, so she was surprised to get approved this time. So that clears up that confusion! I'm going to CareerLink tomorrow as suggested.
hey did anyone ever figure out if u need to keep filing the weekly claims even after benefits run out??? seems pointless but im worried about messing something up
Yes, you should continue filing for 2-3 weeks after benefits exhaust. This maintains your claim as active in the system, which can be important if: 1) Any retroactive extensions get approved, 2) You need to provide proof you remained unemployed for other assistance programs, or 3) Your benefit calculation gets reviewed/adjusted. After those few weeks, there's no advantage to continuing unless specifically instructed by UC.
When I got denied for CareerLink registration last summer, I had to actually call them to release the payment for the weeks after I registered. The system doesn't always automatically update. If you don't see payment in a week, definitely try to contact them!
One more important detail - make sure to check your dashboard on the PA UC portal regularly. Sometimes they'll post additional information there about your claim status that doesn't come through in emails or physical mail. In your situation, you should eventually see the status for that second week change from "denied" to "payable" once they process the correction based on your CareerLink registration date. This change sometimes happens silently in the system, so it's good to keep checking.
My husband just went through this last month. His claim took exactly 16 days to get approved. They're definitely backed up right now because of all the seasonal layoffs and construction jobs ending for winter. Just keep filing your weekly claims and make sure you're doing the required work searches. When his money finally came through, it included all the back weeks he certified for.
Update on processing times: I attended a PA CareerLink workshop last week, and the presenter mentioned that the Department of Labor is currently processing a higher volume of claims than normal. They specifically mentioned that February-March 2025 has seen about a 22% increase in new claims compared to last year, which is affecting processing times. So the one-week timeframe is actually pretty good right now. And yes, definitely keep doing those work search activities - you need to record at least 3 per week (applications, interviews, workshops, etc.) to remain eligible, even during the determination period.
if u cant get thru to PA UC try calling right at 8am when they open. thats how i finally got someone. or try at like 2:57pm when most people probably given up for the day
As a follow-up on your situation - pregnancy is protected under PA's unemployment rules. You are still considered "able and available" for work unless there's a specific medical restriction. If your claim is being held up because of your pregnancy (which would be discrimination), you should contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as well as the UC appeals office. In terms of immediate financial assistance while waiting, have you contacted local community action agencies? Many have emergency rental/utility assistance programs that don't use the same income calculations as state programs and can help bridge the gap while your UC claim is processing.
Just wondering - once you get your card, does PA unemployment automatically keep sending payments to that card? Or do I need to reactivate something for biweekly payments? This is my first time on unemployment and I'm so confused by all the different steps.
Once you have the Money Network card, all future payments will automatically be added to that same card as long as you continue filing your biweekly claims correctly. The card stays active for 3 years. If you want to switch to direct deposit, you need to update your payment method in your dashboard, but any payments already processed will still go to the card.
One more thing to consider: check if your leave of absence qualifies for any other type of assistance. While regular UC might deny you, there could be other programs through your employer or state that can help. Also, make sure your appeal clearly explains that this was not voluntary - that's the critical factor in these cases.
my friend just went thru this!! make sure u keep filing your weekly claims even while appealing!! if u win the appeal they'll pay u for those weeks but only if u filed!
Victoria Scott
Listen, the most important thing right now is to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Every call, every attempt to log in, every error message. Note dates, times, and take screenshots. If you do get disqualified, you'll need all this for your appeal. As a former L&I employee, you should know how the system works better than most people. Use that knowledge to your advantage. Have you tried contacting your RESEA facilitator directly? Sometimes they're listed in the appointment notification email. Also, go IN PERSON to your local CareerLink office ASAP if phone/email doesn't work. Don't wait until the last minute.
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Justin Evans
•You're right about documentation - I've been taking screenshots of everything. I actually don't have my RESEA facilitator's contact info, just the generic appointment notification. Going in person is a good idea though - I'll try that tomorrow morning first thing. Thank you!
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Benjamin Johnson
Quick update based on your responses: You mentioned you were able to start the account recovery process through pacareerlink.pa.gov. Once you get in, IMMEDIATELY email the RESEA coordinator through the internal messaging system explaining the technical difficulties you experienced. This creates a timestamped record in their system. Also, the tip about going in person is excellent. Bring your ID and all documentation of your attempts to access the system. The on-site staff can often resolve these issues immediately and document that you made a good-faith effort to comply with requirements.
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Justin Evans
•Great news!!! I got my account access back this morning. I followed your advice and immediately sent a message to the RESEA coordinator explaining everything. I also went to the local office in person just to be safe. They were actually very helpful and added notes to my file about the technical issues. They even helped me reschedule my RESEA appointment for next week. Thank you all so much for the help - this community saved me from a potential benefits disaster!
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