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I couldn't get through to anyone at UC for weeks when I had an issue with my appeal. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a PA UC agent within about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent was able to tell me exactly what was going on with my appeal and fixed the issue right away. Might be worth checking out if you're still having problems with the website.
Just wanted to follow up - if you do mail or fax your appeal, you should include: 1. Your full name 2. The last 4 digits of your SSN 3. Your address and phone number 4. The date of the determination letter you're appealing 5. The reason you disagree with the determination 6. Any evidence that supports your position Also, keep calling the appeals office at 717-787-5122 while you're waiting. Sometimes they can process an appeal over the phone.
Update: I went to CareerLink this morning and they were super helpful! The staff helped me fill out the appeal form and faxed it for me right there. They gave me a confirmation page showing it was sent. Such a relief to have this done before the deadline. Thanks everyone for your help!
@b7922ae77013 That's awesome! So glad CareerLink was able to help you get it sorted out. It's frustrating that the online system is so broken, but at least you got your appeal filed in time. Hopefully your hearing goes well - sounds like you have a good case if they wrongfully denied you for misconduct. Keep us posted on how it goes!
I just went through something similar last month! The contradictory determinations are super confusing, but it sounds like you're on the right track. Since the chat rep told you to expect payment for 8/19, that's actually a good sign - it means they've likely resolved whatever able/available issue was flagged. One thing that helped me was keeping screenshots of everything - all my weekly certifications, determination letters, chat transcripts, etc. PA's system has so many glitches that having documentation saved me when I had to prove I answered questions correctly. Also, don't stress too much about the waiting week (8/12) - that's totally normal for new claims. The fact that they gave you such specific dates suggests your claim is actually moving through the system properly now. Hang in there!
I'm going through something really similar right now! Got my eligible determination on Monday and then the disqualification letter on Tuesday - it's like they're playing some cruel joke on us. From what I've learned lurking in this group, the "able and available" issue usually comes down to how you answered those weekly certification questions. I made the mistake of answering "no" to being available one week because I had a dentist appointment and thought I needed to be honest about not being available that specific day. Apparently that was wrong! The good news is that if the rep gave you specific payment dates, it sounds like they've already identified and fixed whatever triggered the disqualification. I'd definitely recommend checking your past weekly certifications like others suggested - you might find the exact week that caused the issue. Also, keep that chat transcript! I've heard so many horror stories about reps giving different information, so having documentation of what they told you about the 8/19 payment could be crucial if anything goes wrong. Fingers crossed we both get this sorted out soon. The stress of not knowing if money is coming is the worst part of all this.
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now too! It's so frustrating getting those contradictory letters - makes you feel like you're going crazy. I also made the mistake of overthinking the weekly questions and answered "no" to being available one week when I had a medical appointment. Your point about keeping documentation is spot on. I've started screenshotting literally everything because I've heard too many stories about people having to prove what they were told by reps. The fact that both you and Ruby got specific payment dates from reps is actually really encouraging - it sounds like once they identify the issue, they can fix it pretty quickly. Thanks for sharing your experience, it helps to know others are going through the same thing. Hopefully we'll all see our payments soon!
OMG I just realized something!!! Was anyone else with u when u got the butt-dial?? Because if someone else heard it too that would be HUGE for ur case!! My lawyer for my UC appeal said witnesses are super important!!!
Yes! A coworker was sitting with me at lunch when I got the call. She saw how upset I was and heard at least part of what was said. I'll definitely ask her for a statement. Did you have a lawyer for your appeal? I'm wondering if I should get one too.
I'm so sorry you're going through this after 22 years of loyal service! That must have been absolutely devastating to hear your boss make nasty comments about your daughter. From what I've read in other cases here, you actually have some strong points in your favor - the fact that you tried to address it directly with your boss and he was dismissive rather than apologetic shows you made an effort to resolve the situation. Plus, your long tenure demonstrates this wasn't a rash decision. One thing that might help is to frame this not just as a single incident, but as your boss creating a hostile work environment through his disrespectful comments AND his complete lack of accountability when confronted. The fact that there was no HR department to escalate to also strengthens your case that quitting was your only reasonable option. Have you received your hearing notice yet? Make sure to gather all your documentation - that resignation email mentioning the incident, any texts, and definitely get that witness statement from your coworker who was with you during the call. You've got this! Many people have won similar appeals when they're well-prepared.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful response and encouragement! I really needed to hear that. You're absolutely right about framing it as creating a hostile work environment - I hadn't thought about emphasizing his lack of accountability as part of the problem. I haven't received the official hearing notice yet, just the initial notification that an appeal was filed. I'm definitely going to get that witness statement from my coworker and start organizing all my documentation. It helps to know that others have won similar cases. After 22 years of dedication, hearing him talk about my child like that just broke something in me - there was no way I could continue working for someone who showed such disrespect for my family.
I know this waiting period is incredibly frustrating. While you're waiting for the Board decision, make sure you're documenting any financial hardship this is causing (risk of eviction, utility shutoffs, etc.). If you win your appeal, this information won't increase your benefits, but it could potentially help expedite your backpay processing. Also, many counties have emergency rental assistance programs that might help while you're waiting.
I'm in a similar situation - filed my Board appeal in July after being denied for "insufficient work search documentation." It's been 4+ months with absolutely nothing. The silence is the worst part! I've been keeping a detailed spreadsheet of every job application since then just in case they ask for more proof. Has anyone had success getting updates by emailing the Board directly, or do they only communicate through mail? This whole process feels like being in limbo.
I feel your pain with the silence - it's absolutely maddening! From what I've seen in other threads, the Board doesn't really respond to emails and they communicate almost exclusively through mail. Your spreadsheet idea is smart though - I wish I had been that organized from the start. At least we know from others here that July appeals should be coming up soon since they're working through the 2024 backlog. The waiting is brutal but it sounds like we just have to hang in there a bit longer.
Natasha Kuznetsova
So glad your check finally arrived! 8 days is pretty typical from what I've seen here. The Money Network card is definitely the way to go - I switched to it after my second paper check nightmare and haven't looked back. Just a heads up, it takes about 7-10 business days to receive the card once you request it, but after that payments usually show up within 1-2 business days of filing. Way better than this paper check lottery system!
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GalacticGuardian
•Thanks for the timeline info! I'm definitely going to be patient waiting for the card to arrive since it sounds so much better than this check situation. 1-2 days after filing sounds like a dream compared to what we've all been going through with paper checks. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - made me feel less crazy about this whole mess!
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Vanessa Chang
Ugh, this whole paper check situation is such a nightmare! I've been dealing with the same thing - my credit union (PNC) wasn't "compatible" with their system either, which makes zero sense. I've been waiting almost 2 weeks for my check and called Treasury yesterday. They said it was mailed last Friday but who knows if that's actually true given everyone's experiences here. The most frustrating part is having zero visibility into what's actually happening. Like, is my check sitting in some processing center? Lost in the mail? It's 2024 and we're still doing paper checks like it's 1995! Definitely requesting the Money Network card after reading all these comments. Seems like that's the only reliable option at this point. Hope your check shows up soon Omar - the electric company doesn't care about PA's archaic payment system!
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