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Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - before submitting your direct deposit info, try logging into your online banking and copying the routing and account numbers directly from there instead of trying to remember them or read them from a physical check. That way you know they're 100% accurate. Also, some banks have slightly different routing numbers for electronic transfers vs. paper checks, so the online banking portal will give you the right one for direct deposit. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt got rejected because I used the wrong routing number from an old check!
That's such a great tip about using the routing number from online banking instead of a check! I had no idea that some banks have different routing numbers for electronic vs paper transactions. I was planning to just use the numbers from my checkbook but now I'll definitely log into my account first. It would be awful to go through the setup process only to have it rejected because of the wrong routing number. Thanks for sharing that lesson learned - it could save a lot of people from having the same issue!
Hey everyone! I just successfully set up my direct deposit yesterday and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help others avoid issues. First, make sure you're entering your info during regular business hours if possible - I've heard the system can be glitchy late at night or on weekends. Second, after you submit everything, write down the exact date and time you completed it so you can reference it if you need to call later. Third, if you have a joint account, make sure the name on your UC claim matches the name on the bank account exactly - even middle initials matter! I also kept my Money Network card active for one extra week just to be safe, and I'm glad I did because there was a one-day delay before my first direct deposit went through. The peace of mind was worth it! Hope this helps anyone still on the fence about making the switch.
I had the exact same thing happen to me! Got approved after 6 weeks of waiting and was so excited to see the direct deposit hit my account, but nope - paper check showed up instead. I was worried I messed something up during the application process but it sounds like this is just how PA UC operates. Really wish they would mention this somewhere on their website or during the filing process so people aren't caught off guard. At least we're finally getting paid though! Going to keep an eye on my next payment to see if it switches to direct deposit like everyone says it should.
Totally agree! I'm new to this whole unemployment process and was so confused when I got a check instead of direct deposit. Would have saved me a lot of worry if they just put a simple note on their website like "First payment will be mailed as a check for verification purposes" or something. But yeah, at least we're getting paid! I'll definitely be watching my mailbox vs bank account for the next payment to see which way it goes.
This is actually really common with PA UC! I went through the same thing last year - selected direct deposit during my initial application, banking info was correct, but still got a paper check for my first payment. It's frustrating because they don't explain this anywhere obvious on their website. From what I learned, it's their standard security protocol for first payments regardless of what you selected. The good news is that after I deposited that first check, all my subsequent payments went straight to direct deposit without any issues. Just make sure your banking details are still correct in your dashboard and you should be all set for future payments. The system is definitely confusing but at least you're finally getting paid!
To clarify what others have said - yes, there will be a review, but cases involving a single day of unreported work with a reasonable explanation tend to be resolved faster than complex fraud cases. The key is getting through to an agent who can document your explanation in the system. Once you manage to speak with someone, ask them to make a note that it was an accidental omission of a single day of work training. Also request information about when you can expect a determination. If they give you a timeframe, mark that date and follow up if you don't hear anything. If your benefits are currently paused, also ask if you should continue filing weekly claims during the review period (you should, but it's good to confirm).
Update: I finally got through to someone at PA UC! The rep said it was a minor issue and added notes to my account explaining it was an honest mistake. They said my claim should be processed within 7-10 days and I'll just have to repay the difference for that one week. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
So glad to hear you got through and everything worked out! This is exactly why I always tell people to contact PA UC directly when these situations come up - most of the time they're understanding about honest mistakes. Your experience shows that while the phone lines are frustrating, persistence pays off. Thanks for updating us on the outcome - it'll be helpful for anyone else who finds themselves in a similar situation!
This is such a relief to see! I'm actually in a really similar situation right now - I forgot to report a small consulting gig I did last month and my claim just went under review yesterday. Reading about your experience gives me hope that it'll work out if I can just get through to someone. The waiting and not knowing is the worst part! Did you use the regular PA UC phone line or did you end up trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned?
Don't get your hopes up. I've been waiting on 7 weeks of backpay since MARCH and every time I manage to get through they tell me "it's processing" or "a specialist needs to review it" or some other excuse. The whole system is designed to make people give up!!!! They're hoping you'll just stop trying to collect what they legally owe you.
While I understand your frustration, this isn't entirely accurate. The system is definitely overwhelmed and inefficient, but payments do eventually process. The key is to be persistent and make sure you're speaking with the right department. Regular call center staff often can't help with payment release issues - you need to specifically ask for the payments department or a claims examiner.
UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at UC this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got me past the busy signals. The agent said there was a "benefit payment audit flag" on my account that was holding everything up. She released the payments and said I should see the missing weeks deposited within 2-3 business days. Will update again when/if they actually arrive. Thanks everyone for your help!
That's awesome news! Really glad you were able to get it resolved. The "benefit payment audit flag" makes total sense - that's probably what was causing the system to skip those weeks even though everything looked normal on your end. Definitely keep us posted on whether the payments actually come through as promised. This gives me hope for my own missing weeks issue!
Wow, so glad you got it figured out! I've been dealing with something similar for the past month and was starting to lose hope. That "benefit payment audit flag" thing is probably what's happening to a lot of us. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service tomorrow morning. Did they charge you anything for helping you get connected? And thanks for coming back to update us - most people disappear once their issue gets resolved!
Jason Brewer
I see a lot of frustration about calling, so I wanted to add one more tip: Try calling right at 7:59am when they open at 8am. That's typically when their queue is shortest. Also, Thursdays and Fridays tend to have lower call volumes than Mondays and Tuesdays. In the meantime, make sure you've verified your mailing address in the system is correct, as they will sometimes mail you a paper check if they've had multiple failed attempts at direct deposit or card payments.
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Paige Cantoni
•Update: Finally got through to a PA UC agent using the morning call tip! They confirmed my payment was returned and said they've reprocessed it. Should be on my Money Network card within 3-5 business days. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Ravi Kapoor
•That's awesome news! Glad the early morning call strategy worked for you. 3-5 business days is pretty standard for reissued payments. Make sure to keep checking your card balance online or through the app so you know exactly when it hits. Hope this helps anyone else dealing with the same issue!
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Khalid Howes
So glad you got through and got it resolved! I've been dealing with a similar card activation issue but haven't had the courage to call yet after reading all these horror stories. Your success gives me hope that it's actually possible to reach someone if you time it right. Going to try the 7:59am strategy tomorrow morning. Thanks for updating us on how it worked out - really helpful for others who might be going through the same thing!
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