To answer your question about documenting work search activities: You'll record them when you file your bi-weekly claims. The system will prompt you to enter details about your work search activities for each week. However, you should also keep your own detailed records in case you're selected for an audit. PA UC can request proof of your work search activities going back up to two years. I recommend creating a simple spreadsheet or document with: date, employer/position, contact method (application, interview, etc.), contact details (website, email, phone), and any follow-up information. This makes it easy to transfer information to the bi-weekly claim forms.

Just wanted to add - make sure you have all your employment documents ready when you file! PA UC will need your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment records for the past 18 months. For seasonal work, they might also ask for your employment contract or termination letter showing it was a seasonal layoff (not a firing or quit). Having everything organized beforehand will make the application process much smoother. Good luck with your claim!

Keep in mind that even after the hearing, the referee has 14 days to issue a decision, though many come sooner. The entire process from appeal to decision typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on current caseload. Document everything and be extremely prepared for your hearing. I'd recommend writing out your key points beforehand so you don't forget anything important when you're nervous during the hearing.

Just went through this process myself - got my acknowledgement letter in February and had my hearing exactly 3.5 weeks later. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to start preparing your evidence NOW while you're waiting. I created a simple timeline document with dates, what happened, and who was present for each event. Also gathered my employee handbook, any emails about the layoff, and my termination paperwork. Having everything organized made the hearing so much less stressful. The waiting is the hardest part but use that time productively to build your case. You got this!

UPDATE: For anyone who finds this thread later - the landscape mode trick worked for me! Once I rotated my phone, the options for text/email appeared. Thanks everyone for your help! Claim is finally filed.

Just wanted to add another workaround that worked for me - if landscape mode doesn't work for you, try opening the PA UC site in an incognito/private browsing window. Something about the cached data was interfering with the 2FA buttons loading properly. Had to do this plus clear my cookies, but then the text/email options showed up normally in portrait mode. Hope this helps someone else who's struggling with this mess!

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!

Glad your cousin got it sorted out! Just a heads up for anyone else reading this - if you do decide to stop the tax withholding like she did, it's a good idea to set aside about 10-12% of each payment in a separate savings account for taxes. I learned this the hard way when I got a big tax bill the following year. UC benefits are taxed as regular income, so depending on your other income for the year, you might end up owing more than you expect come tax time.

Me too! Finally working properly. Filed mine just now!

still getting errors on my end 😫 gonna try again tonight i guess