Just went through this nightmare myself last month! The key thing that finally worked for me was clearing ALL browser data (cookies, cache, everything) before starting the ID.me process. Also make sure you're not using any VPN or ad blockers - ID.me's system is super sensitive to that stuff and will just keep failing silently. One more tip - if you're still stuck after trying the recovery process others mentioned, you can also try calling PA UC's technical support line at 1-888-313-7284. They have a separate team that handles ID.me integration issues specifically. The wait times are horrible but they can sometimes reset something on their end that makes the verification go through. Good luck!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been helping family members with PA UC issues - the ID.me phone number change problem is ridiculously common and their system design is just awful for this scenario. A few additional tips that have worked for people I've helped: 1. If the trusted referee video chat keeps timing out, try using a different device entirely (phone vs computer) - sometimes their system has compatibility issues 2. Make sure your husband's name on ALL documents matches EXACTLY how it appears in the PA UC system (including middle initials, hyphens, etc.) 3. If you're still getting nowhere, document everything with screenshots and timestamps - this helps when you eventually get a human on the phone The fact that rent is due and you're dealing with this stress is just heartbreaking. The whole system is broken and puts people in impossible situations. Really hoping the solutions others shared work for you! Keep us posted on how it goes.

I'm going through something similar right now - my balance is down to about $1,500 and I'm getting really anxious about what happens next. Reading through all these responses is both helpful and scary at the same time! The part about needing 6x your weekly benefit amount in W-2 wages to qualify for a new claim is news to me and honestly pretty alarming. I've been focused on finding a full-time job in my field but maybe I should start looking at temporary or part-time W-2 work just to build up those qualifying wages. Has anyone had luck with temp agencies for this kind of situation? I'm wondering if that might be a good way to get some W-2 income while still having flexibility for interviews.

This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea about the 6x weekly benefit amount requirement for a new claim - that's absolutely crucial information that I wish was made clearer when you first file. @Amara Okafor, given what everyone's shared here, it sounds like your best bet might be to start looking for some part-time or temp W-2 work ASAP while you still have a few months left on your benefit year. Even if it's not in your ideal field, getting those qualifying wages could be the difference between having benefits when your year ends versus having nothing. The temp agency suggestion from @Amina Bah sounds really practical - you'd get the W-2 income you need while maintaining flexibility for job interviews in your field. Also definitely keep doing those weekly certifications even when your balance hits zero, as @Ava Martinez explained. This whole situation really highlights how confusing the UC system can be!

UPDATE: I was able to get through to someone at UC using the Claimyr service that was mentioned below (definitely worth it after 2 days of constant busy signals). The rep confirmed it was my benefit year ending that triggered the new application requirement. She said since I had some temp work during my previous claim that paid more than 6x my weekly benefit amount, I should qualify for a new claim. She also said there would be a waiting week, but payments should start the following week if everything processes normally. Thanks everyone for your help!

Great to hear you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else dealing with this - when you hit the benefit year end, make sure to keep filing your weekly certifications even while the new claim is being processed. Sometimes people think they should stop filing until the new claim is approved, but you need to maintain your filing schedule or you could lose benefits for those weeks. The system will backdate your new claim to cover any gap once it's approved, but only if you kept filing. Learned this the hard way during my first BYE transition!

Does anyone know if we still have to do those weekly work search activities when we're on medical leave? I'm so confused about this!!

One more important thing to consider - make sure you file within the appropriate timeframe. In PA, you should file your initial claim during the first week you are unemployed. Filing late can complicate things unnecessarily. Also, be prepared that the initial determination might take longer in cases involving medical issues because they often require additional fact-finding.

Just wanted to update everyone - I took the shift, worked those 8 hours and reported my earnings ($97). My benefit didn't get reduced at all! Just like @helpfulTom explained, because my earnings were under that 30% threshold, I got my full UC payment plus my work pay. So definitely a win-win. Thanks everyone for your help!

Great to hear this worked out for you! Your experience is a perfect example of how the PA partial benefits system is supposed to work. For anyone else reading this thread, the key takeaway is that Pennsylvania's 30% earnings deduction (which was $127.50 in your case with a $425 WBA) acts as a buffer to protect your benefits when you work part-time. As long as your weekly earnings stay below that threshold, you keep your full UC payment AND your work income. It's actually a really worker-friendly policy compared to some other states that have much stricter rules about working while on unemployment.