Hey everyone! I'm new to this community but this thread has been incredibly eye-opening. I'm actually in a very similar situation to the original poster - got laid off from my warehouse job in January 2025, collected UC for about 7 weeks, then found temp work that lasted until December when they ended the contract. Currently back on my original claim. What's really helpful about this discussion is seeing how many people have successfully navigated filing a second claim after their benefit year expires. I had called UC a few weeks ago and the rep made it sound like once your original claim runs out, that's it - but clearly that's not accurate based on everyone's experiences here. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about calling 2-3 weeks before my benefit year ends to start the new claim process, and making sure to have all my documentation from the temp job ready. The tip about selecting "benefit year ended" as the reason for filing is something I never would have known to do. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've filed second claims, did you notice any difference in how quickly you received your first payment compared to your original claim? I'm trying to plan financially for any potential gaps between when my current benefits end and the new claim gets processed. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical advice you can't get anywhere else!

As someone who's been through this exact situation twice in the past few years, I can confirm that you absolutely CAN file a new claim after your benefit year expires in February! The construction industry's boom-bust cycle makes this a really common scenario. A few things to keep in mind that I learned the hard way: 1. Start the new claim application about 2 weeks before your current benefit year ends - don't wait until the day it expires. Processing can take 3-4 weeks for second claims vs 1 week for initial claims. 2. Make sure you have at least 18 weeks of work at your December job with earnings of $140+ per week. If you worked there from April to December before the layoff, you should easily meet this requirement. 3. Your new weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on wages from the December job, so it might be different from your current amount. 4. Keep all your separation paperwork from the December layoff handy - they'll want it again even though you already provided it when reopening your current claim. The construction market being dead right now is unfortunately very real. I've seen this cycle before - it usually picks back up in spring, but having that second benefit year available gives you breathing room to wait for better opportunities rather than taking the first low-paying job that comes along. One last tip: when you call UC (try calling at 7:45 AM right when they open for shorter wait times), specifically say you want to file a "new initial claim after benefit year expiration" - don't let them confuse it with just reopening or extending your current claim. Hang in there - you've got options and you're not stuck when your current benefits end!

I just checked the PA UC website - you can file a petition for reconsideration if circumstances prevented you from filing a timely appeal. You need to: 1. Download the Petition for Appeal form from the UC website 2. Check the box for "Petition for Appeal After the Appeal Deadline" 3. Explain clearly that you never received notification about the continued overpayment after the referee decision 4. Include the referee's decision document that stated you were eligible 5. Mail it to the address on the form or upload it through your dashboard Be aware they're strict about granting these late appeals, but not getting proper notification is one of the acceptable reasons. You should submit this ASAP as the longer you wait, the less likely they'll accept it.

This is such a frustrating situation, and unfortunately it's more common than it should be. I went through something similar last year where I had multiple overlapping determinations that seemed to contradict each other. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed timeline of all determinations, appeals, and hearings. It sounds like you have at least two separate issues here - the original separation eligibility (which you won) and the overpayment calculation (which may be unrelated). Also, make sure you're documenting every interaction with UC - dates you called, who you spoke with, what they told you. This becomes crucial evidence if you need to file appeals or complaints later. And definitely follow Dylan's advice about that petition for reconsideration - the "no notification received" reason has worked for others I know. Hang in there! The system is definitely confusing but you have more options than you might think.

This is such a valuable thread for anyone going through the PA UC process! I'm currently in the same situation - just got my eligibility approved but now seeing the "wages under review" status. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring. It's clear this is just a standard final verification step, not a new roadblock. The consistent 3-7 business day timeline that most people shared gives me realistic expectations instead of just worrying endlessly. I've been keeping up with my weekly certifications and work search activities while waiting. It's amazing how much stress comes from not knowing what's normal in this system - threads like this are so helpful for people navigating UC for the first time. Thanks to everyone who shared their actual experiences and timelines!

I'm currently going through this exact same process! Just got my eligibility determination approved on Thursday, but then saw the "wages under review" status appear this morning. This thread has been such a lifesaver - I had no idea this was a normal part of the PA UC system and was starting to worry they found some issue with my claim. It's really reassuring to see that most people experienced that 3-7 business day timeline for the wage verification step. I've been staying current with my weekly certifications and keeping detailed records of my work search activities while I wait. The uncertainty is definitely stressful when you're relying on these payments for rent and bills, but reading all these real experiences from people who actually went through it gives me so much more confidence that this is just the final step before payment release. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and outcomes - it makes such a difference to know what's actually normal versus what might be a red flag!

Congratulations Aisha! This is such amazing news! 🎉 I've been quietly following your journey and I'm so excited that everything worked out for you. Your story has been incredibly helpful for those of us who might face similar situations in the future. The way you handled everything - from asking thoughtful questions to staying on top of the reporting requirements - really shows how to navigate this process the right way. It's also wonderful to see how supportive and knowledgeable this community is. Everyone's advice about proper reporting, keeping documentation, and understanding the nuances of PA UC has been educational for all of us. Best of luck with your new position - after 8 weeks of searching, you definitely deserve this success! Thanks for keeping us updated throughout your journey.

Congratulations Aisha! This is absolutely wonderful news! 🎉 I'm so excited for you - landing a job after 8 weeks of searching is such an accomplishment, especially in today's challenging market. You've been handling this entire situation so professionally and it's clear you're going to do great in your new role. The advice you've received here about reporting the job acceptance on your weekly certification while continuing to file until your actual start date is spot on. This community really came together to help you navigate the PA UC system, and your experience will definitely help others who find themselves in similar transitions. Make sure to celebrate this win - you've earned it! Best of luck on your first day and in your new position!

I went through this exact same situation when I first applied! The waiting and uncertainty is so stressful, especially when rent is due. A few things that helped me: First, definitely go with a traditional bank or credit union like others suggested - online banks like Chime work too, but make sure they give you the routing/account numbers immediately. Second, call the Money Network customer service line (888-233-5916) and ask about expedited shipping for your card - there's usually a small fee but it can cut the wait time significantly. Third, while you're waiting, check with your local 211 service (just dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with emergency assistance programs in your area. Many counties have specific help for people waiting on unemployment benefits to start. The anticipation is the worst part, but once your first payment goes through, the timing becomes much more predictable. You've got this!

Been through this exact situation! The timing can be nerve-wracking when you're waiting on that first payment. Since you got the credit union account set up, you should be in good shape - they're usually really reliable for UC deposits. Just keep in mind that if you updated your direct deposit info after they already started processing Friday's payment, this week's deposit might still try to go to whatever method you had before (or get delayed while they sort it out). The good news is that once you get past this first payment hurdle, the timing becomes super predictable. Also, definitely keep that Money Network card request active as a backup - even though it's taking forever, it's nice to have as a safety net. And don't stress too much about the 1-2 day delay after the payment date - that's totally normal even for people who've been on UC for months. The system just needs that processing time to push the money through!