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Glad you got through to someone! Just to add - make sure you're meeting your weekly work search requirements (apply to at least 2 jobs and do 1 work search activity). With a benefit year ending, they sometimes review your compliance more carefully. Good luck with your new application!
This is such a stressful situation! I'm going through something similar - my benefit year ends next month and I still have about $2,800 left. It's so frustrating that PA just lets that money disappear when people still need it. I've been job hunting for months with no luck, and now I'm worried I won't qualify for a new claim since I haven't worked enough. The whole system feels designed to push people off benefits even when they're legitimately trying to find work. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - at least now I know what to expect, even if it's not good news.
I totally understand your frustration! I'm new to this community but going through a similar situation. It really does feel like the system is working against us. Have you considered looking into any job training programs while you're still on benefits? I've heard some people mention that being enrolled in approved training can sometimes help with extensions or at least give you new skills to make you more competitive. Also, maybe try that calling service others mentioned to get through to UC and ask specifically about your situation - they might have options they don't advertise. Hang in there!
I used to work as a paralegal helping with UC appeals, and I've seen these cases go both ways. The deciding factor is usually whether the claimant can prove they remained able and available for full-time work despite the freelance activities. Bring a detailed calendar showing when your husband did the freelance work versus when he was job searching, interviewing, etc. Also, if the consulting work was in any way different from his regular occupation (different skills, industry, etc.), make sure to emphasize that. Good luck!
I'm dealing with something similar right now - got laid off from my retail job in January and have been doing some freelance graphic design work while job hunting. I've been reporting everything but now I'm terrified they'll come after me too! This thread is super helpful though. I didn't realize there was such a specific distinction between "sideline work" and "self-employment" in PA's eyes. Quick question for those who've been through appeals - about how long does the whole process take? I'm worried if I get hit with an overpayment notice, how much time I'd have to prepare a defense. Also, does anyone know if you can get a lawyer for these hearings or is it mostly just you representing yourself? Really hoping your appeal goes well OP! The fact that your husband reported everything and was actively job searching should work in your favor.
Hey Alberto! From what I've seen in other threads, the appeal process usually takes 4-6 weeks from when you file to when you get a hearing date. You typically have 15 days from the overpayment notice to file your appeal, so don't wait if you get one. You can absolutely have a lawyer represent you at UC hearings, but most people represent themselves since the hearings are designed to be accessible. Some people hire employment lawyers just for consultation to help prepare their case rather than full representation. Since you're doing graphic design (which sounds pretty different from retail work), you might have a good argument that it's truly sideline work. Just make sure you're documenting your job search efforts really well - applications, interviews, networking, etc. That seems to be key from all the advice in this thread!
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.
Update on my Claimyr experience - they just connect you to a real UC agent, but that's the hardest part honestly. Once I got an actual person on the phone, I had to handle the appeal myself, but at least I could explain my situation. The UC rep was actually pretty helpful once I could talk to them. They explained exactly what documentation I needed to submit for my appeal.
That's right - Claimyr just gets you past the phone system bottleneck, but you still need to know what to say and what documentation to have ready. For PUA overpayments specifically, make sure you have all your income verification documents organized before you call.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the UC office this morning! After being on hold for almost 2 hours (ugh). They confirmed I do have an overpayment notice for $4,750 from March 8. The agent said they'll mail me a new copy and noted in my file that I'm planning to appeal. They're giving me until April 5th to submit my appeal (yay for the extension!). Apparently they're claiming I didn't provide adequate proof of self-employment income for some weeks, even though I swear I uploaded all my 1099s and bank statements. At least now I know what I'm dealing with. Thanks everyone for your help!
That's great news that you got through and have a clear deadline now! The self-employment income verification issue is super common with PUA claims. When you get that new letter, pay close attention to which specific weeks they're questioning. Sometimes they want very specific documentation formats - like profit/loss statements or detailed invoices rather than just bank deposits. You might want to reach out to a tax preparer or accountant who's familiar with self-employment documentation to help strengthen your appeal. Good luck with April 5th!
So glad you got through and have a path forward! @fc89033d6fb5 Just a heads up - when you're preparing your appeal documentation, organize everything chronologically by week and make sure each document clearly shows the date and income amount. I went through something similar and the appeals officer really appreciated having everything laid out clearly. Also, if you have any emails or correspondence from when you originally submitted those documents, include those too as proof you did submit them on time. The April 5th deadline gives you plenty of time to put together a solid appeal package!
Sofia Price
Just wanted to update - my payment finally went through this morning. Seems like it was just the holiday delay. Everyone else get theirs?
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Marcus Patterson
•Yep, got mine yesterday afternoon finally! And I took everyone's advice and switched to direct deposit for future payments to avoid these kinds of delays. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!
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Isabella Brown
I'm so glad I found this thread! I was starting to freak out because my payment didn't come through yesterday like usual either. Reading everyone's experiences with the Presidents Day delay makes me feel so much better. I had no idea federal holidays could mess with the timing like that. Going to download that Money Network app right now so I get notifications, and definitely looking into switching to direct deposit after this. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know you're not alone when these delays happen!
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