Just to update what I said earlier - while most appeals are taking 6-8 weeks, if your case is straightforward (clear documentation, etc.), it might be processed faster. Also, make sure you're available at the phone number you provided on your appeal form. They sometimes call to clarify details before scheduling the actual hearing. Missing that call can delay things further. During this waiting period, I'd recommend organizing all your employment documents, including: - Final pay stub - Any communication about your separation - Performance reviews (if positive) - Work schedule changes - Any witnesses who can testify about your work situation Having everything ready will make the hearing process smoother when it finally happens.

I'm going through the same thing right now - submitted my appeal 3 weeks ago and still waiting! The anxiety is real when you're counting every penny. From what I've been reading online and hearing from others, it seems like PA is taking anywhere from 6-12 weeks right now depending on how backed up they are. One thing that helped me was calling my local state representative's office - they have caseworkers who can sometimes help expedite things or at least confirm your appeal is in the system. Also seconding what others said about keeping up with your weekly certifications even while waiting. Hang in there!

Another thing to check - log into your portal and look at the "Payment Information" section. Does it show your weekly benefit amount (WBA) calculated correctly? And check your claim status to make sure it doesn't say you need to complete ID verification or something else before payment. Sometimes they approve the reason for separation but there's STILL other hoops to jump through!!! 😡

Since your claim status is "Active" and your WBA is calculated, that's a good sign everything is in order. Typically, payments should process within 2-3 business days after approval, but with 18 weeks of backpay, it might take a bit longer. The system processes large backpay amounts through an additional review sometimes, which can add a few days. If you don't see anything by early next week, that's when I would definitely try to reach someone by phone.

To update everyone, I just checked the PA Department of Revenue website and they're reporting an average 24-day processing time from the date you receive that message. They're also saying that returns filed after April 15, 2025 (even with extensions) are taking longer - about 30-35 days on average. If it's been more than 6 weeks, you should definitely call them at 717-787-8201.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my PA return about 4 weeks ago and got that processing message last week. It's so stressful waiting when you're relying on that money! From what everyone is saying here, it sounds like anywhere from 3-6 weeks is normal. I've been checking my bank account obsessively every morning. Hopefully we both get our refunds soon! At least the UC payments are something, even if they don't cover everything with how expensive everything has gotten.

Just to follow up on this thread - appeals are usually successful in cases like yours. About 75% of self-employment disqualification appeals are overturned when the person was actually a W-2 employee with tips. Make sure you have these documents for your hearing: 1. Your W-2 from the restaurant 2. Recent pay stubs showing your reduced hours 3. A letter from your employer confirming your employment status (if possible) 4. Any documentation showing that tips were processed through your employer If you haven't already, check your UCMS dashboard for the appeal form, or call the UC service center to request the appeal form be mailed to you.

Hey Lauren, I went through almost the exact same thing last year! Got denied for Section 402(h) even though I was clearly a W-2 employee at a local diner. The problem is PA's system automatically flags anyone with significant tip income as potentially self-employed. Here's what worked for me: when you file your appeal, be very specific that you were an employee receiving tips as part of your wages, not operating as an independent contractor. I also included a copy of my employee handbook that showed the tip reporting policy. The hearing referee was actually really understanding once I explained the situation clearly. One tip - if you have any old schedules or time clock records, bring those too. They help prove you were working set shifts as an employee rather than coming and going as you please like a contractor would. Good luck with your appeal!

Glad to hear it came through! For future reference, you can always check the status of your payments by going to the UC dashboard and looking under 'Payment History.' It will show whether a payment has been processed, the method (direct deposit or Money Network card), and the date it was issued. This can be helpful for tracking when to expect funds in the future.

Great to see this worked out for you Jessica! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're ever worried about your payment status, you can also set up text alerts through the PA UC system. They'll send you notifications when payments are processed and when there are any issues with your claim. It's been super helpful for me to know exactly when to expect money without having to constantly check the website. Also, keep all your payment confirmations and screenshots just in case there are any discrepancies later!