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UPDATE: My claim was approved!!! They actually accepted my explanation about the commission-only job without even requiring an appeal. The UC examiner agreed that a commission-only position wasn't suitable work compared to my previous salaried position. Just wanted to update everyone who helped me. Make sure you're honest about everything on your certifications!
Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might be in a similar situation. I went through something comparable last year where I accepted what I thought was a regular sales position but it turned out to be door-to-door commission only. The key thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of the original job posting and any emails/texts from the employer. When I explained to UC that the job was fundamentally different from what was advertised, they sided with me. Pennsylvania does protect workers from bait-and-switch situations like this. The fact that you're still in training and haven't earned anything yet actually strengthens your case that this wasn't the stable employment you thought you were accepting. Good luck with your claim - sounds like you're handling it the right way by being upfront about everything!
This is really great advice about keeping documentation! I wish I had thought to screenshot the original job posting before I quit. For anyone else reading this thread - definitely save everything from the hiring process including job descriptions, emails, and any communications where they mention salary/compensation structure. It's so frustrating when employers aren't upfront about commission-only positions during interviews. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Just to follow up - did you ever get your payment? I'm curious if it was the card expiration issue or just the normal delay for first payments.
UPDATE: The money finally showed up on my card this morning! So it took exactly 6 business days from the \
That's great news! 6 business days does seem to be pretty typical for first payments in a new benefit year. Good to know for others who might be in the same situation. Thanks for updating us - it helps when people follow up with what actually happened!
So glad it worked out! I've been following your situation because I'm dealing with something similar - my payment has been "processing" for 3 days now. Your timeline gives me hope that it's just the normal delay for first payments. Did you end up checking the Money Network website directly like Dylan suggested, or did it just eventually show up on the card?
One important thing to note: if you're approaching your benefit exhaustion, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even for the week you receive your final payment. Sometimes people stop filing when benefits run out, but if any extensions are authorized later, you need unbroken weekly claims to qualify automatically. Also, your RESEA participation should have connected you with enhanced job placement services - be sure to follow up with that program coordinator specifically.
Hey Jamal, I went through something similar in 2023 after my factory job ended. One thing that really helped me was signing up with temp agencies that specialize in manufacturing - they often have short-term assignments that can tide you over while you search for permanent work. Places like Aerotek, Kelly Services, and Manpower usually have industrial positions that pay decent wages. Even if it's just a few weeks here and there, it gives you income and keeps your skills sharp. Also, don't overlook utility companies and hospitals - they often need maintenance staff with manufacturing backgrounds and the pay is usually solid. I know it's scary when benefits are running out, but you've got experience and that certificate from RESEA, so hang in there!
This is really helpful advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about temp agencies specifically for manufacturing. Do you know if working temp jobs affects your unemployment benefits at all? Like if I get a 2-week assignment, do I have to stop filing claims completely or can I still get partial benefits for the weeks I'm not working? I'm worried about messing up my remaining benefits by taking temp work.
Based on what everyone has shared, it seems like your best options are: 1. Contact the Referee Office directly using the number on your hearing notice 2. If you can't get through, try calling the UC Service Center (though this can be difficult) 3. Check if any documents may have been mailed separately or sent to an old address 4. Request the documents be re-sent via email if possible 5. If you still can't get the information with enough time to prepare, request a continuance at least 3 business days before your hearing Remember to document all your attempts to get this information. This creates a record showing you've been trying to participate in the process in good faith, which can help your case if you need to appeal later.
I'm dealing with something similar right now! My employer is disputing my claim and I only found out the details by accident when I called about a different issue. The rep mentioned they were claiming I was terminated for "excessive absences" which was news to me since I was told it was a layoff due to budget cuts. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of everything - I screenshot my portal daily now and save any emails or letters I get. Also, if you do get through to someone on the phone, ask them to email you a summary of what was discussed. Some reps will do this if you explain you're preparing for a hearing. The whole system seems designed to keep you in the dark until the last minute. It's really unfair that we have to fight so hard just to get basic information about our own cases.
Melina Haruko
Just to provide some clarity on interstate claims since there seems to be some confusion: 1. For remote workers, the state where you physically performed the work (Ohio in your case) is typically considered your work location, regardless of where your employer is located. 2. However, since you paid PA taxes, your wages were likely reported to PA, which complicates things. 3. In your specific situation, you might need to file what's called a "combined-wage claim" where your wages from multiple states are combined. When you speak with a UC representative, specifically ask about combined-wage claims and whether your situation requires one. The good news is that these issues are resolvable - they just require getting through to someone who understands the interstate wage system.
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Caesar Grant
•Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'll specifically ask about combined-wage claims when I finally get through to someone. I definitely don't want to file in the wrong state and delay things even more.
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Liam O'Donnell
I work for PA UC (can't say which office) and this "no wages reported" issue with universities is happening A LOT lately. The problem is that many large institutions like Penn State have their payroll processed through third-party companies that sometimes use different EINs for reporting than what's in our main system. Since you worked remotely from Ohio but paid PA taxes, your wages should definitely be in our system - it's just a matter of the right person looking in the right place. The appeal you filed will trigger a manual wage search which usually finds the wages within 7-10 business days. One thing that might help speed this up: call your university's HR/payroll department and ask them to confirm which EIN they used to report your wages to PA UC. Sometimes they have the main university EIN but payroll gets reported under a subsidiary EIN. If you can provide that specific EIN number in your appeal documentation, it helps our wage investigation team find your records faster. Don't panic - I've seen hundreds of these cases and 95% get resolved once we do the manual wage verification. Your 9 years of employment will definitely qualify you.
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