UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for the help! I tried a combination of approaches: 1. First I tried calling ID.me directly using the number someone shared - was on hold forever but no luck 2. Then I DMed them on Twitter like someone suggested - they actually responded within a few hours! 3. Meanwhile I used Claimyr to connect with PA UC and explained my situation Between the Twitter response from ID.me and talking to an actual UC rep, I got it sorted out. The UC agent was able to temporarily bypass the ID.me requirement so I could file my weekly claim while we get the ID.me issue permanently fixed. What a relief! For anyone else hitting this error - definitely try reaching out through social media AND getting through to an actual UC agent rather than just submitting tickets. Makes a huge difference!

So glad you got this resolved! I've been dealing with ID.me issues for weeks and this thread is a goldmine of actual useful advice. I'm definitely going to try the Twitter approach - never would have thought of that. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops just to access our own benefits, but at least there are workarounds. Thanks for sharing the update and what actually worked!

After your hearing, regardless of the outcome, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims. Many claimants stop filing during the appeal process, which is a mistake. If you win, you'll only be paid for weeks you actually filed claims.

I went through a similar hearing last year where my employer tried to claim I was fired for cause when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. The key thing that helped me was having ANY kind of documentation from around the time of termination - even informal stuff counts. Do you have any emails you sent to family/friends right after being fired? Screenshots of job search activity that started immediately after your termination date? Even your unemployment application date can help establish the timeline. The fact that they paid you after you stopped working is HUGE - employers don't typically pay people who quit or abandon their jobs. Also, during the hearing, if your employer contradicts themselves or changes their story from what they initially reported to UC, the referee will definitely notice. Stay consistent with your version of events and don't let them rattle you. You've got this!

UPDATE: Just got back from my hearing and I WON!!! The employer did show up, but they had ZERO documentation of any unprofessional behavior. The referee kept asking them for specific incidents with dates and they couldn't provide anything concrete. When I showed my termination paper with "no reason given" plus my recent positive performance review, the referee seemed really convinced. She even commented on how unusual it was to pay someone for days not worked if misconduct was involved. Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice - it truly made all the difference! Now I'm just wondering how long until I actually see payments? The referee said I should receive a written decision within 10-14 days, but didn't say when payments would start.

Congratulations Michael! That's fantastic news! 🎉 Your case is a perfect example of why it's so important to appeal these bogus denials. Regarding payment timing - in PA, once you receive the favorable written decision, payments typically start within 1-2 weeks. Since you've been filing your weekly claims during the appeal (great job listening to that advice!), you should receive retroactive payments back to your original claim date. Just make sure to keep filing your weekly claims until you see the payments hit your account. Sometimes there can be a brief processing delay even after the decision is issued. Your victory gives me hope for others facing similar situations. Employers really can't just make up misconduct after the fact without documentation - the system does work when you come prepared with evidence like you did!

Update us after you file the appeal on how long it takes to get a hearing date. In 2024 they've been scheduling them faster than last year - my friend just had her appeal hearing scheduled only 10 days after filing. Much better than the 4-6 week waits people were experiencing in 2023.

Don't panic - you have a strong case! A 70% reduction in hours (40 to 12) absolutely constitutes good cause for quitting in PA. I work as a paralegal and see these cases regularly. Here's what you need to know: File your appeal TODAY online through your UC dashboard. Don't wait! The 15-day deadline is firm and there's no extension. For the appeal form, keep it brief: "I disagree with the determination because the substantial reduction in my work hours from 40 to 12 per week created a necessitous and compelling reason to leave employment." Start organizing your evidence NOW: - Pay stubs showing your regular 40-hour weeks before the cut - The new schedule showing 12 hours - Your resignation email mentioning the hours as the reason - Any communications with your employer about the reduction - Documentation of your attempts to find alternatives (like that 90-mile position they offered) The hearing will likely be by phone within 2-3 weeks. During the hearing, emphasize that you tried to work with your employer before quitting and that the income reduction made the job financially unsustainable. You've got this! The key is being prepared and professional during the hearing.

I mailed mine with certified mail so I had proof of delivery. I don't think there's a way to submit it electronically, unfortunately. Make sure to make copies of EVERYTHING you send them. And write your claim number on every page!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! My advice is to submit the UC-53 form right away, but also keep detailed records of when you submit it. I had to follow up twice because they "lost" my first submission. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline document showing exactly when I worked at the missing employer and what quarters those wages should count toward. I included the employer's name, address, and EIN number from my W-2. The UC office told me having all that info upfront made their investigation much faster. Also, don't worry about them stopping your current payments - they legally have to continue paying your approved amount while they investigate. Good luck!