Good news is that if you win your appeal, you'll get all the back payments you're entitled to. Make sure you're answering the weekly certification questions correctly - 'Are you able to work?' should be YES (because you can work many jobs, just not your previous one). Also document all your job search activities carefully during this time.

That's great that you got your appeal submitted! Just wanted to add - when you go to your appeal hearing (if they schedule one), bring copies of everything: your doctor's note, any emails or documentation about requesting accommodation from your supervisor, and a list of job types you've been applying for that work with your restrictions. Also, practice explaining clearly that you CAN work, just not jobs requiring heavy lifting. Sometimes the hearing officer needs that distinction spelled out really clearly. Wishing you the best of luck - sounds like you have a solid case!

Great news on getting that sorted out! 7-9 weeks is still a really long wait but at least now you know what to expect. For anyone else dealing with similar system errors - this is exactly why it's so important to actually speak with a rep rather than just trusting what the online portal shows. The PA UC website has been notorious for displaying incorrect statuses, especially for appeals. Keep us posted on how your hearing goes when it finally gets scheduled!

As someone who just went through this exact same situation last month, I can confirm the PA UC system is absolutely terrible at showing accurate statuses for appeals. I had the same "waiting for decision to be written" message for 3 weeks before my hearing was even scheduled! What helped me was calling first thing in the morning (like 7:59 AM) right when they open - seemed to have better luck getting through then. Also want to echo what others said about continuing to file your weekly claims - I almost made that mistake and would have lost weeks of backpay. The whole process is stressful but hang in there, it does eventually get resolved!

One more thing - if you lose the hearing, you can appeal to the UC Board of Review. You'll have 15 days from the date on the decision letter. I had to do this and eventually won at that level. Just something to keep in mind as a backup plan, but focus on winning this hearing first!

I went through a similar situation about 6 months ago - employer showed up with their lawyer and everything! But I still won because I had solid documentation. Here's what really helped me: I organized all my evidence chronologically and made a simple timeline showing what actually happened vs. what they claimed. The safety complaint angle could definitely work in your favor - in PA, if they can't prove the misconduct happened BEFORE you made those complaints, it looks like retaliation. Make sure you have dates on everything. Also, don't let them intimidate you if they bring multiple people. I was terrified when my former manager showed up with HR and their attorney, but the referee kept everything fair and focused on facts. You got this! The emails about planned layoffs are going to be your strongest evidence.

UPDATE: Just finished my hearing and I think it went well! The referee was actually pretty nice and seemed to understand my situation. It only took about 25 minutes. I explained my work search activities in detail and she seemed satisfied with my evidence. She said I should receive a decision in 7-10 days. Fingers crossed! Thank you all for the advice - it really helped calm my nerves.

Glad to hear your hearing went well! That's such a relief after all the stress you've been through. The fact that the referee seemed satisfied with your evidence is definitely a positive sign. I went through something similar last year and when the referee was engaged and asking detailed questions about my job search (rather than seeming dismissive), I knew it was going in the right direction. The 7-10 day wait is tough but try to stay optimistic. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims like others mentioned - that's crucial even while waiting for the appeal decision. Also, if by chance you don't hear anything after 10 business days, don't panic. Sometimes it takes a bit longer but that doesn't mean it's bad news. Really hoping you get that favorable decision and backpay soon. You've been through enough stress these past 14 weeks. Keep us posted when you hear back!

Update: I called PA UC this morning (finally got through after trying for hours) and the rep confirmed that the two disqualification letters are for different issues even though they look nearly identical. One is questioning my reason for job separation and the other is about my availability for work. She said I was right to appeal both separately and that they'll likely schedule one hearing to address both issues. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Great update! So glad you got through and got clarification. For your appeal hearing, make sure you have documentation ready for both the job separation issue and the availability for work issue. For job separation, bring any termination paperwork, emails, or documentation about why you left your job. For availability, have proof of your job search activities, any medical documentation if health was a factor, or evidence that you were ready and able to work. Having everything organized by issue will help the referee understand your situation clearly. Wishing you the best with your appeal!