Just to add a bit more clarity - the second determination (the $92 one) is almost certainly your correct amount due to the educational employee provisions others mentioned. But you should be aware that you'll need to report any part-time earnings when you file your weekly claims. The PA UC system will deduct a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount. Specifically, the first 30% of your weekly benefit rate doesn't reduce your benefits, but anything above that is deducted dollar for dollar. So if your WBR is $92, you can earn up to about $27 without reduction, then each dollar after that reduces your benefit by $1. Make sure you're accurately reporting all hours and earnings each week to avoid any overpayment issues down the road.

I work part-time at a university and went through something very similar when I reopened my claim last year. The two different determinations you received are totally normal - it's actually a good sign that the system is working properly! What happens is PA UC first calculates your benefit based on all your reported wages (that's your $148 determination), then they run a second calculation that applies all the specific eligibility rules for your situation. Since you work at an educational institution, they have to factor in the "reasonable assurance" provision for school employees, which is why your second determination dropped to $92. The second determination is definitely your correct amount. I'd recommend keeping both letters for your records, but go with the $92 when you're planning your budget. The timing of receiving them 20 minutes apart is actually pretty typical - their system processes these adjustments in batches. One tip: when you file your weekly claims, make sure you're reporting your college hours accurately. During summer when your hours are lower (10-15), you might qualify for partial benefits even while working. Just be super precise with your earnings reporting to avoid any issues later!

Update: I called our state rep's office today and they were super helpful! They said they're seeing tons of delays right now and have a special form they submit to UC for constituents. They're going to follow up and said we should hear something within 7-10 days. Also, husband managed to file the missed weekly certifications (thankfully). Thanks everyone for the advice!

So glad you were able to get through to your state rep's office! That's really encouraging. I'm dealing with a similar situation - my claim has been pending for 3 weeks now with no updates. Can you share which state rep's office you contacted? I'm wondering if it matters which one you call or if you have to call the one specifically for your district? Also, did they ask for any specific information or documentation when you called, or just basic claim details? Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress!

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the advice! I contacted Legal Aid and they're reviewing my case to see if they can represent me. As a backup, I also found an attorney who does free 30-min consultations for UC cases. I've started doing my weekly claims again and keeping track of my work search activities. Will update after my hearing next month!

Great to hear you're making progress! One additional tip - when you have your hearing, make sure to speak clearly and stick to the facts. Don't get emotional or go off on tangents. The referee will ask specific questions about your work history and the reason for denial. Since you have documentation (W-2s, pay stubs) and a witness (your manager), you should be in good shape. Also, if Legal Aid can't take your case, that free consultation attorney might be worth the investment if they charge reasonably for the actual hearing. Good luck!

That's awesome that your status changed to payable! I'm in a similar situation - won my appeal two weeks ago and have been waiting. Seeing your update gives me hope that mine might change soon too. The whole process is so stressful when you're broke and waiting. Fingers crossed you get those payment dates posted quickly!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Won my appeal last Friday and my status just shows "appeal decision rendered" with no payment dates yet. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - sounds like 7-14 days is pretty normal for the system to process everything. I'm also completely broke and stressed about bills, so I totally understand what you're going through. Thanks for posting this question because now I know what to expect and that I'm not the only one dealing with this frustrating waiting period after winning an appeal.

i think they do this on purpose to save money...my brother went thru something similar with construction work at a university and they tried to say he was a school employee too but he wasnt

Great outcome! This is exactly why it's so important to understand the distinction between where you physically work versus who your actual employer is. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation - always check your paystubs and tax documents to see who is listed as your employer. If it's a staffing agency, temp agency, or contractor company, then YOU are not a direct employee of the school/educational institution, even if that's where you perform your work duties. This distinction makes a huge difference in your UC eligibility and benefit amounts.