Pennsylvania Unemployment

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Can't reach Pennsylvania Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.

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Will PA UC benefits continue if I take CareerLink training? Struggling with age discrimination

Hi everyone, I've been on unemployment for about 2 months now and feeling pretty discouraged. I've applied to 27 jobs in my field (medical billing) but only got 3 interviews and no offers. I'm 57 and even though nobody says it directly, I can tell my age is an issue during interviews. My CareerLink advisor suggested I could take their IT certification training program which would be a complete career change. I'm interested but worried - will this affect my PA UC benefits? Can I still collect unemployment while enrolled in CareerLink training? Has anyone done this without problems? I need to keep my benefits flowing while I retrain, can't afford to lose income now.

To update on the timeline question: According to the PA UC office, TAD approvals are currently taking 10-14 business days on average. Once approved, it takes effect immediately. If you're close to exhausting your regular UC benefits, approved training may also qualify you for Training Extended Benefits (TEB), which provides up to 16 additional weeks of benefits while you complete your training program. Age discrimination is frustrating but focusing on in-demand skills like IT certifications can definitely help overcome those barriers.

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Thank you for mentioning the Training Extended Benefits! I had no idea that existed. I've used about 8 weeks of benefits so far out of my 26 weeks, so hopefully the training program won't extend beyond my benefit year, but it's great to know there's a safety net if needed.

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Emma, I went through a similar situation at 55 when I was laid off from my accounting job. The age discrimination is real and frustrating, but I can confirm that the TAD program works! I did a cybersecurity bootcamp through CareerLink and kept my benefits the entire time. A few additional tips: 1) Ask your advisor about stackable credentials - you can often do multiple shorter certifications that build on each other, 2) Look into whether your program offers job placement assistance - mine had partnerships with local employers, and 3) Consider remote work opportunities in IT since they often focus more on skills than age. The transition was scary but worth it - I'm now working as a cybersecurity analyst and actually earning more than before. Don't let the bureaucracy discourage you from making this change!

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PA UC benefits showing paid on dashboard but Money Network card balance is zero - no direct deposit either!

I'm at my wit's end with PA UC payment issues! My dashboard clearly shows benefits were paid to me last week ($625), but the money is NOWHERE to be found. I previously had direct deposit set up and requested it again for this claim, but nothing has shown up in my account. Called UC and finally got through - they said payments went to my Money Network card instead. Fine, so I activated the card, checked the balance online and...ZERO dollars! I'm completely broke right now waiting for these payments that my dashboard says were already sent. I've tried everything: called the UC hotline 47 times yesterday (no exaggeration), attempted live chat for 3 hours, and even contacted my state rep's office multiple times. They were helpful at first but seemed annoyed last time and just told me to email UC. I sent two emails last week with no response. Meanwhile rent is due and I have no food. What could possibly be happening? Has anyone had benefits show as paid but never actually received them either by direct deposit OR Money Network card?

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to resolve this issue? The most common resolution for this specific problem (showing paid on dashboard but funds not appearing anywhere) is typically: 1. A UC representative needs to manually release the payment from the holding queue 2. There may be a verification flag that doesn't show up in your online account 3. Money Network may have sent your card to an old address if you've moved Did you try Claimyr or find another way to get through to a representative?

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Yes! Finally got this resolved yesterday. I used Claimyr and got through to a rep in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a "payment method conflict" in their system. Even though I requested direct deposit, my old Money Network card was still linked to my account, causing both payment methods to be flagged as uncertain. The payments were essentially stuck in limbo waiting for someone to manually review and decide where to send them. The rep was able to clear the flag and release the payments to my direct deposit. The money showed up in my account this morning! So relieved. For anyone else with this issue - definitely mention "payment method conflict" or "dual payment method flag" when you speak to someone. Thanks for all the help everyone!

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So glad you got this resolved @Liam! This is exactly the kind of info that helps everyone else dealing with similar issues. The "payment method conflict" terminology you mentioned is super useful - I never would have known to ask about that specifically. It's crazy that the UC system can show something as "paid" when it's actually stuck in some kind of review limbo. Thanks for coming back to update us on what worked!

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PA UC claim stuck 'under review' since mid-March - normal wait time?

Filed for PA unemployment in mid-March (about 5 weeks ago now) and my claim status has been saying 'under review' this whole time. No explanation online, no updates, nothing. Getting really worried because savings are almost gone and I have rent due next week. Is this normal for PA UC claims right now? Anyone know typical wait times for claim approval? I've tried calling dozens of times but just get the busy signal or disconnected. Starting to panic a little...

I'd like to add that once your claim is approved, you should receive backpay for all eligible weeks you've certified for. Make sure you've been filing your weekly certifications even while waiting for approval. \n\nAlso, prepare documentation before calling:\n- Your Social Security number\n- Your PIN\n- Employment history details (last day worked, reason for separation)\n- Any correspondence reference numbers\n\nHaving this information ready will make the call more efficient and increase your chances of resolution during a single call.

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I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed in early March and still stuck "under review" with zero explanation. It's so stressful not knowing what's wrong or how long it'll take. Reading through all these responses is really helpful though - sounds like getting through to an actual person is the key. I'm definitely going to try calling early morning this week and if that doesn't work, I'll look into that Claimyr service. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it helps to know we're not alone in this mess of a system!

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@191ca46ae9ab Hang in there! I'm dealing with the same frustrating situation - filed mid-March and still under review with no clear answers. What really helped me was reading through all the advice here about getting through to an actual representative. The online portal is basically useless for figuring out what's actually wrong with our claims. I'm planning to try calling first thing Monday morning, and if that doesn't work I'll definitely give Claimyr a shot. At least we know we're not alone in this - seems like tons of people are stuck in the same limbo right now. Keep filing those weekly claims though, that's what everyone says is important for getting backpay once this gets sorted out!

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PA UC rep suddenly hung up after waiting over an hour - system emergency?

After spending 66 minutes waiting on the PA unemployment phone line yesterday (with that awful hold music on repeat), I finally got connected to an actual person! I was in the middle of explaining my benefit year issue when the rep suddenly interrupted me saying 'I'm sorry but we have an emergency situation and all agents need to disconnect calls immediately.' Then she hung up! I was shocked. No explanation, no offer to call back, nothing. Has anyone experienced something like this before? Is this normal procedure when they have system issues? Now I'm back to square one and dreading another hour+ wait time. This was my 4th attempt this week trying to resolve my open issue!

After reading about your benefit year transition issue, I definitely recommend calling early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) and early in the morning right when they open. The claims overlap team that another user mentioned is usually less busy during those times. Also, prepare all your information before calling - your claim ID numbers for both claims, the exact dates of your benefit year end, and the dates of any pending payments. Having this ready will help them resolve it much faster once you do connect.

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Thank you! I'll definitely try Monday morning right when they open. And great tip about having all the info ready - I'll make a little cheat sheet with all those details so I don't waste any time once I get through.

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I've been through this exact scenario multiple times unfortunately. What really helped me was documenting everything - the time I called, how long I waited, the agent's name if they gave it, and exactly what happened. When I finally got through to someone who could help, having that timeline made them take my situation more seriously. Also, if you do get disconnected again "due to an emergency," ask for a reference number for your call before they hang up. Most agents can give you one quickly and it helps prove you actually connected when you call back. The system is definitely frustrating but don't give up!

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PA UC claim stuck 'under review' after reporting part-time income - can't file weekly claim now

So frustrated with PA unemployment right now! I started a part-time job three weeks ago (only 15 hours a week, not nearly enough to live on). I properly reported my income from this job on my weekly claim last week. Now when I try to file my weekly claim THIS week, the system won't let me in at all! Just says 'unable to file at this time' with no explanation. On top of that, my claim still shows 'under review' status and has been that way for almost a month. I've called the regular unemployment number at least 20 times - either busy signal or disconnected after waiting. Does anyone know any alternative numbers to reach an actual person at PA UC? Or is there a specific reason the system would block me from filing after reporting part-time work? This is so stressful - my rent is due next week and I only have $237 in my account.

Mei Liu

Author

Update: I FINALLY got through to someone this morning! For anyone with a similar problem - I called the alternative number (888-313-7284) at exactly 7:59am and selected option 1 then 3 for payment issues like someone suggested here. The agent explained that my claim was put on hold for recalculation because of my part-time work. She lifted the hold and I should be able to file again starting Sunday. She also said I'll be able to file for the missed week once the system updates (24-48 hours). My weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on my part-time earnings, but at least I'll get something. Thanks everyone for your help!

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Great news! Make sure you keep track of the dates for any weeks you need to backdate claims for. And remember to keep doing your work search activities every week, even during weeks where filing is interrupted. Glad you got it resolved!

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congrats!! thats amazing u got thru so quick. took me forever. def keep track of all ur hours from the part time job cuz they'll ask for that when u file

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That's such great news that you got through and got it resolved! For anyone else dealing with this issue - I had a very similar experience last year. The key things I learned: 1) Always call right when they open at 8am, 2) The payment issues line really does have shorter wait times, and 3) Make sure to ask specifically about backdating any missed weeks when you talk to the agent. Also, once your claim is back to normal, they'll recalculate your weekly benefit based on your part-time earnings using a formula - basically they subtract your weekly earnings from your full benefit amount, so you'll still get partial benefits as long as you're not earning more than your full weekly benefit amount. Keep all your pay stubs because they might ask for them later to verify your reported earnings!

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