To answer the follow-up question about partial benefits: Yes, you might qualify for partial benefits for those first few days before starting full-time. PA UC has what's called a "partial benefit credit" - you can earn up to 30% of your weekly benefit amount without reduction, then benefits reduce dollar-for-dollar after that. So definitely worth reporting accurately!

Congrats on the new job! Just wanted to add that when you file that final weekly certification, make sure you have your exact start date and employer information handy - the system will ask for specifics. Also, if you're worried about doing something wrong, you can always call the PA UC customer service line to confirm, though as others mentioned it can be hard to get through. The main thing is don't just ghost the system - always report major changes like returning to work. It protects you and keeps everything above board. Good luck with the new position!

bro just take the money and dont tell them lol how would they even know unless ur getting direct deposit to the same account

Just wanted to follow up and say thanks to everyone who chimed in with advice! After reading through all the responses, I decided to go with the 401k loan option instead of a withdrawal. My plan administrator confirmed I can borrow up to $25k at a pretty reasonable interest rate, and since I'm paying myself back, it won't trigger any tax penalties or potential UC complications. Plus no risk of temporary benefit suspensions while they investigate large deposits. Really appreciate this community for helping me think through all the angles!

I work in HR (not giving legal advice) but I've seen many UC cases. Here's what often gets overlooked: If your employer did not enforce their attendance policy consistently, that MATTERS. Were other people allowed to have 3+ tardies without being fired? That's important. Also, did they ever formally warn you about your attendance before termination? If they didn't follow a progressive discipline process that they use with others, mention that. Lastly, UC referees are generally fair in my experience. They follow the law, not just what employers want. I've seen plenty of employees win these appeals when the facts support their case.

Yes, absolutely mention both of those points! Inconsistent enforcement of rules and lack of progressive discipline are both factors that can help your case. PA unemployment referees often consider these elements when determining if there was actual misconduct. Document the names of coworkers with similar or worse attendance who weren't fired if you can. The more specific details you can provide, the stronger your case will be. Best of luck with your hearing!

BTW has anyone gotten their hearing decision faster than the 2-3 weeks they tell you it'll take? I'm on day 10 waiting for mine and the suspense is KILLING ME!!!!!

I've been through a similar situation in PA and want to add something important - make sure you organize your evidence clearly before the hearing. Label the write-up as "Exhibit A" or something similar so you can reference it easily during testimony. Also, if you have any witnesses who can testify about what actually happened (coworkers who heard the conversation), consider having them available by phone during the hearing. The referee will appreciate your preparation and organization. When employers contradict their own written records, it seriously damages their credibility. You've got this!

. We recently changed to an app to keep our time. When working offside you just use the punch in button and your location on ur phone proving you are there allows you to clock in. My app didn't have that and the mobile app was a mess so I was encouraged to do it at main hospital. I was sent a message saying do your time I am about to submit it. I looked at my schedule and just put the time I was scheduled. It was an HOUR difference but her showing my text and not giving context about how I was scared of them treating me like shit bam...fired

Should I bother appealing? I loved my job I have been there for two years and that was my end goal. To be there. I would never risk my job for 20.57 I made in that hour. When I explained during the meeting out of nowhere he asks why I talked shit about my supervisor to this coworker and why it took me 40 mins to get there when it took 15 max. I explained I was helping her. He said he had someone who watched me sit in my car for 20 minutes but first said I was shit talking. It was hostile and I barely said a word other than I panicked when driving here that Dan would treat me like shit and tell everyone I was late I just had a meeting with my bosses for not being able to call in that i was late cause a huge storm put 3 trees down in my driveway. No biggie just spoke to them and also told them I've been having a hard time in my personal life lately and I hope they know how much I care about this job and I apologize if I seem off or anything. They thanked me and said they love having me and praised me. Now this hr guy is saying my performance is bad? It was an ambush. This girl also has taken 3 or 4 other people to HR and they have the union behind them saving them I didn't. We just started keeping our own time. I am trying to win the appeal by proving that termination was an extreme measure to take for an employee who was praised just days prior. Removing me from working offsite, different shift, and probationary period. I would have done ANYTHING to keep my job. And not only that but the girl got lucky that I was sent a message saying add your time and I did it based off my schedule not even thinking. Her job is to look them over see if there are discrepancies and to ask us before submitting. She didn't do that. Also if an employer doesn't hold everyone to the same standard or doesn't follow their own policy. We were sent an email saying they haven't been giving tarsies out but it's gotten so bad they might start. So they definitely pick and choose. Anyways that's all the details. The only thing left out is that I went to the HR guy crying because this one coworker was so cruel and he said it's not my fault people don't like you and asked me to leave. I was asking his advice on what to do if he could have us sit together and figure out the problem. He also showed up to drunk under a false name when he should've been working. Not breaking any health info laws I was told this by someone randomly a few days ago. OK anyways thanks guys. Am I wasting my time or not? I became a single mom to my two kids a week prior to losing my job so I need this money until I find a job