Hey Raúl, I went through something similar last year with 4 open issues and I know how stressful it is when rent is due. Here's what helped me get through it faster: Call the UC service center first thing in the morning (8 AM sharp) - I had better luck getting through early. Also, when you do get someone on the phone, ask them to look at ALL your issues at once rather than addressing them one by one. For the identity verification, if you haven't done ID.me yet, do that ASAP - it's usually the quickest one to resolve. For the job search issue, make sure you have detailed records of where you applied and when. And for the employer dispute about hours, gather any pay stubs or documentation you have showing your actual hours worked. The good news is once they resolve everything, you'll get all your back pay in one shot. Hang in there - I know it sucks but you will get through this!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - 3 open issues on my claim and it's been 4 weeks without payment. From what I've learned talking to other people in the same boat, you unfortunately do need all issues resolved before they'll release any money. The system basically puts a hold on everything until each issue is cleared. One thing that helped me was organizing all my documentation before calling. For your employer dispute about hours, gather any pay stubs, timesheets, or W-2s that show your actual hours. For the ID verification, complete the ID.me process if you haven't already - that one tends to get resolved fastest. I know it's frustrating when rent is due, but keep filing your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet. Once everything is resolved, you'll get all the back pay you're owed. Have you tried calling right at 8 AM when they open? I had better luck getting through early in the morning.

Since your benefit year is still active (it lasts 52 weeks from the initial filing date), you don't need to file a new application. You'll just restart weekly certifications. But everyone is correct that you'll need to address the job separation issue. Based on PA UC regulations, if the employer significantly changed the terms of employment (hours, pay, duties, location) from what was agreed upon at hiring, this can qualify as "necessitous and compelling" reason to quit. Documentation is key - emails, offer letter, texts about the job duties versus what was actually assigned. When you certify, be ready for there to be a delay while they investigate the separation. And you will likely need to complete the work search requirements again (applying to at least two jobs and completing one work search activity each week).

Just want to add - if you do end up having to wait during their investigation, you might want to look into your local food banks and assistance programs to help bridge the gap. I had to do this during my 6-week wait and it really helped. Also, don't let them intimidate you if they initially deny your claim. The appeals process exists for a reason and many people win on appeal even after being denied initially. Keep all your documentation organized and be persistent. Good luck!

After 2 weeks with no update on my UC claim I finally got through to a rep yesterday. Apparently my employer is contesting it (no surprise) but the agent said with my documentation I should be fine. Just a waiting game now!

I was in a similar situation with my union job at a steel plant. Got fired for "excessive tardiness" - was late 4 times in 6 weeks due to childcare issues. The union didn't fight for me during the termination but here's what saved me: I kept detailed records of every time I notified my supervisor AND I had the union contract which stated employees get progressive discipline (verbal warning, written warning, then termination). They skipped the written warning step completely! PA UC approved me because the employer didn't follow their own disciplinary procedures. Make sure you get a copy of your union contract and check if they followed all the steps. Also, being 10 minutes late with documented car trouble is NOT willful misconduct - you communicated proactively each time. That shows good faith effort to get to work. You should be fine!

Any update? Did contacting your state rep help move things along?

That's such great news that your state rep was able to help! I'm dealing with a similar situation - been waiting 9 weeks for my Board of Review decision after winning at the referee level. My employer didn't show up to that hearing either but here we are still waiting. Definitely going to contact my state rep's office tomorrow morning. Thanks for sharing the update - gives me hope that there might actually be light at the end of this tunnel!

Just wondering did u get this fixed?? Im having a similar problem now with my claim

I'm so glad you got this resolved! Your experience really shows how helpful it can be to have medical documentation ready and to try the callback services when the phone lines are jammed. It's reassuring to hear that PA UC can actually handle these situations properly when you get the right person on the line. Hope you're doing better and taking care of yourself during this difficult time.