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THE PHONE HEARING IS ACTUALLY WORSE!!! I did that and regretted it because I couldn't see the referee's face or read body language. Plus my phone kept cutting out and I missed some questions. If your orientation is important, just ask for a postponement instead. The UC system is BROKEN and they don't care about our schedules AT ALL!!!
While phone hearings have limitations, they're often the only viable option for those with scheduling conflicts. A postponement is a valid alternative, but as I mentioned, it can significantly delay the process. Each situation is different - some cases are better suited for in-person hearings while others work fine via phone. The important thing is making the request promptly and properly documenting your need for accommodation.
I ended up having to postpone my hearing by almost 4 weeks because I didn't act quickly enough. Definitely don't wait! I finally got through to someone after using that service I mentioned, and they were able to help me figure everything out. Just make sure to have your appeal docket number ready when you call.
UPDATE: I just checked my dashboard and the overpayment is STILL showing. It's been 5 days since I got the dismissal letter. Should I be worried? Has anyone had the system take longer than this to update after a dismissal?
UPDATE 2: Good news everyone! The overpayment finally disappeared from my account today (two weeks after getting the dismissal letter). What a relief! Thanks to everyone who helped calm me down and explained what was happening. This system is so confusing and stressful to navigate.
just wondering won't u have waiting week anyway if u reopen on 12/22? so maybe not even get paid for that one week?
Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm definitely going to reopen on 12/22 exactly, and file as quickly as possible after the week ends. Really hope the system handles it correctly because that week of benefits would really help with bills. Seems like timing is everything with PA UC!
One more tip - take screenshots of everything when you reopen and file that week. If there's any issue, you'll want documentation of what the system showed you and any confirmation numbers. Also, note that since you're returning to work on 1/3, make sure to report that correctly when you file for that partial week. Good luck!
An important point that hasn't been mentioned: In 2025, PA UC has been more thoroughly reviewing self-employment situations because of the high number of overpayments they had to process during the pandemic years. They're being extra cautious with these claims now. The good news is that if your self-employment is just getting started and you're making under the Partial Benefit Credit (PBC) amount, you should still qualify for at least partial benefits assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements and are truly available for full-time work.
Update: I finally got through to UC yesterday! The agent explained that the active issue was indeed related to my self-employment. They're sending me a questionnaire asking about my business hours, whether I'd accept full-time work, and details about my work search activities. She said once I return that with proper documentation, they should be able to process my claim. Will post another update when I hear back.
PixelPioneer
THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!!! They NEVER give you the full 26 weeks unless you made BIG MONEY! I worked 18 months and only got 18 weeks, how is that fair?? My friend worked only 9 months and got 22 weeks because she had a higher paying job! It's all about how much you earned not how long you worked, which is TOTALLY UNFAIR to those of us in lower wage jobs!!!! 😡
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Zainab Ahmed
•While I understand your frustration, the system is designed this way because unemployment benefits are meant to partially replace wages. Higher wages = higher benefits, but everyone has the same percentage replacement rate. The duration is affected by total earnings because they're trying to ensure you have sufficient work history to qualify for the full benefit period.
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Dmitry Smirnov
Just got my Notice of Financial Determination today! They approved me for 20 weeks based on my earnings. Not the full 26 I was hoping for, but better than I expected after reading all your comments. Thanks everyone for your help explaining how this works!
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Ava Johnson
•congrats! make sure u do ur weekly claims on time, they r super picky about that
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ElectricDreamer
•That's great news! Be sure to complete your work search activities each week (applying to jobs, attending workshops, etc.). You need to do at least 2 per week and record them when you file your weekly claims.
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