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I just filed my initial PA unemployment claim last week after getting laid off from my warehouse job (7 years there, ugh). The system says my claim is
I just checked my PA UC dashboard and I've got 5 different open issues on my claim. Didn't even know that was possible! My rent is due next week and I'm freaking out because I haven't received any payments for 3 weeks now. Does anyone know if I'll get paid once SOME issues are resolved, or do ALL FIVE need to be fixed before I see any money? The issues are mostly about my previous employer disputing my hours, one about job search requirements, and something about identity verification. The UC website is absolutely no help and I've been trying to call for days with no luck.
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.
Thanks for sharing your experience Zoe! 4 weeks is already way too long. I'm definitely going to try calling at 8 AM sharp tomorrow - seems like that's the consensus from everyone here. I've got most of my documentation ready but I'm still confused about that fifth issue with the weird code. Did you ever have any issues that you couldn't understand what they were asking for? Also, have you had any luck getting through to someone recently or are the wait times still crazy long?
So here's my situation with PA unemployment - I filed my initial claim on May 3rd and it took FOREVER (over 3 months!!!) to actually get any money. By the time payments started coming in, I had already found and started a new job. The problem is, the new position wasn't what they promised during the interview and I ended up quitting after about a month. I'm wondering if I can just start doing my weekly certifications again using my original claim? Or do I need to file a new application since I worked briefly? Anyone been through something similar? My benefit year should still be active since it's been less than a year since my initial claim.
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).
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! I've gathered all my emails and the offer letter showing what the job was supposed to be versus what it actually was. I'm going to try getting through on the phone to explain my situation before restarting my certs. I'm already applying to new jobs anyway so the work search requirement shouldn't be a problem.
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!
I'm seriously losing my mind waiting for the PA Board of Review decision on my appeal. It's been 11 weeks since my remand hearing where the employer didn't even bother to show up! I thought that would make things go faster, but nope. My rent is due AGAIN and I have no idea what to tell my landlord. The whole process has dragged on for almost a year since I first filed my claim. How is anyone supposed to survive like this? Has anyone else had a Board of Review appeal that took this long? Is there any way to check the status or light a fire under them? Anyone got through this nightmare with some good news to share? 🙏
Yes! Finally got some movement after contacting my state rep. Their office called me yesterday saying they inquired with UC and my appeal was actually approved 2 weeks ago but got stuck in processing. Should receive payment within 7-10 days they said. Still frustrated it took this long but relieved it's finally moving forward.
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!
I'm so devastated right now and dealing with PA unemployment on top of everything else. We lost our baby on Monday and I had emergency surgery. I've been on UC for about 6 weeks (my initial claim was approved with no issues). I've been doing part-time work at a retail store while on UC, reporting all earnings. Because of the medical emergency, I had to miss my Friday shift. When I filed my weekly claim yesterday, I honestly reported that I wasn't able and available for work that day and filled out the fact-finding form explaining the medical situation. Now my UC portal shows TWO new issues on my claim! I can go back to work as of yesterday and completed all my work search activities for the week despite everything. Will calling PA UC help resolve these issues quickly? I'm worried my benefits will be delayed for weeks now. Has anyone dealt with medical emergency issues on their claim? Any advice would be so appreciated - this has been the worst week of my life.
Yes! I finally got through yesterday morning after using the Claimyr service someone recommended here. The UC rep reviewed my doctor's note and cleared both issues on the spot. She said I'll still get partial benefits for the week (they'll just deduct the day I wasn't available). Payment should arrive by next Tuesday. Thanks everyone for the help during such a difficult time.
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.
QuantumQuest
That's correct. The first payment typically requires additional treasury processing which adds 3-5 business days. Subsequent payments are generally much faster.
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Nia Thompson
Filed my claim 3 weeks ago and still waiting... this thread is both helpful and terrifying lol. At least now I know I'm not alone in this mess. The fact that people are waiting 2+ months is insane. I've been doing all my weekly certifications and work search activities religiously just in case. Fingers crossed I don't hit any of those mystery "open issues" that seem to add months to the process 🤞
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