


Ask the community...
UPDATE: Money just hit my card this morning (Monday)! So it ended up taking 5 business days rather than the 1-2 they promised. Thanks everyone for the reassurance - you were right that I just needed to be patient. For anyone else in this situation, definitely trust that the process is working but expect delays beyond what they tell you.
glad it worked out! always remember with PA unemployment, add at least 3 days to whatever timeframe they give you lol
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.
this is so true! they scrutinize EVERYTHING now. my friend just gave up and didnt even bother filing when she started freelancing cuz its such a hassle 🙄
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.
That's great news! When you fill out that questionnaire, be very clear and specific about your limited hours in self-employment and your continued availability for full-time work. Also attach copies of your work search records to strengthen your case. Good luck!
UPDATE: I finally got in! System is working now but super slow. For anyone still trying, be patient after you enter your PIN - it took almost 3 minutes for the next screen to load but it eventually did. Make sure you don't refresh or you'll have to start over!
For future reference, the best times to file your weekly claim are usually Tuesday or Wednesday mornings between 9-11am. The system has the least traffic then. Sundays and Mondays are always nightmares because everyone tries to file as soon as the week opens up. Also, if you ever can't file online, remember you can use the PA UC phone filing system at 888-255-4728, though it's pretty tedious to use.
That's really helpful advice! I'll definitely try mid-week next time instead of stressing on Sunday. Do you know if filing on a Tuesday vs Sunday affects when the payment gets processed?
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.
I just called the appeals office this morning and they said they'll need my request in writing! Going to fax it over today and follow up tomorrow. Fingers crossed they approve it. Thanks everyone for the advice!
Connor Byrne
congrats on the new job! one thing nobody mentioned is u might need to report ur first day of work on ur last weekly certification. there's a question that asks if u refused work or returned to work. make sure u answer that correctly or they could hit u with an overpayment later
0 coins
Fatima Al-Maktoum
•Thank you! And thanks for the tip - I definitely don't want to deal with an overpayment on top of everything else. I'll be sure to report my return to work date on my final certification.
0 coins
Dylan Mitchell
Just wanted to follow up - since your claim has been pending for 6 weeks, you might qualify for a hardship acceleration. Call the UC service center and specifically mention financial hardship (risk of eviction, utility shutoff, etc.). This sometimes gets them to expedite the determination. And keep documenting everything in case you need to appeal or request a backdated determination.
0 coins
Dmitry Petrov
•This! My cousin got her claim expedited when she mentioned hardship. They processed her determination in like 3 days after weeks of waiting!
0 coins