ya she won! took like 3 weeks to get the decision letter but they ruled in her favor and she got all her backpay at once. she said the hearing was only like 20 mins too.

Based on everything you've shared, especially finding that policy in your handbook about excused medical absences, I think you have a strong case. Make sure to address these key points at your hearing: 1. Present your medical documentation and positive flu test 2. Show evidence that you followed the proper call-off procedures 3. Highlight the handbook policy that medical absences should be coded differently 4. Calmly explain the timeline of events 5. Bring evidence of any communication with your employer about your illness Stay focused on the facts and don't let emotions take over, even if the employer representative says things you disagree with. The referee is looking at whether your final absences meet the legal definition of willful misconduct, and documented illness with proper notification generally does not. Good luck, and please update us after your hearing!

One more thing to be aware of - once you get your card, you'll need to activate it before you can access your funds. And if you want to transfer the money to your bank account instead of using the card, you can do that through the Money Network mobile app or website. There's usually no fee for ACH transfers to your bank, but it takes 2-3 business days. If you need the money faster, you can withdraw cash at an ATM (there may be fees depending on which ATM you use) or use the card for purchases.

Thank you! That's super helpful. I'll definitely set up the transfer to my bank once I get the card. What a mess this has been. I can't believe they just switch your payment method without any notification.

It's ridiculous how they constantly change these requirements without properly notifying people! I wish they would just UPDATE THEIR WEBSITE with clear instructions instead of making us all panic and figure it out through trial and error. My claim was under review for the same reason but just got approved today (after 9 days of stress and checking the portal constantly). This is my livelihood they're messing with!!!

I just checked the official PA UC website to make sure I had accurate information. Here's what it says about seasonal workers: "Claimants with a definite recall date within 12 weeks from their last day of work may be exempt from work search requirements." The key word is "may" - they evaluate each case. Make sure your employer has actually registered your recall date with the UC system, not just told you verbally. That might be why some people are having their claims reviewed while others aren't.

Just to follow up on your original question - you mentioned you were collecting "until benefits exhausted" - just to clarify, did you use up all your benefit amount before reaching your BYE date? Or do you mean you were collecting right up until now when your BYE is happening? The reason I ask is because if you exhausted your benefits weeks/months ago and haven't been filing weekly claims since then, you'll want to make sure you're eligible for a new benefit year beyond just having enough wages. There are some requirements about continued filing that could affect your new claim.

That's normal. Once you exhaust benefits, you can't file weekly claims even if your benefit year is still active. Since you're filing a new application after your BYE, that gap won't affect your eligibility as long as you have sufficient qualifying wages in your base period. When you file tomorrow, the system will ask if you've worked since your last UC application. Make sure to include ALL employment since your original claim in December 2022, with accurate start/end dates and employer information. Any missing employment information can delay your claim processing.

Update on my previous comment - if your claim shows as approved but payments aren't processing, it could be what's called a "secondary review flag." These aren't visible to claimants in the portal but require a supervisor to manually release. Two specific things to try: 1. Ask specifically if there's a "payment authorization hold" or "secondary review flag" on your account when you call 2. Request an "escalation for hardship" due to potential eviction - this can move you up in the supervisor callback queue Also, continue filing your weekly claims WITHOUT FAIL during this waiting period. Missing even one week can create additional delays.

Just an update - I contacted both my state rep AND used Claimyr to get through to an agent. The combination worked - got my backpay last week. OP, don't give up - just keep pushing from multiple angles. The system is designed to be difficult but not impossible.