Pennsylvania Unemployment
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PA UC payment delayed after holiday - no pending deposits showing on Money Network card
I submitted my PA unemployment claim this past Monday at midnight (literally 12:00am). Since Monday was the Presidents Day holiday, I figured my payment would show up either today or tomorrow. But I'm checking my Money Network card and don't see anything - no pending deposits, no activity at all related to this week's claim. The PA UC website isn't showing any issues with my claim, but the money just isn't there. Is the holiday delaying things more than usual? How long should I expect to wait before I start worrying? My rent is due next week and I'm cutting it close.
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PA UC benefit duration confusion - worked exactly 1 year (June 2022-2023). How many weeks am I eligible for?
I just lost my job after working from June 2022 to June 2023 (exactly 1 year) at a warehouse. Filed my initial PA UC claim yesterday and I'm confused about how many weeks of benefits I'm entitled to. Since I worked exactly 1 year, am I eligible for the full 26 weeks? Or does it depend on something else? The website mentions something about base periods but it's super confusing. This is my first time filing for unemployment in Pennsylvania so I don't know what to expect. Anyone know how they determine how many weeks you get?
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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!!!! 😡
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.
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!
congrats! make sure u do ur weekly claims on time, they r super picky about that
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.
Will PA UC claim work for partial week before benefit year ends 12/28?
Really stressed about my PA unemployment situation and timing. I just reopened my existing claim today (no issues thankfully). I'm scheduled to return to work on 12/2, but then we have our annual holiday shutdown where my last work day will be 12/21 and won't return until 1/3/2025. Here's my concern - my benefit year expires on 12/28. If I reopen my claim on 12/22 after the holiday shutdown starts, and then try to file on 12/29 for the week of 12/22-12/27 (which is still within my original benefit year), will that payment actually go through? Or will the system reject it because I'm filing after my benefit year end date? Anyone deal with this timing issue before? I don't want to miss out on that week of benefits just because of bad timing!
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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?
Pennsylvania eliminated the waiting week requirement permanently after the pandemic. As long as the claim is already established, reopening doesn't trigger a waiting week anymore. So the OP should be eligible for payment for that partial week as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements.
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!
PA UC interviewer released funds but still nothing after 3 days - should I trust them?
So I finally had my interview with PA UC yesterday after waiting FOREVER with that stupid open issue on my claim. The interviewer was actually really nice and said everything looked good on my end. They told me they were releasing the funds right then and there and I should see the money in my Money Network card within 1-2 business days. That was Tuesday morning, it's now Friday and still NOTHING has shown up. My online portal still shows those weeks as 'pending' too. Has anyone else been told funds were released but then had to wait longer? Should I trust what the interviewer said or do I need to try calling again (ugh)? I'm getting really nervous because my rent is due Monday and I was counting on this money.
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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.
PA UC appeal hearing conflicts with new job orientation - can it be moved to phone?
I finally got my appeal hearing scheduled for my PA unemployment claim after waiting for almost 2 months, but just my luck - it's scheduled for May 14th which is exactly when I start orientation for my new job! The notice says it's an in-person hearing at the Harrisburg service center. Does anyone know approximately how long these appeal hearings usually take? Mine is about being denied benefits after I was let go during a probationary period. Also, is it possible to request a phone hearing instead? I really don't want to miss my first day at this new job, but I also need to resolve this appeal to potentially get backpay for those 6 weeks I was without income. Has anyone successfully changed their hearing format before?
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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.
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!
Mei-Ling Chen
My sister works for Pennsylvania UC and she says they're always swamped after holidays. The payment system gets backlogged because everyone files at once when the system opens back up. I bet you'll see it tomorrow. Not much you can do but wait unfortunately.
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Abigail bergen
UPDATE: My payment just hit my Money Network card about an hour ago! So it took from Monday midnight filing until Thursday afternoon to show up. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance! For anyone else searching about holiday delays - expect an extra 1-2 business days after a holiday weekend.
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Anderson Prospero
Great news! Thanks for updating the thread - it's helpful for others who might search for this issue in the future. The post-holiday delay is pretty consistent in PA's system.
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Ahooker-Equator
told u so! :) glad u got paid
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