I think you guys are overthinking this. Whenever there's back payments, especially large ones like $9,800, they automatically go into prevent payment status for review. It's to prevent fraud. My wife's claim was like this too. They'll release it eventually. Just be patient for a few more weeks.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more important point: Even though your claim has been approved by the Board of Review, sometimes there's paperwork that must be manually updated in the system. The Board's decision gets sent to a separate unit that has to implement it. If you do decide to call, make sure you mention you had a Board of Review decision in your favor, as those require special handling. Ask specifically if there's any action needed from you or if it's just in queue for processing.

My brother in law had this exact problem!!!!! he waited like 10 weeks to get approved and then only got 1 payment, they said his benfit year was ending. He ended up having to wait almost 2 months for a new claim. PA system is broken and they dont care about us at all

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and managed to get through to an actual person at UC! I used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned and got connected in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed that I do have enough qualifying wages from my work last year to file a new claim right now! Apparently the system wasn't recognizing my wages correctly because of when they were reported. She overrode something in the system and helped me file a new claim right there on the phone. Should get a determination in 2-3 weeks she said. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions! Definitely worth calling and speaking to an actual person rather than just trusting what the online system says.

One thing to prepare for: the employer might bring up previous incidents or try to make it seem like there's a pattern of behavior. Stick to the facts of THIS incident. If they start bringing up unrelated issues, politely remind the referee that those weren't part of the stated reason for termination. I've seen employers try this tactic many times in these hearings. Also, take detailed notes during the employer's testimony so you can point out any inconsistencies during your testimony or cross-examination. If they say something that contradicts their written policies or previous statements, point it out respectfully.

dont forget to update us after ur hearing! im curious what happens!!

THE WHOLE PA UC SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!!! I had a similar situation last year - claim from December but payments in January and they STILL haven't corrected my tax forms even after THREE CALLS!!! Now the IRS is after me saying I underreported income but it's PA UC's fault! They issued the 1099-G for the wrong year. GOOD LUCK getting anyone to fix anything in this broken system!!!!

My sister works in accounting and she says that for income tax purposes it's always about when you receive the money, not when you earned it. That's why your W2 shows what was paid to you during the calendar year. So for UC benefits, it would be when you actually received the payments. But for reporting work to UC while collecting benefits, that's different - you report when you work even if not paid yet. It's confusing because they're different systems with different rules!

ANOTHER TIP: When you contact your state rep, be super specific about your financial hardship. I mentioned I was 2 weeks away from eviction (which was true) and that seemed to light a fire under them. Not saying to lie but definitely make it clear if you're facing serious consequences from the delay.

Update: I tried calling PA UC all morning and just got busy signals. I found my state rep's contact info and filled out their unemployment assistance form online. The confirmation email said they typically respond within 2 business days, so I'll update here if anything changes with my claim. Thanks everyone for the advice!