Just wanted to follow up on this thread - for those dealing with employer issues, this is exactly why PA requires the work search activities while you wait for determination. Even though it feels pointless when you're not getting paid yet, you need to be doing and documenting your work search activities (applying to jobs, attending workshops, etc.) every week during this waiting period. If you don't do this and then get approved, they could deny payment for weeks where you didn't complete and document your work search requirements. Make sure you're logging into the system and recording at least two work search activities each week.

my neighbor works for uc she says they super backlogged right now bc of some computer upgrade thing so everything taking longer than normal

This is a classic case of miscommunication during a PA UC call. I've been through this exact situation and have helped several others navigate it too. Here's what you need to know: 1. File those appeals immediately as others have said - there's a 15-day deadline from each determination letter 2. In your appeals, be very specific about what was actually said in the conversation - if you mentioned anything about job prospects, interviews, or potential opportunities, the agent may have misinterpreted this as job acceptance 3. When you do reach someone by phone, ask them to review the call notes and clarify that you are still unemployed and conducting active work search 4. Request that they send an urgent correction to the claims examiner 5. Most importantly, keep certifying every week as if nothing happened The good news is that these administrative errors can absolutely be corrected, and when they are, you'll receive all back payments for the weeks incorrectly disqualified. The bad news is that it does take time - typically 2-3 weeks if you're persistent.

UPDATE: I finally managed to speak with someone at PA UC this afternoon! I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through in about 30 minutes instead of endless busy signals. The representative was actually helpful and could see exactly what happened. The previous agent had coded my account with status code 'JA' (Job Acceptance) instead of 'JS' (Job Search) after I mentioned an upcoming interview. She's submitted an urgent correction request to have my claim reviewed and the disqualifications removed. She said it should be fixed within 3-5 business days and all my weeks will be reprocessed. I still submitted the formal appeals just in case, but she said this might resolve before the appeals even get processed. Thanks everyone for your help! What a nightmare this system is.

what ever you do, DON'T say no to self-employment if you actually are self-employed... thats considered fraud and can get u in big trouble. my friend did that and ended up having to pay back all her benefits plus penalties!! just be honest and keep going with the application.

Just to add some specifics that might help: When you file your weekly certifications, PA UC has a partial benefit credit (PBC) that allows you to earn some money before your benefits start being reduced. In 2025, you can earn up to about 30% of your weekly benefit amount before reductions start. If your contractor work varies week to week, some weeks you might get full benefits and others reduced, depending on what you earn. Just make sure to accurately report ALL earnings during the week you PERFORM the work (not when you get paid).

One thing to keep in mind: while your claim is under supervisor review, make sure you're still filing your weekly claims! A lot of people make the mistake of stopping their weekly certifications while waiting for a determination, but you need to keep filing to get all your back weeks once approved.

this is why the whole system is a joke. u literally need to get politicians involved just to get what ur owed. such a broken process.

In my experience with PA UC system (and I've unfortunately had to use it twice in the past 3 years), the biggest issue is often a COMPLETE LACK OF COMMUNICATION on their part. Your claim could be held up for something simple they need to verify, but they won't tell you what it is!!!! It's absolutely maddening. Have you checked if you passed the ID.me verification? That tripped me up last time. Also, check if your previous employer responded to the separation information request PA UC sent them. If they're slow to respond or haven't responded at all, that will keep your claim in review limbo. I HATE how they expect people to job search without giving them the resources to do so. How are you supposed to put gas in your car to get to interviews? It's a broken system that punishes people who WANT TO WORK.

I just wanted to follow up - how is your claim going? Were you able to get it resolved?