Just a tip - when your new payments do start, remember they might be a different amount than your old claim. My new benefit year amount dropped by almost $65/week because I had worked less in the base year. The calculator on the PA UC site was pretty accurate though if you want to estimate it.

One last thing - if your financial situation becomes dire during this gap, contact 211 (just dial 211 on your phone). They can connect you with emergency assistance programs in your area. Many counties have emergency rental assistance, utility payment help, and other crisis services specifically for situations like this. Don't wait until you're facing eviction or utility shutoff to reach out for help.

wait what form did u get? was it a UC-1697A? cause that one is for the telephone hearng not in-person. some people go to the wrong place and miss their hearng completely. double-check ur notice!!

Update: I just checked and mine is form UC-1697A so it IS a telephone hearing! Thanks so much for pointing that out - I would have shown up in person for nothing! The hearing is next Thursday at 10:15am. I'm gathering all my documentation now. Will let everyone know how it goes afterward in case it helps someone else.

One important thing to prepare for your misconduct appeal hearing: PA uses a two-part test for attendance-related misconduct: 1. Did you violate a known and reasonable employer policy? 2. Was the violation deliberate/willful or was it due to good cause? The burden of proof is initially on the employer to show there was a policy and you violated it. Then the burden shifts to you to show you had good cause. Childcare emergencies generally count as good cause, especially if you made efforts to find alternatives and communicated properly. Make sure you're prepared to clearly explain the circumstances of each absence, what you did to try to resolve it, and how you communicated with your employer. Bring any evidence showing you tried to find alternative childcare. This can make a big difference in how the referee views your case.

after my appeal got approved i got backpay for all the weeks i was waiting which was like $6200!!! make sure u keep filing every week during the wait even tho they'll all say 'appeal pending' or whatever. its a pain but worth it if u win

Did you activate the card? I know it sounds obvious but my husband didnt activate his and was wondering why no money was showing up lol

UPDATE: Just wanted to check back - did your funds appear on the card yet? Friday would be the typical timeframe for a Tuesday payment processing.

this is why the whole system needs to be rebuilt. its designed to frustrate people so much they give up. my buddy waited 17 weeks for benefits and by then hed already found another job so he just gave up fighting for backpay. thats what they want.

Final update: My claim was approved! All weeks were paid including backpay from when I first filed. For anyone else in the immigration verification loop - persistence is key. Call early, ask for supervisors, and document everything. Thanks again everyone for your help and advice!