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!

Thank you! That's a huge relief. I used Claimyr this morning and am currently waiting for a callback. Will update on how it goes for anyone else who runs into this same problem.

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone! The rep said this was caused by me answering a job search question differently than previous weeks. Apparently the system flagged it as a potential issue but the rep said it wasn't actually a problem. She removed the flag on her end and helped me file my weekly claim right away over the phone. Payment should be processed normally! Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Sometimes the issue is with the Money Network card rather than your actual UC claim. Have you checked your payment history in your online account to see if a payment was actually issued but just hasn't hit your card yet? Also, double-check that your payment method hasn't reverted to paper check for some reason - I've seen that happen after backpay is processed.

Update us when you find out what's happening. This information could help others in the same situation. In my experience, these temporary delays after backpay are usually resolved within 1-2 weeks without any action needed, but it's still worth calling to check if there's an open issue that's not visible on your account.

One more thing to consider: if your employer doesn't attend the hearing (which happens fairly often), your chances of winning increase significantly. The referee will still review the employer's submitted statements, but without them there to cross-examine you or provide additional testimony, your account will carry more weight.\n\nAlso, don't forget that even if you lose the appeal, you can request a Board Review, which is essentially a second appeal. You'd want to do this within 15 days of receiving the referee's decision if it goes against you.

That's good to know! Do you know if the company is required to tell me beforehand whether they'll attend? Also, if I win the appeal, will I get all the back benefits from when I first applied?

I just went through all this last month! My account got locked and I had an appeal to file for being denied benefits when I was actually laid off. I ended up just driving to the CareerLink office in [city] and they helped me submit the appeal right there. Took like 45 minutes total including wait time. Way easier than trying to call. Just bring your ID and determination letter.

UPDATE: I got my appeal submitted! Used Claimyr this morning after trying to call for hours with no luck. Got through to an agent in about 30 minutes who unlocked my account AND helped me file the appeal electronically. They also noted in my file that I had been trying to submit before the deadline but was locked out. Such a relief! Now just have to wait for the actual appeal hearing I guess. Thanks everyone for your help!