


Ask the community...
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A MESS!!! I've had payments that said they were direct deposit but then got a check in the mail TWO WEEKS LATER. And other times they say check but it comes as direct deposit! The PA UC system is completely BROKEN and nobody there knows what they're doing. I wouldn't trust ANY information from their website or the transaction numbers. CALL THEM OVER AND OVER until you get through!!!
Yikes, that's concerning! I really hope I don't have to wait two weeks. I specifically set up direct deposit to avoid mail delays.
While there can definitely be frustrating glitches with the system, I've generally found the transaction numbers to be reliable indicators. If your portal shows direct deposit is set up and the transaction number starts with 115, it's almost certainly just a timing issue with the banks or a brief hold because of the new benefit year.
UPDATE: My payment just hit my bank account this morning! Looks like it was just a delay because of the new benefit year like some of you suggested. The transaction number starting with 115 was indeed for direct deposit. Thanks everyone for your help!
I work as an employment counselor and see this all the time with my clients. The appeals backlog is unfortunately at historical highs in PA. The separation determination appeals are particularly backed up because they require more investigation and witness testimony. One thing to note - if you win your appeal, you'll receive all back payments from the eligible weeks, so you won't lose that money permanently. However, I understand that doesn't help your immediate financial situation. In addition to contacting your state representative (which is the most effective approach), also try reaching out to the UC Board of Review directly at 717-787-5122. Sometimes they can give you information about where your case is in the queue that the regular service center staff can't see.
Thank you for the insight. It's somewhat reassuring to know I'm not alone in this situation, though it's terrible so many people are struggling with the same issue. I'll try the Board of Review number too. Do you know if there's any way to request an expedited hearing due to financial hardship?
Yes, you can request expedited processing due to financial hardship. When you call the Board of Review, specifically mention that you're facing imminent foreclosure and ask if your case can be expedited. They don't advertise this option, but they do have a process for it. You'll likely need to provide some documentation of your housing situation, such as foreclosure notices. Also, when you contact your state representative, make sure to emphasize the housing emergency - that often gets faster results.
Just checking back - any updates after trying some of these suggestions? Did you get through to anyone?
Yes! I've made some progress. I contacted my state rep yesterday and they were super helpful. They already submitted an inquiry to UC on my behalf. I also got through to the Board of Review using that direct number, and they confirmed my appeal is in their system but hasn't been assigned to a referee yet. They took down my hardship information and said they'd flag my case for expedited review. I also applied for the emergency housing assistance program. Still no hearing date yet, but at least things are moving now and I don't feel completely helpless. Thank you all for the advice!
This is why I hate the Money Network card system. When I first got unemployment back in 2020 we could do direct deposit to our regular bank accounts. Then they switched to this stupid card system that ALWAYS has issues. Last month my card was randomly frozen for "suspicious activity" which was literally just me buying groceries. Took 4 days to fix.
Actually, you can still set up direct deposit to your regular bank account instead of using the Money Network card. Log into your PA UC account, go to Payment Information, and select the Direct Deposit option. You'll need your bank routing and account numbers. Any new payments will go directly to your bank instead of the card after that's set up.
Anybody know if this delay thing is gonna happen again next week? My kids birthday is Wednesday and now I'm worried about planning anything...
Molly Chambers
wait so is this regular UC or PUA? cuz those r different payment systems i think
0 coins
Adrian Hughes
•PUA ended in 2021. All current claims would be regular UC, Extended Benefits, or UCFE (for federal employees). The payment timeline is the same for all current programs though - typically 2-3 business days after approval.
0 coins
Lara Woods
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know my payment came through! It took exactly 4 business days from approval. All the backpay came at once. Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Ian Armstrong
•Awesome! So glad it worked out for you! Thanks for coming back to update us.
0 coins