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!

whatever u do just make sure u get paid something! waiting around for appeals can take forever

UPDATE: I just spoke with a UC supervisor about a similar issue (though mine was about job separations, not wage calculations). They confirmed that under certain circumstances, they can process payment for "undisputed weeks" while an appeal continues for other aspects of a claim. The key is that they must document this as a "split determination" where they're only processing certain weeks without requiring you to withdraw your appeal for the remaining disputed issues. I suggest specifically asking for a "split determination" and getting confirmation in writing about exactly which weeks they'll pay now and which remain subject to the appeal process. This would allow you to get some money now without giving up your rights to the remaining benefits.

Just an update for everyone dealing with this waiting week issue - I've spoken with several PA UC reps through my advocacy work, and they're aware this is a systemic problem. They've expedited the appeal process for these specific cases. When you file your appeal, use the phrase "system notification failure regarding waiting week requirement" in your explanation. This will flag it as part of this known issue. They're hoping to have a more permanent fix soon, but for now, individual appeals are the way to go.

my cousin works for unemployment and she said they're getting THOUSANDS of calls about this waiting week thing. total disaster. said their computer system is from like 1995 and they're always having problems updating it when rules change.

ur supposed to keep filing weekly claims even while waiting for appeal decision!!! my cousin didnt know this and lost 6 weeks of backpay when she won her appeal!!! they only pay u for weeks u actually filed claims for

One more important tip: When you go to your appeal hearing, bring a timeline of events written out clearly. Include: - Your clean work history (performance reviews if you have them) - Exact time of the alleged incident (8:15am) - Normal work activities you completed after the incident (shows they had no immediate safety concerns) - Time you were called to HR (5pm) - When you recommended the witness (in your email statement) - Date of termination Referees handle multiple cases every day and appreciate clear, organized information. Also, Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state for recordings, so don't secretly record any conversations with your employer or the witness as that could hurt your case.

this happened to me and my boyfriend last year!!! the trick is you HAVE to keep calling and calling until you get someone who knows what their doing. half the reps dont even know the proper procedures! eventually we got someone who knew about the emergency continuation of benefits during appeal and they fixed it in like 2 days. dont give up!!!

I want to check in - were you able to get through to UC and request the Relief from Benefit Suspension? If they're still giving you trouble, consider contacting the Pennsylvania Unemployment Project or Community Legal Services as others suggested. They offer free assistance specifically for these situations and know how to navigate the system. Also, if your child has medical needs, make sure to document how the benefit interruption is affecting their care. This can be critical information for both your appeal and any emergency assistance applications.