this is my first time on unemployment do i need to do anything special for the new card or does it just come automatically?

I'm in the same boat - was really worried about this! Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like we should still get our Thursday checks as normal since they're the last paper checks before the switch. I called UC yesterday and they confirmed that any payments processed before the 24th will still come as paper checks. The card system doesn't kick in until next week's payment cycle. So fingers crossed we'll both get our checks on time! Just make sure you have your Money Network card ready to activate for next week's payment.

Just to add some clarification: The regular UC payment schedule is: 1. File your weekly claim on Sunday 2. PA UC processes claims on Monday (normal business day) 3. Payments hit accounts on Tuesday With Presidents Day: 1. File your weekly claim on Sunday 2. Monday is a holiday, so processing moves to Tuesday 3. Payments hit accounts on Wednesday The one-day delay is consistent across all benefit programs including regular UC, PEUC (when it was active), and TRA benefits. The processing schedule returns to normal the following week.

I'm dealing with the same exact situation! Just got laid off last month and still figuring out all the timing with UC payments. This thread is super helpful because I had no idea holidays could affect the schedule. Does this happen with all federal holidays throughout the year or just certain ones? I want to make sure I plan ahead for the rest of 2025 so I don't get caught off guard again. My bank account is already looking pretty sad and I can't afford any surprises with rent and bills coming up.

Final update: My claim was FINALLY approved yesterday, after almost 8 weeks total! I received all my backpay for the weeks I filed. For anyone else dealing with a federal employment claim - be prepared to wait longer than normal, make sure you get that federal wages form, and keep filing every week while you wait. Thanks again to everyone who helped!

Congrats on getting approved Emma! This thread is super helpful - I'm in week 4 of waiting on my federal claim (worked for VA hospital) and was starting to panic. Sounds like I need to call and ask about that federal wages form specifically. Did Claimyr actually work well for getting through? The regular UC phone line has been impossible for me too.

Quick update I forgot to mention - when I used that service the first commenter mentioned (Claimyr) the UC rep told me they dont even look at claims with issues until they've been sitting for at least 3-4 weeks. So if your only a month in they probly havent even assigned it to anyone yet. So frustrating!!!

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! Filed my claim 3 weeks ago after getting laid off when my company "restructured" (aka fired half the staff), but my claim is stuck because I left a job about a year ago to take this position. It's so frustrating that they penalize you for making good career moves in the past when your current layoff has nothing to do with that old job. I've been checking my dashboard daily but no movement yet. Reading everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and terrifying - at least I know I'm not alone but the wait times sound brutal. Definitely going to look into contacting my state rep based on the suggestions here!

My sister had this same issue but her payment never came through and she found out she had an "open issue" on her claim. Make sure you check that section of your dashboard too just to be safe.

I'm glad to see this thread because I was starting to panic too! I've been on UC for about 5 months now and this is the first time I've experienced a holiday delay. Usually everything runs like clockwork. It's good to know that federal holidays can throw off the timing - I'll definitely keep that in mind for future holidays like Presidents Day that Javier mentioned. The waiting is always nerve-wracking when you're depending on these payments for essentials.