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UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at UC after using that Claimyr service. The agent was actually really helpful and filed an emergency hardship petition for me. They said I should hear back within 7-10 days on whether I can get any of the recouped money returned. They also connected me with a local housing assistance program that might be able to help with temporary housing until this gets sorted out. Will update again when I hear something. Thank you all for your advice!
That's excellent news! Make sure to keep following up if you don't hear back within the timeframe they promised. The housing assistance program should definitely be able to help with temporary accommodations - they often have funds specifically for situations like yours. Wishing you the best of luck!
keep fighting!!! the system wants us to give up but we deserve our money!!!! 💪💪
Regarding your question about timeline - voluntary quit cases with complex circumstances like yours typically take 4-6 weeks for initial determination in PA. If denied and appealed, the appeal hearing is usually scheduled 3-4 weeks after you file the appeal. The referee typically issues a decision within 7-10 days after the hearing. So worst case, you're looking at about 10-12 weeks from initial filing to final appeal decision. Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims during this entire process, even if initially denied!
This is really helpful to know what to expect timeline-wise. I'll definitely keep filing weekly claims no matter what. Is there any way to request expedited processing due to financial hardship?
Oh! Don't forget that when you get that questionaire thing it comes with a DEADLINE. I think maybe just 7 days? My friend missed it and had to start her whole claim over from scratch! Check your portal and email everyday so you don't miss anything they send you.
Thank you for the warning! I've been checking my UC portal daily. Nothing has shown up yet but I'll keep watching for it. Does the deadline start from when they send it or from when I open it in the portal?
Have you considered remote work? I was in a similar situation last year (no degree, UC running out). I found an entry-level customer service job that's fully remote with a healthcare company. Pay isn't amazing but it's steady and has growth potential. Sites like FlexJobs and Remote.co have legitimate listings that often don't require degrees, just decent computer skills. Worth checking out!
I actually haven't looked much into remote work - that's a good suggestion! Did you have to pay for access to those job sites? And did you need any special equipment for your remote job?
FlexJobs does have a membership fee (I think around $15/month) but Remote.co is free. I just needed a reliable computer and internet connection. My company actually sent me a headset for phone calls. Some remote customer service jobs even provide equipment!
One thing to note - if you do find employment but it's part-time or lower-paying than your previous job, you might qualify for Partial UC benefits. Many people don't realize you can still receive some UC while working part-time, as long as you report your earnings accurately. This could help bridge the gap while you continue looking for something better.
That's really helpful to know. I might have to take something part-time soon just to have some income. Do you know what the income threshold is before UC benefits completely cut off?
The formula is a bit complicated, but generally, you can earn up to 30% of your weekly benefit rate without reduction. After that, they reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar. So if your weekly benefit is $300, you could earn up to $90 without losing any benefits, then your benefit reduces based on additional earnings.
Quick update on my situation from last month - after I got through to the agent and they manually processed my certification, the payment still posted within the normal timeframe (2 business days for me). So if you can actually reach someone, they can definitely help solve this without making you wait until 8/27.
That's encouraging! I'll definitely be trying all day tomorrow to get through. Thanks for sharing your experience.
i miss the pandemic unemployment when u could actually talk to someone lol. pa uc has been garbage since way before that tho
RIGHT?! At least during COVID they had those extra people answering phones. Now it's back to the same old terrible system.
Jamal Edwards
THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!! I've been dealing with this EXACT issue for THREE WEEKS NOW!!! Called 37 times (yes I counted) and either get a busy signal or the automated message saying they're too busy. Left 5 messages in their callback system and NOTHING! They have ONE JOB! How hard is it to get tax forms out on time?? And then when you go to the "self-service" options online NOTHING WORKS PROPERLY! I'm filing a complaint with my state representative because this is UNACCEPTABLE!!
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Ethan Campbell
•I feel your frustration 100%. Three weeks is insane! Let me know if filing the complaint gets you anywhere, I might do the same.
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Carmen Sanchez
Update for everyone: I just spoke with someone at PA UC (finally got through this morning), and they mentioned there was a system-wide issue with 1099-G forms for people who received benefits crossing over from December 2023 to January 2024. They're aware of the problem and working on getting all the missing forms generated by next week. If you need your form urgently for tax filing, they recommended speaking directly with an agent who can manually generate the form for you.
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Ethan Campbell
•Thank you so much for this update! That explains a lot. I did receive benefits that crossed from December into January. I'm going to try calling again tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Really appreciate you sharing this info!
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Jamal Edwards
•Wish they would have TOLD us about this system issue instead of making us waste hours calling!!! But thank you for the info.
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