
Pennsylvania Unemployment
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Just got let go from my nursing assistant job after exceeding allowed absences due to my chronic migraines. Filed for PA unemployment about 2 weeks ago and managed to clear most of the open issues (identity verification and employment history). But my claim's still showing 'pending' status for my most recent employer and my first weekly certification because I had to disclose my medical condition. The system flagged it with some disability-related issue code. Anyone know how long these special circumstance reviews typically take? I've tried calling the UC service center like 50+ times but keep getting busy signals or disconnected. This is my first time ever filing for unemployment and I'm getting really anxious about bills piling up. Is there any way to speed this up or talk to an actual person who can review my case? Any advice from people who've dealt with medical-related claims would be super helpful!
Has anyone else been dealing with fraud on their PA unemployment Money Network card?? I'm at my wits' end! Last month someone somehow made unauthorized transactions totaling $1,450 from my benefit payments - first $850 disappeared, I reported it, they 'fixed' it and sent me a new card, then another $700 vanished within DAYS of activating the replacement! I've filed another claim with Money Network but now I'm stuck waiting AGAIN with no benefits to pay my electric bill that's already overdue. The UC office just tells me it's a Money Network issue and won't help. This is seriously stressing me out because I'm already struggling while job hunting. Any advice on protecting my funds or getting this resolved faster???
Hate to break it to u all but PA uses Money Network because it's THE CHEAPEST option for them, not the best for us. My buddy works in state gov (not UC dept) and says they know about all these fraud problems but aren't fixing it because it would cost more. They count on people giving up on claims. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT NEEDED!!!
For those following this thread: I've compiled some important resources for PA UC Money Network card fraud victims: 1. PA Attorney General Consumer Protection: 800-441-2555 2. CFPB Complaint Portal: consumerfinance.gov/complaint 3. PA Treasurer's Office (oversees the Money Network contract): 717-787-2465 4. PA UC Claimant Services: 888-313-7284 (difficult to reach, but they can help with direct deposit setup) Document everything - dates, times, representatives spoken to, and transaction details. Take screenshots of unauthorized transactions. This documentation is crucial when filing reports.
Update on my situation: I called the fraud team number that was shared and finally got somewhere! They expedited my claim and are sending the money back within 5 business days. I also filed a CFPB complaint just to have it on record. AND I got direct deposit set up through the UC portal so no more Money Network cards for me! Thanks everyone for your help - this community saved me so much stress!
I'm literally shaking right now. PA UC is saying I have to repay benefits and that I'm no longer eligible because I 'missed a deadline' on June 11, 2025. BUT I HAVE THE LETTER RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME that clearly states the deadline was June 25!! I completed everything they asked for (employment verification, job search activities, everything) on June 19, which was BEFORE the June 25 deadline in their own letter!\n\nI finally got through to someone today after waiting on hold for 45 minutes, and they admitted they could see I completed everything, but said it 'had to be done by the 11th according to their system' despite what my letter says. Then I got disconnected and couldn't get back through!\n\nI've filed an appeal but am freaking out about what happens now. Will my payments stop while this is being resolved? I've already missed a call from a potential employer because I was stuck on hold with UC. I've worked and paid into this system since I was 16 years old - how can they just arbitrarily change deadlines and demand money back when I followed THEIR WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS?! Has anyone dealt with this kind of deadline confusion before?
did u try checking ur dashboard for messages? sometimes they send important updates there that explain deadline changes. also check spam folder for emails. not saying ur wrong just worth checking all bases
I filed my initial UC claim over 8 weeks ago and still haven't been approved. A friend told me PA UC is taking up to 12 WEEKS now to process claims?? Is this actually true? My rent is due next week and I'm freaking out. My claim status just says "pending" with no explanation. I've been doing my weekly certifications but haven't received a penny. Called the UC number like 50 times but can't get through to a human. Anyone else dealing with this ridiculous timeline? Is there ANYTHING I can do to speed this up??
They should notify you about issues, but the system isn't perfect. Sometimes notifications get lost in spam filters or mail delivery issues. In some cases, the system flags an issue but the notification doesn't generate correctly. I'd recommend checking your spam folder daily and also seeing if you can visit a PA CareerLink office in person. They don't process claims, but they sometimes have direct lines to UC staff and can help identify what's holding up your claim. If you do get approved, you'll receive all eligible back payments for the weeks you certified, so you won't lose any money due to the delay (as long as you've been filing your weekly certifications).
update on my situation - finally got through today after trying that Claimyr thing someone mentioned. turns out they needed my ID verification again even tho I already did it!! such bs but at least now I know. rep said payment should come in 3-5 business days and include all backpay.
I'm totally stuck in a crazy unemployment situation and don't know what to do next. I was on PA unemployment for 28 weeks before they suddenly disqualified me (said I didn't provide enough job search info but I DID). I appealed and lost the first appeal, now I'm waiting on the Board of Review to decide my second appeal. Meanwhile, I couldn't wait any longer for money so I moved to North Carolina for a job opportunity. Worked there for only 5 weeks before they let me go (company restructuring). Now I'm back in PA and completely confused about my options. Can I file a new PA UC claim while my old one is still in the board appeal process? Or should I try filing in NC even though I only worked there briefly? Has anyone dealt with something like this? The UC website is zero help and I can't get through on the phone.
So what happens if both states deny you??? My brother got caught between PA and Ohio claims and ended up with nothing for like 2 months until he got a new job.
If both states deny you initially, you have appeal rights in both states. However, in a situation like this where there's work in two states but not enough in either to qualify alone, you can request a combined wage claim. This allows you to combine your wages from multiple states to qualify for benefits. But you have to specifically request this - it doesn't happen automatically.
Just wanted to update everyone - I took the advice and filed with NC today. The online system was actually easier to use than PA's. Now I'm waiting to see what they say. I also managed to get through to someone at PA UC after using that Claimyr service (thanks for the recommendation). The agent said my Board appeal is showing as "pending review" which apparently means it's in the queue but hasn't been assigned yet. She also confirmed that filing in NC was the right first step regardless of the appeal outcome. Will update when I know more!
Madison King
My niece had this same issue with her depression. she waited 8 weeks and nothing happen, then she just reapplied and didnt mention the medical condition at all on the second application and got approved right away. maybe not the right way to do it but it worked for her
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KhalilStar
Please be careful with this advice. Withholding relevant information on your application could be considered fraud, which can lead to having to repay benefits with penalties. Always be truthful on your application, but focus on how you're still able and available for work despite any medical conditions.
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Kaiya Rivera
For what it's worth, I process UC claims (not in PA, but nearby state with similar rules). The key issue with medical conditions is whether they make you unable to work. If your doctor can document that you can work with certain accommodations, that should resolve the issue. Also, make sure you're completing any questionnaires they send about your medical condition. These often get overlooked in the dashboard but are critical for moving your claim forward. Look specifically for something called an "Able and Available" questionnaire.
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Lucy Taylor
AuthorThank you for the insider perspective! I'll double check my dashboard for any questionnaires I might have missed. I definitely can work with accommodations, so I'll make sure that's clearly documented.
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