my brother got his approval in 10 days but my sister in law took almost a month for the exact same employer!! system is totally random sometimes i swear

UPDATE: My status just changed to approved! Took exactly 9 days. My employer must have responded quickly. Thanks everyone for the advice and support! For anyone else waiting - hang in there and definitely file those weekly claims while waiting like someone suggested above!

The PA UC system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I've had open issues for 2 MONTHS with no resolution!!! They expect us to survive on NOTHING while they take their sweet time!!! And yes CareerLink is USELESS for UC issues - they'll just tell you to keep waiting which is RIDICULOUS!!!

Just to follow up on the work availability issue you mentioned - that's actually one of the more straightforward issues for examiners to resolve. Since you've already submitted the requested forms, that's good. Here are a few tips to potentially speed things up: 1. Make sure you're answering 'yes' to being able and available for work on your weekly certifications (unless that would be untrue) 2. If you have any documentation from your doctor stating your appointment was just routine or doesn't affect your ability to work, have that ready 3. If you don't hear anything within another week, try sending a message through your UC portal specifically addressing the availability issue. Sometimes this can bring attention to your claim Generally, with straightforward issues like this and complete documentation already submitted, you should be looking at resolution within the next 1-2 weeks rather than the longer 5-6 week timeframe for more complex issues.

Has anyone else noticed that the UC system is TERRIBLE at explaining these things?? They should put this info right on the payment screen! I had to learn about the tax withholding from my brother who went through this last year. The whole system is designed to confuse people I swear!!

i had this exact problem too. i actually ended up calling and the lady on the phone explained that most people don't realize they selected tax withholding when they first applied. she said its usually better to keep it that way though unless you're setting aside money yourself for taxes. unemployment benefits are 100% taxable income.

I actually missed my monetary finality date last year and realized later my previous employer had reported my wages wrong. Total nightmare trying to get it fixed after the date passed! Make sure you check your wage records BEFORE this date!

Just to wrap things up - your monetary finality date is simply an administrative deadline related to your wage determination. As long as you continue to: 1. File your weekly claims on time 2. Meet your work search requirements (2 job applications + 1 work search activity) 3. Remain otherwise eligible (available for work, etc.) You'll continue receiving benefits until either you find work or exhaust your benefit entitlement. The monetary finality date doesn't change any of that.

One thing to remember with either payment method: you MUST complete your work search activities each week (applying to jobs, attending workshops, etc.) and report them when you file your weekly certification. PA requires this now and if you don't report at least one work search activity per week, they can deny your payment regardless of which payment method you chose. Just mentioning since you said this is your first time on unemployment!

lol lets be real both optins suck but direct deposit sucks LESS... PA unemployment system is stuck in 1995 no matter how u get paid 🤣

THE WHOLE THING IS A JOKE! Even if you win they'll probably hit you with an overpayment later. That's what they did to me! Won my case then 6 months later they said I was overpaid by $4,500 for some obscure reason!!!

If your employer sent three representatives to the referee hearing, they might continue to contest at the Board level. However, this could actually help your case in a way - sometimes having multiple testimony versions creates inconsistencies that the Board identifies. One more tip: When you continue filing weekly claims during your appeal, be very careful to answer all questions accurately, especially about job searches. The 2025 PA requirements are to complete at least two work search activities each week (applying for jobs, attending job fairs, etc.) and report them when you file. Many claimants lose out on back payments because they stop doing their work search activities during appeals.

To directly answer your question - yes, they will eventually make a determination without employer input. For unsatisfactory performance cases, the burden of proof falls on the employer to demonstrate willful misconduct. If they're not responding at all, this typically works in your favor. Here's what you should do now: 1. Continue filing weekly claims without fail 2. Keep detailed records of all your work search activities 3. Call UC and specifically ask if they need any additional information from YOU to make a determination 4. Request an escalation to a supervisor explaining the hardship the delay is causing 5. If you have any performance reviews or documentation showing you were meeting expectations, upload those to your dashboard under 'Provide Additional Documentation' Once approved, you'll receive all eligible back weeks in a lump sum payment, typically to your Money Network card within 2-3 business days of the determination.

UPDATE: PA UC just announced a new initiative to clear the backlog of claims with employer non-response issues. They're now accelerating determinations on claims over 30 days old where the employer hasn't provided requested information. This started March 1, 2025, so you should see movement on your claim very soon. Be sure your contact information is up to date in the system.

why dont u just try to work with peoples schedules? i mean sometimes things happen and people have to change when they can work. my boss was understanding when i couldnt work nights anymore because of my college classes and we worked it out instead of him firing me

One final point worth considering: When implementing your new availability policy, I would recommend including a procedure for requesting accommodation for legitimate needs (education, childcare, health, etc.) while maintaining clear consequences for preference-based availability changes. This balanced approach demonstrates reasonableness on your part while establishing grounds for potential willful misconduct determinations. For UC purposes, showing you attempted reasonable accommodation before termination strengthens your position during any benefit eligibility hearings. Just ensure all employees receive and acknowledge the policy to prevent claims they were unaware of the requirements.

I finally got my phone hearing after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. For anyone wondering if it works, it definitely does. They connected me to UC in about 15 minutes when I had been trying for days. My hearing is set for next week and they're sending the confirmation notice by email and mail.

Since your appeal is about work search activities, make sure you have documentation for EVERY job application, resume submission, networking event, etc. that you completed during the periods in question. The hearing referee will want to see dates, company names, positions applied for, and how you applied (online, in person, etc.). Without this documentation, it can be very difficult to win this type of appeal. Prepare a concise statement explaining why you believe you met the requirements and have your evidence organized chronologically.

I worked for the State Treasury (not UC directly) a few years back and can explain this. The UC system processes claims in batches. When your claim gets processed depends on: claim volume that week, staffing levels, system maintenance, and bank holidays. They typically aim for 2-3 business days after filing, but even slight variations in any of those factors can shift your payment by a day. It's totally normal and not something to worry about as long as you're getting paid every week.

So does anyone know if theres a way to predict which day itll come? I need to pay my car loan next week and was hoping to time it right