One more important thing: Once you do file, you'll need to file biweekly claims (not weekly like some states). PA UC requires you to file every two weeks to certify you're still eligible. Make sure you do this even if your initial claim is still pending or has issues. You can't go back and file these later if you miss them. Also, for your work search requirements, keep detailed records of all activities - PA requires you to do this even if they don't ask for the records immediately.

Based on what you've shared, you should be in good shape for a new claim. The fact that your previous disqualification was within a benefit year that has already ended means it won't affect your new claim. Just make sure you understand that there might still be a week waiting period before benefits begin, so plan your finances accordingly. Good luck with your job search!

For your appeal hearing, organize all your evidence chronologically and make 3 copies of everything - one for yourself, one for the referee, and one for your employer (who may or may not show up). Practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely. Focus on these points: 1. Your sister's medical condition requiring care 2. That you notified your employer and requested accommodation 3. That your employer refused accommodation 4. That you had no alternative but to quit 5. That the performance review was unrelated or possibly retaliatory Bring a timeline of events with specific dates. Referees appreciate organization and clear presentation of facts. And yes, they will backpay all weeks if you win the appeal, so keep filing those weekly claims!

Submit documentation both ahead of time AND have it ready during the hearing. When you receive your hearing notice, it will have instructions for submitting evidence beforehand. Follow those exactly, and make sure to send it by the deadline. But also keep copies to reference during the hearing. As for your withheld final paycheck - that's a separate issue from UC. File a wage complaint with the PA Department of Labor & Industry ASAP. Employers cannot legally withhold your final paycheck for alleged PTO overages without prior written agreement. You can file the complaint online at www.dli.pa.gov.

just an update i checked my money network transaction history from last time and it says "ACH deposit" for UC payments if that helps u know what to look for

UPDATE: The money just hit my account this morning (Monday)! So that was about 4 business days after the pay date. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. Definitely took longer than I expected but at least it's here now.

Anyone know if the UC office is closed on Monday too? I was planning to call about my work search requirement question since I have a potential job interview coming up.

my friend said early deposits happen when they're doing system upgrades too

Since your employer isn't responding, here's another approach: Draft a letter yourself stating your regular seasonal layoff pattern and when you returned to work in January 2023. Take it to a notary, sign it as an affidavit, and submit that with your appeal. Also include your W-2s from 2022 and 2023 showing the employment pattern. The appeal board often accepts alternative documentation when the preferred documentation isn't available through no fault of the claimant. Also important: PA UC has a financial hardship waiver for overpayments. If you can demonstrate that repaying would cause significant financial hardship, you can apply for this even if you lose the appeal.

One more critical point: Make sure you check your PA Treasury ReliaCard or direct deposit account to confirm if you actually received benefits for that specific week. Sometimes these audit issues come up but when you check your payment history, you'll find you weren't actually paid for the week in question (perhaps because you reported returning to work). If that's the case, there can't be an overpayment. Log into your UC account and review your payment history for that specific week ending 12/31/22.