One additional point that might help ease your mind: PA UC regulations (specifically Chapter 65.63) state that when a claimant has earned six times their weekly benefit rate at a new job following a voluntary quit, the voluntary quit is no longer disqualifying. Since you worked at the tech job for 7 months, you've almost certainly met this requirement, which means your resignation from the accounting position shouldn't affect your eligibility. Keep certifying for benefits weekly while waiting for the determination. If approved, you'll receive all back payments for properly certified weeks.

my cousin works for UC (not saying this to brag lol) and she says they have a HUGE backlog right now because they updated their computer system in March and it's causing all kinds of problems. so prob nothing to do with your specific situation just general incompetence

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.

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

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!

Listen everyone keeps talking about your HEARING but nobody's addressing your OPEN ISSUES question. After 9 weeks you need to be AGGRESSIVE about getting those fixed. Call your state rep like someone mentioned AND call UC every single day. I had to call 57 times in one day before getting through. The open issues won't magically disappear even if you win your appeal.

You're right, I'm definitely worried about both issues. I've called so many times and either get a busy signal or get disconnected after waiting. It's so frustrating! I'll try my state rep right after the hearing.