Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - before submitting your direct deposit info, try logging into your online banking and copying the routing and account numbers directly from there instead of trying to remember them or read them from a physical check. That way you know they're 100% accurate. Also, some banks have slightly different routing numbers for electronic transfers vs. paper checks, so the online banking portal will give you the right one for direct deposit. I learned this the hard way when my first attempt got rejected because I used the wrong routing number from an old check!

Hey everyone! I just successfully set up my direct deposit yesterday and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help others avoid issues. First, make sure you're entering your info during regular business hours if possible - I've heard the system can be glitchy late at night or on weekends. Second, after you submit everything, write down the exact date and time you completed it so you can reference it if you need to call later. Third, if you have a joint account, make sure the name on your UC claim matches the name on the bank account exactly - even middle initials matter! I also kept my Money Network card active for one extra week just to be safe, and I'm glad I did because there was a one-day delay before my first direct deposit went through. The peace of mind was worth it! Hope this helps anyone still on the fence about making the switch.

I just went through this exact same situation last week! PA UC called me from 717-787-3547 which I'd never seen before, so I missed it too. When I called back the main number (888-313-7284), they told me they sometimes use different regional numbers depending on which examiner is handling your case. The agent said as long as you call them back within 48 hours of a missed call, it won't negatively impact your claim. They were actually pretty understanding about the spam filter issue since it's so common now. Hope this helps!

Pro tip from someone who's been through this multiple times - if you have an iPhone, you can actually add all the PA UC numbers mentioned here to one contact called "PA Unemployment" so they all show up as the same caller. Just edit the contact and keep adding phone numbers to it. I have 888-313-7284, 717-525-5160, 717-787-3547, and a couple others all saved under one contact. Makes it way easier to recognize when they're calling, even from different regional offices!

I'm in Pennsylvania too and just wanted to add that you should file your weekly certifications on the same day each week if possible - I usually do mine on Sunday evenings. The system can get really slow on Mondays when everyone is trying to file at once. Also, make sure you have a reliable internet connection when you're doing the initial application because if it times out halfway through, you'll lose everything and have to start over (learned this the hard way!). One more thing - if you get approved, your weekly benefit amount will be reduced dollar-for-dollar by anything you earn over a small threshold (I think it's around $60 in PA), so don't expect to get your full benefit amount every week while you're still working those 25 hours. But even a partial payment can make a huge difference when you're struggling to pay bills. Good luck with your application tonight!

I just want to say how amazing this community is! Reading through all these detailed responses has been so helpful. I'm currently dealing with a similar situation where my hours got cut from 32 to 19 per week at my cleaning company job, and I've been putting off filing because the whole process seemed overwhelming. But seeing everyone share their actual experiences - the good and the bad - has given me the confidence to finally apply. Special thanks to everyone who mentioned specific tips like using gross earnings, setting up direct deposit, and filing weekly claims on Sundays to avoid the Monday rush. It's really encouraging to see people who've been through this successfully and are willing to help others navigate the system. I'm going to gather my documents this weekend and file on Monday. Thanks for creating such a supportive space for people dealing with these stressful situations!

One more tip that saved me when I was dealing with benefit year renewal issues - try calling the main line right at 4:00 PM on Fridays. I know it sounds weird since most people avoid calling on Fridays, but I think that's exactly why it works! The call volume seems way lower in the late afternoon on Friday, and I've gotten through twice using this timing. Also, if you do get the callback queue option, make sure to answer ANY call that comes in for the next few hours - they sometimes call from random numbers that don't show up as "PA UC" or anything obvious. I almost missed my callback because it came from a 717 area code number I didn't recognize. The agent told me they have multiple outbound lines so the caller ID varies. Hope this helps and good luck getting your issue resolved!

I just wanted to add one more approach that worked for me recently - try calling the main line (888-313-7284) using a VPN service if you have one. I switched my VPN to different Pennsylvania cities (Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, etc.) and noticed I seemed to get through more often when connected through Pittsburgh. Could be totally coincidental, but maybe their phone system routes calls differently based on location? Also, I discovered that if you're a veteran, you can sometimes get help through your local VA office - they have people who specifically help with unemployment claims and can sometimes make calls on your behalf or provide direct contacts. The whole system is completely broken but I'm amazed at all the creative solutions people have found. Persistence really does pay off eventually!

Last month when this happened they extended the filing deadline by 2 days so everyone had time to file. Hopefully they'll do the same thing this time since it's their system that's messing up not us. I'm just tired of how glitchy everything is with PA unemployment. It's like they make it difficult on purpose.

UPDATE: Just managed to get in and file my weekly claim. Looks like the site is working again. Go try now before it goes down again!