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I'm seriously starting to worry about my PA unemployment situation. My claim has been stuck in review for 7 whole weeks now, even though my former employer isn't contesting it (I confirmed this with HR). Every week I dutifully file my weekly certification, but still nothing but 'in progress' status. My Money Network card is still empty and my savings are almost gone. Does the state really take this long to make a decision? My rent is due next week and I'm panicking. Should I keep waiting or is something wrong with my claim? What's the normal timeframe for a decision when there's no employer dispute?
Just got some good news after the most stressful wait ever! My claim from February 15th was FINALLY approved yesterday after sitting in limbo for over 2 months with that dreaded 'open issue' status. Today I checked my portal and all my backweeks (9 weeks total - ugh) show payment date of today (7/21/2025) with 'partial check' listed as payment type. My account is definitely set up for direct deposit - I triple-checked the banking info in my claim details section. Does anyone know how long it typically takes for the money to actually hit my bank account after showing this status? I've got rent due in 3 days and I'm cutting it close. I've heard some people say 2-3 business days but others said they got it same day? Really anxious about this after such a long wait!
my experience with TD Bank and PA UC deposits is that they usually hit around 3am the day after they show as processed in the system. so if it says 7/21 payment date you'll prob see it 7/22 early morning. good luck!
UPDATE: The funds hit my account this morning at 2:37am! So for anyone searching this in the future - for TD Bank it took about 26 hours from when the portal showed 'partial check' to when the money actually appeared in my account. Such a relief after the long wait for approval. Thank you everyone for your help and information!
Filed an appeal for my PA unemployment denial last week and I'm freaking out about how long this might take. My benefits stopped completely and I'm already behind on rent. Has anyone gone through the appeal process recently? What's the typical timeline from filing to actually getting a hearing date? And then how long after the hearing until they make a decision? My rent is due again in 3 weeks and I'm seriously stressing about this delay.
my appeal only took like 3 weeks but that was back in february so maybe its worse now? good luck! the hearing itself was actually pretty quick, like 30 minutes on the phone with a referee person. make sure u have all ur stuff ready to explain!
I recommend preparing a one-page outline of your case with dates and key points. The referee will appreciate a clear timeline. Also, practice explaining your situation concisely. Focus on facts rather than emotions during the hearing. If your employer will be at the hearing (they're invited), be prepared to respond to their statements professionally. The more organized you are, the faster things tend to move.
Hi everyone, I'm working as a casual employee until June 2025, but I've been steadily employed since last September. My workplace just announced they'll be closed all next week for the holidays, which means I won't get any hours or a paycheck. Since I haven't filed for unemployment since September, I'm wondering if I can file UC just for this one week? I don't know if being a casual employee disqualifies me or if there's a problem filing for just a single week when I'll be back to work after. Anyone know if this is allowed under PA UC rules? Thanks in advance!
I was a seasonal worker for years and would file during our annual 2-week shutdown. Here's what I learned: - If u already have a PIN from before, use that same login - Answer YES when it asks if you're still employed but temporarily without work - Be prepared to upload or fax proof from employer about the closure - They might want a return-to-work date - You DO have to do the work searches unless you get an exemption Honestly for just 1 week it might not be worth the hassle but if you're tight on money it's your right to claim it!
After reading through this thread, I think speaking with a UC representative is your best bet. They can verify if your previous claim is still accessible, whether you'd need to serve a waiting week, and if you qualify for a work search exemption given your situation. For just one week, it might be cutting it close timing-wise, but it doesn't hurt to check.
I'm freaking out right now. I requested a UC referee hearing by phone for my appeal case, and it was scheduled for today at 1:30pm. I waited by my phone from 1pm to 3pm and NEVER received any call! I double-checked my paperwork and I had the right date (March 15, 2025) and phone number listed. This is for an appeal on an overpayment determination of $4,700 that I absolutely cannot afford to repay. Has this happened to anyone else? What do I do now? Will they just automatically rule against me because I "missed" the hearing that THEY never called for? I've been checking my PA UC dashboard all day and there's no update there either.
one more thing - when they DO reschedule ur hearing, I recommend logging in to the WebEx link even if you requested a phone hearing (they'll send it in the new notice). That way if they try to claim there's another "technical difficulty" you can point out that you're THERE on the WebEx session AND available by phone. Cover all bases!!!
Just to update with current PA UC procedure: After you contact the appeals office, they'll issue a new hearing notice. When you receive it, I recommend accepting both phone AND virtual WebEx options if offered. The virtual option provides more documentation that you were present and waiting. Also, be aware that under PA UC regulations, the referee should attempt to call you at least twice during your scheduled window. Make sure to note in your follow-up that you received no calls whatsoever during the entire scheduled period.
Anastasia Kuznetsov
I found out after WEEKS of waiting that my claim was sitting there because I had checked "yes" that I was in school even though it was just a one-day professional certification class!!! The system flagged my entire claim for THAT! So frustrating! Make sure you didn't check anything unusual on your application that might have triggered a review.
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Omar Farouk
AuthorOh that's a good point! I did recently take a 2-week online course to improve my skills while job hunting. I marked that I was in training on those weeks. I wonder if that's causing the hold-up? So frustrating that such a small thing could cause such a big delay!
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Diego Fernández
That could definitely be part of the issue. When you indicate you're in training or school, PA UC often puts a hold on your claim to verify that the training doesn't affect your availability for work. This is a standard review process, but unfortunately it does add time. Your best course of action is to: 1. Continue filing your weekly claims without fail 2. Contact a claims examiner directly to explain your training situation 3. Be prepared to provide details about your course (hours, schedule, purpose) 4. Ask specifically what documentation they need to resolve the open issue Once you explain that it was short-term training to improve employability (not a full degree program), they should be able to process your claim.
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Omar Farouk
AuthorUpdate: I FINALLY got through to someone at UC today! You were right - the open issue was related to my training program AND a question about my separation from my employer. The rep said they've cleared both issues now and I should see payments starting next week, including all my back weeks! Such a relief. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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