


Ask the community...
Just checking back - any updates on your situation? Were you able to get through to anyone who could help?
Small progress! I called my state rep yesterday and their office took all my info. They said they've been handling dozens of similar cases and have a direct contact at UC who can expedite these issues. They promised to call me back by Friday with an update. I also mailed my withdrawal letter via certified mail yesterday. Fingers crossed!
One more thing I forgot to mention - make sure to continue filing your weekly claims even while this is being sorted out. Once your appeal issue is resolved, they'll release all back payments, but only for weeks you properly certified. Many people forget this step and lose out on backdated payments.
I'm dealing with a similar situation and now I'm completely confused. Some people are saying report when paid, others saying report when the work was done. Which is it?? The PA UC website isn't clear at all about this. I've been reporting everything the week I get paid but now I'm worried I've been doing it wrong this whole time!
It depends on the type of work. For regular W-2 employment, you report when paid. For self-employment/freelance work, you report when the work was performed. This is directly from the PA UC handbook. If you've been reporting self-employment income incorrectly, you should contact UC to make corrections to avoid potential overpayment issues later.
Thanks everyone for the advice! I went ahead and looked at my records and split the commission payment based on the hours I worked each week. I reported about $483 for each of the past three weeks (had to call in to correct the previous two weeks). The agent was actually really understanding once I explained I just learned about how to properly report self-employment income. My benefits will be reduced but not eliminated for each week, which is a much better outcome than getting nothing for one week! Definitely learned my lesson about how PA UC handles self-employment income.
yes u still have to do the weekly claims even if u know ur not getting money that week. if u skip weeks it messes up ur claim. better to just do it every week no matter what
To answer your follow-up question about weekly certifications: Yes, you should file every week, even when your bartending income exceeds your benefit amount. This keeps your claim active and prevents issues if your income drops in future weeks. For tips, you report them in the week you receive them, not when they appear on your paycheck. The UC system asks for all income earned during the week, which includes tips earned that week. Remember that the PA UC definition of a week is Sunday through Saturday. So when you certify, make sure you're reporting all earnings from that specific Sunday-Saturday period, regardless of when you actually receive your paycheck.
For your upcoming hearing, make sure you have organized all your evidence and documentation. Have a clear timeline of events written down, and if possible, submit any new evidence before the hearing (at least 5 days prior). During the hearing itself, be concise, stick to facts, and directly address the reason for disqualification. If you were denied due to a voluntary quit, make sure you can clearly explain how it was for a necessitous and compelling reason. If it's a discharge case, be ready to show you didn't commit willful misconduct. Being prepared makes a huge difference in the outcome.
This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you! Mine is a voluntary quit situation (had to resign after they changed my schedule to overnight shifts when I have documented medical reasons why I can't work nights). I've got doctor's notes and emails showing I requested accommodation. Should I fax these to the referee before the hearing?
Yes, definitely fax or upload those medical documents and accommodation requests before the hearing! Make sure they're received at least 5 business days before your new hearing date. Medical restrictions that prevent you from working the new schedule can absolutely qualify as a necessitous and compelling reason to quit, but having the documentation is crucial. Also, be prepared to explain exactly how you tried to preserve your employment before quitting (requested accommodation, asked for different shifts, etc). That's a key factor the referee will be looking for.
Nalani Liu
Update: FINALLY got through to Money Network! Was on hold for 45 min but the rep was actually helpful. Turns out my card got flagged because I made a large purchase yesterday and then tried using it at a store I've never used before today. They call it "unusual pattern" or something. They verified my identity and unblocked it right away. For anyone else who has this happen - definitely call the number on the back of your card asap. They asked for my SSN (last 4 digits), birthdate, and to confirm my last transaction amount. Card is working again now! Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Norman Fraser
•Glad you got it resolved! Still ridiculous they put us through this stress on weekends when we're just trying to live our lives. But at least you can get your groceries now!
0 coins
Fernanda Marquez
•Thanks for updating us! For future reference, you can also set up text alerts for your Money Network card through their website or app. This way you'll get notified immediately if there are any security blocks or issues with your card. It can save you from finding out at the register next time.
0 coins
Destiny Bryant
This is kinda off topic but does anyone know when they load the cards each week? I just started getting PA unemployment and my first payment was supposed to be today but nothing's there yet. Is it always late on weekends or should I be worried?
0 coins
Axel Bourke
•Payments typically process on business days, so if your payment was supposed to arrive today (Saturday), it will likely show up on Monday. The first payment often takes longer than subsequent ones. If it doesn't show up by Tuesday, then I'd contact PA UC to check on it.
0 coins