Just wanted to update everyone - I ended up calling PA UC about my overpayment waiver refund last month, and they told me that checks are coming out in batches based on benefit weeks. The agent said it could take up to 6 weeks for all refunds to be processed completely. So far I've received 4 separate checks that total about 80% of what I was owed. Still waiting on the rest! The most annoying part is how there's no way to track this online properly - the dashboard just shows vague adjustments but doesn't tell you how many more payments to expect.

One more thing to be aware of - make sure you're keeping track of which weeks have been refunded. If the total doesn't match up after all checks have arrived, you'll need documentation when you contact them. I learned this the hard way - they missed refunding one week of my overpayment waiver, and I had to provide proof of exactly which week was missing.

The key to your case is the timing. COVID-19 is considered a legitimate medical reason for absence, and terminating someone for a COVID-related absence can constitute wrongful termination under both Pennsylvania law and federal protections. The fact that your termination came just 2 days after notifying your employer creates a strong presumption of causation. Be prepared for your employer to potentially claim there were other attendance issues before your COVID diagnosis. If possible, gather any evidence of your good attendance record prior to your COVID diagnosis. Also, check if your company had a written COVID policy during your employment - if they didn't follow their own policy, that strengthens your case.

Absolutely bring the COVID policy! That's critical evidence. However, I would be cautious about relying on coworker testimony unless absolutely necessary. The referee would need to approve additional witnesses, and it complicates the hearing. Your documentary evidence (COVID test, texts, termination letter, and company policy) should be sufficient. One more thing - be prepared to answer questions about whether you sought any accommodation before termination. For example, did you ask about using sick time, working remotely during isolation, or taking unpaid leave? The referee may ask about this to establish whether reasonable alternatives to termination existed.

make sure he keeps track of ALL hours worked and money earned!!! they'll ask for that every week when he files. my boyfriend got in trouble for estimating instead of being exact

One other thing to consider - if your husband belongs to a union, there might be additional benefits or programs available through them during this situation. Just something else to look into alongside the UC claim.

Great to hear you're making progress. Based on current processing times, you should see movement within 7-10 business days after your employer's new submission. If not, that's when I'd consider using a service to reach a claims examiner directly or asking your state rep to escalate to a supervisor level at UC.

FINAL UPDATE: I'm in shock but my claim was just approved this morning! All pending weeks are showing as paid! After I got my employer to resend everything AND my state rep followed up again, something finally clicked. For anyone in a similar situation - don't give up and definitely try the state rep route if you're stuck. Thanks everyone for your help!

my cousin got a weekend job while waiting for UC and it was fine they just reduced his payment on weeks he worked but he still got most of his benefits

Thank you all so much for the advice! I think I'm going to accept the tutoring position and just be extremely careful about reporting everything correctly in my weekly certifications. The extra $95/week will help while I wait for my claim to process, and it sounds like it shouldn't affect my eligibility as long as I'm transparent. I'll continue my full-time job search and keep documenting everything meticulously. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your experiences!