I'm seeing a pattern here that might be helpful for you - it sounds like PA UC has separate determination processes that don't always communicate with each other effectively. Your hearing addressed one specific question (able and available for work), but the overpayment determination might be based on completely different factors. From what others have shared, I'd recommend doing three things immediately: 1. Call or use that Claimyr service Dmitry mentioned to get a human on the phone who can explain exactly what the overpayment is for 2. File that petition for reconsideration using the form Dylan described - the "no notification" reason seems to work for people 3. Request copies of ALL determinations related to your claim so you can see if there are other issues beyond just the abandonment question The fact that multiple people here have had similar experiences with conflicting determinations tells me this is a systemic problem, not something unique to your case. Don't give up - you deserve a clear explanation of why you're paying back money after being ruled eligible!

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help. I had a very similar situation last year where I won my eligibility hearing but still had an overpayment hanging over me. What I discovered after finally getting through to someone knowledgeable was that my overpayment was actually from a completely separate issue - they had miscalculated my base period wages initially, which meant I was paid more per week than I was entitled to. The key thing is that your hearing only addressed the "able and available" question that your employer appealed. It didn't address whatever caused the original overpayment determination. These are treated as completely separate issues in their system, even though logically they seem connected. When you file that petition for reconsideration (definitely do this!), make sure to specifically request that they review whether the overpayment determination is still valid in light of your eligibility ruling. Sometimes pointing out the apparent contradiction between the two decisions can get them to take another look at the whole situation. Also, keep making those payments in the meantime to avoid penalties - if you ultimately win, they'll refund everything you've paid with interest. The worst thing you can do is stop paying while this gets sorted out.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm so grateful to have found this thread! I'm currently 7 weeks out from losing my customer service job at a local insurance agency and have been putting off filing for UC because I kept thinking I'd find something quickly in the same industry. Reading through @Kendrick Webb's complete experience from the initial delay to getting approved and receiving payments has been incredibly encouraging. All the detailed advice from @Emma Wilson, @Anna Xian, @Rajan Walker, and others about the 6-week backdate rule, work search documentation, and what to expect during processing has finally pushed me to stop procrastinating. I had no clue about the specific weekly filing requirements or that they could audit your job search activities up to a year later! It's both stressful and reassuring to learn that "open issues" and delays are normal but usually get resolved with patience and proper documentation. I'm planning to file my initial claim first thing tomorrow morning and will definitely start keeping detailed records of all my job applications and work search activities. This thread should honestly be pinned as a guide for anyone dealing with delayed UC filing - the real experiences and step-by-step advice here have made what seemed like an impossible bureaucratic maze actually feel manageable. Thank you all for creating such a supportive community where people genuinely help each other navigate these challenging situations!

As a newcomer to this community, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I'm currently 4 weeks out from losing my position at a local marketing firm and have been hesitating about filing for UC because I kept thinking I'd land something quickly in my field. Reading @Kendrick Webb's complete journey from the 3-month delay to successful approval has been both eye-opening and motivating. The detailed guidance from @Emma Wilson, @Anna Xian, @Rajan Walker, and others about the 6-week backdate rule, work search requirements, and processing timelines has finally given me the confidence to stop putting this off. I had no idea about the specific weekly filing requirements or how important it is to document every single job application and work search activity. It's both concerning and reassuring to see that delays and "open issues" are common but typically get resolved with proper documentation and patience. I'm filing my claim tomorrow and will definitely start keeping detailed records from day one. This thread should be required reading for anyone navigating UC for the first time - the real experiences and practical step-by-step advice shared here have transformed what seemed like an overwhelming bureaucratic process into something actually manageable. Thank you all for creating such a supportive environment where people genuinely help each other through these difficult situations!

This thread has been absolutely incredible! I'm new to this community but have been dealing with my own PA UC nightmare for the past 6 weeks. My appeal hearing is scheduled for next week after being wrongfully denied for "voluntary quit" when I was actually terminated without cause. Reading everyone's experiences here has been both enlightening and terrifying - I had no idea that even WINNING the appeal is just the beginning of the battle! @Nathaniel Stewart congratulations on getting your payments! Your detailed timeline and updates throughout this thread have been invaluable. The fact that you got paid within 2-3 days of calling but had to wait weeks before taking action really shows how broken this system is. I'm definitely calling at 8 AM sharp the moment I get my (hopefully favorable) decision. @Victoria Stark thank you for that 8 AM calling tip - I've seen multiple people confirm this works way better than calling later in the day. @Sofia Ramirez your advice about asking for other flags on the account is something I never would have thought of but seems super important. It's absolutely insane that we have to become experts at navigating bureaucratic dysfunction just to get benefits we've earned and paid into, but this community is a lifesaver. The real experiences shared here are worth more than all the official PA UC resources combined. I'll definitely update with my own timeline once I get through this process. Thanks everyone for sharing the ACTUAL truth about how this system works!

This thread is absolutely amazing - thank you all for sharing your real experiences! I'm currently in week 4 of waiting for my appeal decision after being denied for "insubordination" when I was actually terminated for refusing to work in unsafe conditions during a chemical spill at my workplace. Reading through everyone's stories has been both incredibly helpful and honestly pretty scary - I had no idea that winning the appeal would just be the first hurdle! @Nathaniel Stewart huge congratulations on getting everything resolved! Your detailed updates throughout this whole process have been invaluable for understanding what actually happens vs what PA UC tells you to expect. The fact that you got paid within 2-3 days of calling but your online status was still showing "appeal pending" really highlights how disconnected their systems are. I'm definitely going to use @Victoria Stark's 8 AM calling strategy and @Sofia Ramirez's advice about checking for other flags on the account. It's honestly outrageous that we have to become experts at navigating such a broken system just to get benefits we've earned, but this community sharing real experiences is worth more than all the official PA UC resources combined. One question for anyone who's been through this - did you find it helpful to have a witness on the call when you spoke to the UC rep about releasing payments, or is that overkill? My situation involves documented safety violations so I want to make sure everything is handled properly. Thanks everyone for creating such a valuable resource for people dealing with this nightmare system!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Filed my first PA UC claim this past Sunday and it's now Friday evening with still no deposit. Reading through this entire thread has been such a huge help - I had no idea what timeline to expect and was starting to worry something was wrong with my claim. It's so reassuring to see that 4-5 business days seems to be totally normal for first payments due to all the verification processes they run on new claims. My portal also shows "processed" since Wednesday, so I'm hoping it hits over the weekend or Monday morning. The anxiety of waiting for that first payment when you've got rent and bills coming up is definitely real! Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and all the helpful tips about bank alerts, checking correspondence, and calling early if needed. This community is amazing for helping newcomers understand what's actually normal vs. what to worry about. Fingers crossed all of us still waiting see our payments come through soon!

I'm going through this same exact situation right now! Filed my first PA UC claim on Sunday and it's now Saturday morning with still no deposit. Reading through all these experiences has been so helpful - I was getting really anxious thinking something was wrong but seeing that 4-5+ business days is normal for first payments due to verification checks makes me feel much better. My portal shows "processed" since Thursday so I'm hoping it hits my account today or Monday. The stress of waiting when you have bills due is so real! Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and tips - this community is amazing for helping newcomers understand what to expect. It's comforting to know so many others have gone through this same waiting game with their first payment!

hey did anyone ever figure out if u need to keep filing the weekly claims even after benefits run out??? seems pointless but im worried about messing something up

I'm dealing with a similar situation - just exhausted my 26 weeks last month and the whole process has been so confusing! Reading through everyone's responses here has been more helpful than anything I found on the official PA website. One thing I wanted to add is that when I went to my local CareerLink office (took the advice from this thread), they helped me apply for several programs I didn't even know existed - including some emergency assistance funds that aren't well publicized. They also connected me with a job placement specialist who's been way more helpful than just applying online alone. Also wanted to confirm what others said about continuing to certify - I kept doing it for 3 weeks after my benefits ended and I'm glad I did because it helped when I applied for SNAP benefits. They wanted proof I was still actively looking for work and unemployed. Hang in there @Lilah Brooks - the healthcare job market is tough right now but there are people and resources out there to help bridge the gap!