the system is designed to confuse us i swear... i ended up in the same boat last year and the unemployment office told me one thing and social security told me something different! its like they dont even talk to each other!!!

Here's a quick summary of what everyone has mentioned plus a couple additional points: 1. In PA, you CAN receive both unemployment and Social Security retirement benefits simultaneously 2. PA does NOT reduce your UC benefits because of SS retirement income 3. You must still be able and available for work to receive UC benefits 4. You must complete 6 work search activities each week 5. Consider the permanent reduction in taking SS early (approximately 30% less for life) 6. Both unemployment compensation and Social Security may be subject to federal income tax 7. Keep detailed records of all applications and communications 8. When you find new employment, you'll need to report your earnings to both systems appropriately Hope this helps organize the information!

Actually, I think there IS a minimum weekly benefit amount in PA - isn't it like $68 or something? So maybe you won't get that $11 after all? The system is probably just showing your remaining balance.

By the way, make sure you're using your reference number when filing that final claim. I know it sounds obvious, but I accidentally used my old reference number from a previous benefit year when filing my last claim and it caused a huge mess. Double-check all your info before submitting!

yo i think there might be some confusion. i had leftover $ when i hit my extension but that was back in 2021 when they had all those covid extensions. now its back to regular 26 wks only

Thanks everyone for the explanations! So just to be 100% clear - even though my account shows a higher balance, once I hit 26 weeks of payments (or my benefit year ends in January), whichever comes first, I can't claim anymore regardless of what's left in the balance? I'm going to try to find work ASAP anyway, but it's good to understand how this works.

my cousin works for the state (not unemployment but different department) and he says they been having lots of IT problems since getting hacked last year. they dont tell the public everything that happens

FINAL UPDATE: The UC office called me back today. They fixed the issue on their end and said it was caused by a database error during their system update. They found 37 accounts total that had this problem and they've fixed them all now. They also said they're sending formal notification letters to everyone affected, including the people whose info was in my account. They apologized a bunch and said they're implementing new testing procedures before future updates. The rep also mentioned they're going to review my claim personally to make sure nothing else was affected. Thanks again everyone for your help with this! Definitely scary to see other people's info but at least they took it seriously once I finally reached them.

Just wondering - did you also do your work search activities for those weeks even though you couldn't file? You need to make sure you're still doing at least 2 qualified work search activities each week (applying for jobs, attending workshops, etc.) even during weeks when you can't file. If they eventually let you backdate claims, they'll ask for your work search details for those weeks.

Update: I FINALLY got through to someone this morning! For anyone with a similar problem - I called the alternative number (888-313-7284) at exactly 7:59am and selected option 1 then 3 for payment issues like someone suggested here. The agent explained that my claim was put on hold for recalculation because of my part-time work. She lifted the hold and I should be able to file again starting Sunday. She also said I'll be able to file for the missed week once the system updates (24-48 hours). My weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on my part-time earnings, but at least I'll get something. Thanks everyone for your help!

lol everyone overthinking this. just stop filing when u start working. done.

UPDATE: I GOT THE JOB! They just called with an offer! Full-time, starting in two weeks. Thanks everyone for the help - I'm going to report that I accepted the job on my next certification but continue claiming until my actual start date. Really appreciate all the advice!

My first payment took exactly 5 business days after the payment date showed up in my portal. And I didn't even change any banking info. The PA UC system is just ridiculously slow! But the good news is once you get that first payment, the rest come like clockwork. Every week on the same day for me.

UPDATE: I was able to speak with a UC rep this morning (used Claimyr and got through in about 30 mins). They confirmed my payment is scheduled to be deposited tomorrow! The rep said changing the direct deposit info did cause a short verification hold, but since it's been processed now, I should see the funds by tomorrow afternoon. Such a relief - just in time to pay my landlord.

Just to update with some additional clarification: The approval with a pending appeal period is standard procedure. If your former employer doesn't respond by 6/20, the system should automatically release your payment within 3-5 business days after that date. On rare occasions, employers will appeal old claims if they think there's a mistake. However, since you only claimed 4 weeks and it's been 3 years, it's unlikely your former employer will bother. They'd have to demonstrate you weren't eligible at that time, which would require them to dig up old records and attend a hearing. If you want peace of mind, check both your payment status and your message center regularly after 6/20.

Just make sure your banking info is updated in the system if it's changed since 2022! I had a similar situation and my payment went to a closed account, which caused another whole month of delays to get it straightened out.

did u get ur payment yet? im still waiting on mine

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at UC this morning! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got me past the busy signals. The agent confirmed my appeal is "in final review" and should be decided within the next 7-10 days. She also added a hardship note to my file which might help speed things up. They said decisions from January hearings are being processed now, so the timing lines up with what others mentioned. Feeling slightly more hopeful now that I at least know where I stand!

just want to add... if u win the appeal youll get all back payments from when he first applied so dont stress about the money part yet. focus on geting all your docs together for the hearing.

Thank you all for the advice! We're definitely going to appeal and will start gathering all the documentation mentioned. I'll try to get something in writing from his manager about approving the dental absence, keep filing weekly claims, and prepare all medical documentation. Really appreciate everyone's help!