Update: I called this morning and finally got someone helpful! Turns out there WAS an open issue on my claim - something called a "CWQ verification hold" that nobody had mentioned before. The agent created an expedited interstate review and said I should see movement within 7-10 days. She also gave me her direct extension to follow up next week if nothing changes. Thank you all for your advice - especially about asking for the right things using their terminology. Will update again when (hopefully) I get paid!

This is exactly what happened to me with my PA/Maryland interstate claim! After 6 weeks of no payments, I discovered I had the same CWQ verification hold that nobody had told me about. The key is really getting to someone who knows the interstate system - most of the general agents have no clue about these specific holds. One tip that helped me: when you call back to follow up, mention the ticket number or case ID they gave you for the expedited review. That way the next agent can actually see what was done instead of starting from scratch. Also, keep a screenshot of your claim portal showing the weeks you've filed - sometimes the expedited process can cause display glitches that make it look like you missed weeks when you didn't. Really hope this gets resolved for you soon! The back payment when it finally comes through will definitely help with all those bills that have been piling up.

As someone who just went through this maze myself, I feel your pain! The PA UC system is absolutely brutal for newcomers. A few things that helped me survive the process: - Download the PA UC mobile app if you haven't already - it's slightly less buggy than the website - Screenshot everything! Take pics of your confirmation numbers, claim status, etc. The system "forgets" things sometimes - When they ask about work search activities, volunteering and attending job fairs count too, not just applications - If you get an "open issue" that sits there for weeks, don't wait - you need to call and get a human to look at it The BYB date explanation from others is spot on. Just remember that ALL your weekly certifications need to happen within that 52-week window, so don't skip weeks even if you think you won't qualify. Hang in there - once you get through the initial setup nightmare, the weekly claims become routine. The system is definitely designed to weed people out, but legitimate claims do get paid eventually.

I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now! Just started my PA UC claim last week and I'm already pulling my hair out. The website kept timing out during my initial application, so I had to start over THREE times. What really gets me is how they ask the same basic information in like 6 different ways throughout the application. Like, yes, I'm still the same person who was laid off for the same reason I told you about 10 minutes ago! The BYB date explanation from everyone here has been super helpful - I had that same question but was too embarrassed to ask. It's crazy that they use all these acronyms without explaining them anywhere obvious. Has anyone figured out the trick to actually getting through on the phone? I've been trying the 888 number for days and it just hangs up on me after the busy signal. I have a question about my claim status that the website won't answer, but it seems impossible to reach a human being. This whole system feels designed to make you give up before you get any help.

anybody know if we have to report the severance pay on taxes seperate from the uc benefits? my company laid me off in november and i got 3 weeks severance plus started uc

UPDATE: My 1099-G just appeared today (Jan 26th)! For anyone still waiting, definitely check your account. Looks like they are indeed releasing them in batches before the 31st deadline.

Just as a followup - if anyone still hasn't received their 1099-G by February 15th, and can't access it online for some reason, you can also call the special tax form hotline at 1-888-313-7284. It's often less busy than the regular UC number, though still expect some wait time. When prompted by the automated system, choose the option for

I had the same issue last year and ended up having to wait until mid-February to get mine in the mail. The PA UC system is definitely slow with these forms. If you're able to access your online account, that's definitely your best bet - I've found the digital copies are usually available weeks before the physical ones arrive. Just make sure to save a PDF copy to your computer once you download it, because sometimes the links expire or the site goes down for maintenance right when you need it most. Good luck with your tax appointment!

@OP glad you got this sorted but BE CAREFUL - they told me the same thing about "investigating" and then did NOTHING for 2 months! Keep calling every week until they actually fix it in writing. Don't trust anything they say over the phone unless you get it in writing too!!!

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago. Got an overpayment notice for $6,200 when I had only received $4,100 total. Turned out they had flagged some of my part-time work as "unreported" even though I had reported it correctly every single week. The problem was their system didn't properly match my employer's quarterly wage report with my weekly certifications. It took about 3 months to get fully resolved, but they eventually waived the entire overpayment once I provided all my documentation. Key things that helped: 1) I kept copies of EVERY weekly certification I filed showing my reported earnings, 2) Got my employer to provide a letter confirming the dates and amounts I worked, and 3) Printed out all my bank deposits to show the timeline. Don't give up - these notices are wrong more often than they're right!