My brother had this same problem and he just called the UC service center like 50 times in a row until he got through lol. They really need to fix there website!!

Glad to hear you got it working! For future reference for anyone else reading this thread - I've found that the PA UC portal works best with: 1. Edge or Firefox browsers (Chrome often has issues) 2. Regular cache clearing 3. Accessing between 7-8am when server load is lighter 4. Using desktop rather than mobile The ID.me verification is definitely important - if you miss that deadline they can pause your payments until it's completed, so you got lucky catching it in time!

One more important thing - during the hearing, the referee will ask you questions about why you're no longer employed. Stick to the facts and don't get emotional or badmouth your former employer, even if they're not on the call. Answer directly and honestly. If your employer doesn't show up, the referee will make their decision based solely on your testimony and whatever evidence has been submitted. A no-show employer is definitely beneficial to your case, but it's not a guarantee.

i won my hearing when my boss didn't show. referee just asked me a bunch of questions and i explained everything. got approved about 10 days later and then got all my backpay! good luck!

One more thing - make sure you respond to ANY message from them right away. I got disqualified for 3 weeks because I missed an email asking for additional info about my job search activities. They only gave me 7 days to respond and I didn't see it buried in my inbox. SEVEN DAYS!! Ridiculous.

Based on what I've seen recently, the system is processing most standard claims (where there's no dispute about the reason for separation) within 2-3 weeks. The pandemic backlog is completely gone. However, there are still some common causes of delay: 1. Identity verification issues 2. Employer disputes about separation reason 3. Recent receipt of severance pay (needs to be properly reported) 4. Previous overpayments that haven't been resolved 5. Working part-time while claiming benefits If none of these apply to you, you should have a relatively smooth experience compared to 2021. And remember - if your claim shows 'Open Issue' status for more than 2 weeks, don't wait - call them to find out what's needed!

my friend had same problem but it was bcuz they needed proof of his last job that fired him. once he sent in his paystubs it got fixed in like 3 days. maybe u need to upload some documents?

Good news - in most cases, even with these frustrating delays, claimants do eventually receive all eligible back weeks once approved. Just make absolutely certain you're filing your weekly certifications on time, every week, even while waiting for the initial claim decision. I've seen too many people miss out on weeks of benefits because they stopped filing while waiting for approval. Also, document all your work search activities meticulously. If your claim is under review and then gets approved, they might audit your work search efforts before releasing payment.

To clarify what was mentioned above: when your benefit year ends in June 2025, you could potentially qualify for a new UC claim if you've worked enough during your current benefit year to meet the financial eligibility requirements. But there's no automatic extension of your current 26 weeks. You would need enough qualifying wages in the base year for a new claim. Sounds like you'll exhaust your 26 weeks in February, and then would need to find work until you potentially qualify for a new claim after June. The key is whether you've worked enough during this current benefit year to establish financial eligibility for a new claim.

My brother just went thru this too! Ended up taking a job at half his previous salary just to keep the lights on. PA used to have State Extended Benefits but they haven't been triggered in years. It really is just the 26 weeks now.

Anyone else notice how employers ALWAYS make up BS reasons after the fact?? my friend just had the same thing happen. boss fired her then told UC she had "performance issues" but never gave her any warnings or wrote her up ever. its like they just dont want to pay into the system. so annoying.

One last thing to keep in mind - after you receive your determination, either side (you or your employer) has 15 calendar days to appeal if they disagree with the decision. If your employer appeals, you'll need to attend an appeal hearing, which adds more time to the process. Just be prepared for that possibility. Based on what you've described, with your documentation of harassment and no evidence of tardiness warnings from your employer, you have a strong case.

After reading through the thread, here's what I'd recommend: 1. File your UC claim ASAP (don't wait for court) 2. In the separation information, be factual but brief - "Terminated for absence due to temporary detention; charges to be dismissed" 3. Gather documentation: court paperwork showing dismissal, any proof your mother called, copy of company handbook 4. Be prepared for an initial denial 5. If denied, immediately file an appeal (15-day deadline) 6. Speak to an actual UC representative about your specific situation (using the contact method suggested above if needed) Many people give up after the initial denial, but the appeal process exists for situations with nuance like yours.

also apply for jobs right away dont wait for UC to come thru because even if approved itll take weeks anyway good luck man

Did u check ur mail carefully? My card came in a SUPER plain envelope that looked like junk mail and I almost threw it away! It doesn't say PA unemployment anywhere on the outside!

Something else to consider - once you receive your card, you can transfer the funds to your personal bank account through the Money Network mobile app or website. You don't have to use the physical card for purchases if you don't want to. Many people don't realize this option exists.

just wondering did u try emailing uchelp@pa.gov? some people say that works better than calling

One more bit of advice - make sure you're still completing your work search activities during this review period. I've seen cases where claims came out of review but then were immediately disqualified because claimants thought they didn't need to do work search while under review. The requirement is still in effect unless you've been specifically told otherwise.

I used to have Chime but switched to Current which is even faster sometimes. I get PA UC deposits on Sunday nights most weeks! But yeah Chime was Monday mornings when I had it last year.

Wow, thanks everyone for the responses! Sounds like Monday is pretty standard for Chime which is a huge relief. I'll report back next week to confirm when mine hits. Really appreciate all the insights!