This happened to me too but for a totally different reason. Turns out my internet security software was blocking the site. Check if you have any firewalls or antivirus that might be interfering. I had to add the UC site to my exceptions list and then it worked fine on my laptop. But while I'm here - anyone know how to change your bank account info in the system? I got a new checking account and need to update my direct deposit but can't find that option anywhere...

UPDATE: The compatibility mode trick worked!!! Thank you all so much for your help. I was able to file my weekly claim without any issues. The site does look super outdated now but I don't even care as long as it works. For anyone else having this problem, definitely try the compatibility mode in your browser first!

Follow up on my earlier question - if you're getting the 'Unable to authenticate user credentials' error specifically, this is often caused by browser extensions interfering with the site. Try these steps in this exact order: 1. Open an incognito/private browser window 2. Go directly to pacareerlink.pa.gov (don't use a bookmark) 3. Log in with your username and password 4. If that works, then disable your browser extensions one by one in regular mode to find the culprit This worked for 3 different clients I helped last month with the same error message.

Glad to hear you got it working! Remember to document this issue in case PA UC ever questions your work search activities. The system will show when you were finally able to log in, so having your own records of applications submitted during the time you couldn't access the system will protect your benefits if questioned.

Update for everyone - PA UC just posted on their Twitter account that they're experiencing system delays today due to scheduled maintenance. They recommend waiting 2 hours and then trying again if your claim submission is still processing. They confirmed that claims started before 2pm today WILL be recorded even if you have to close your browser and restart.

anybody else notice how these problems always happen on weeks when rent is due? just saying.........

One additional point regarding vacation days: If you're receiving partial benefits while working part-time, remember that PA UC uses a "partial benefit credit" formula. They deduct 40% of your weekly benefit rate from your earnings, and if there's a remainder, you get that as your partial benefit. Missing one day might reduce your earnings enough that you still qualify for some partial benefits, depending on your specific financial details. This is why it's important to accurately report your actual earnings each week, rather than assuming you'll be automatically disqualified.

Just wanted to confirm what others have said - your claim remains open for your entire benefit year (typically 52 weeks from when you first applied) as long as you continue to file weekly claims. Even weeks where you receive $0 in benefits still count as having filed. The only time you need to reopen is if you completely stop filing for 2+ consecutive weeks. So you're doing everything right - just be honest about your vacation day, and then file normally for the week where you have no scheduled hours.

Yes! A doctor's statement would be extremely valuable evidence. Ideally, it should confirm: 1. The medical necessity of the surgery 2. Why it couldn't be postponed 3. The required recovery time 4. Any work restrictions during recovery This documentation directly supports your claim that you had a necessitous and compelling reason to leave employment. Have your doctor address it "To Whom It May Concern" and make it as specific as possible about your particular situation. General notes are less helpful than statements that directly address the circumstances of your unemployment claim.

wait i'm confused abt something... if you had a surgery and your employer denied time off, couldn't you have filed for FMLA instead of quitting? doesn't that protect your job? not criticizing just wondering if that was an option

when i filed last month i just gave up calling and went to the actual office in harrisburg. had to wait 2 hours but at least got to talk to someone face to face. might be worth it if ur close enough to one of their offices

I've been on unemployment 3 times in PA and honestly it's just luck of the draw. Sometimes you call and get right through, sometimes it takes days. One trick I learned is to use a different phone - like if you've been calling from your cell, try a landline or someone else's phone. I swear they track the numbers that call a lot and put them at the end of the queue!

THE SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN BY DESIGN!!! They WANT you to give up and not get benefits you're entitled to. I had to reapply after my benefit year ended and they gave me $75 LESS per week even though nothing about my work history changed significantly!!! When I called to ask why (after 27 attempts to get through) they gave me some BS about "calculation periods" and "base year quarters" that made NO SENSE!!! It's all a scam to pay less!!!

Update: I filed a new initial claim yesterday after reading all your suggestions. The system said I should expect a determination in 2-3 weeks. I also tried filing my weekly certification for last week even though my benefit year ended, and surprisingly it went through! Not sure if I'll actually get paid for it, but at least it's in the system. Thanks for all the helpful advice!

To address your work search concern - PA UC regulations actually provide an exemption from work search requirements during weeks you're medically unable to work. When you certify and explain your hospitalization, also note that you were unable to complete work searches for medical reasons. As for timeframes, expect the issue to take 2-3 weeks for review typically. Since this involves a straightforward medical situation with documentation, it shouldn't be excessively delayed. Just be completely honest in your certification and keep any hospital/doctor's documentation handy. The system is designed to handle temporary medical situations.

Update: I just wanted to let everyone know what happened in case someone else has the same question in the future. I filed my weekly certification, answered NO to being able and available for all days, and explained my hospitalization with exact dates. I got a notice that my claim had an "issue" but about 10 days later I received my payment! They reduced it by 5/7 (for the 5 days I was in the hospital out of the week), but I still got something. They never even asked for my hospital papers, but I had them ready just in case. Thanks everyone for your help!

whats this tour company if u dont mind me asking? my cousin is looking for work like that

One other important thing to remember - if your training pay is significant, it might put you over the partial benefit threshold for that week. For example, if your weekly benefit amount is $400 and your partial benefit credit is $100, then earning more than $500 in a week would make you ineligible for benefits that specific week. But you would still be eligible for the following weeks when you have no earnings until your job officially starts in March. Just make sure to answer all weekly claim questions honestly. Better to have one week without benefits than to risk an overpayment issue later on.

To directly answer your question about how to complete the weekly certification with standby status: 1. When asked if you're able and available for work, answer YES 2. When asked if you're on standby status with a return date, answer YES 3. When asked if you completed work search activities, there should be an option indicating you're exempt If you don't see these exact options, it likely means your standby status isn't properly set up in the system, which is why speaking directly with a UC representative is crucial. I'd recommend completing the minimum work search requirements until you get official confirmation of your exemption. It's better to do unnecessary work searches than risk losing benefits.

Sounds like you're on the right track! One more thing to keep in mind: if your return-to-work date gets pushed back beyond the 45-day window, you'll need to start completing work search activities at that point. Also, keep a copy of your return-to-work documentation handy in case you're selected for an audit. Glad you found the standby status option in the weekly filing system!