This is such a helpful thread! I'm a newcomer to this community but have been dealing with PA UC for the first time this year after getting laid off from my retail management job. Reading through everyone's experiences here has taught me more about the system than hours of trying to navigate the UC website or sitting on hold. The fact that you can file a new claim after your benefit year ends is something I had no idea about - the UC rep I spoke with a few weeks ago definitely didn't mention this option when I asked what happens if I can't find work before my benefits run out. A few questions for the group: 1. Does this same process work for non-construction/seasonal work? I was laid off due to store closure, not seasonal layoffs 2. If you find a job right before your benefit year ends but then get laid off again shortly after, can you still file based on the previous job's wages? Thanks to everyone sharing their real experiences - it's clear the UC system is confusing even for people who've been through it multiple times! This community seems like a great resource for navigating all these complicated situations.

Hey everyone! I'm new to this community but this thread has been incredibly eye-opening. I'm actually in a very similar situation to the original poster - got laid off from my warehouse job in January 2025, collected UC for about 7 weeks, then found temp work that lasted until December when they ended the contract. Currently back on my original claim. What's really helpful about this discussion is seeing how many people have successfully navigated filing a second claim after their benefit year expires. I had called UC a few weeks ago and the rep made it sound like once your original claim runs out, that's it - but clearly that's not accurate based on everyone's experiences here. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about calling 2-3 weeks before my benefit year ends to start the new claim process, and making sure to have all my documentation from the temp job ready. The tip about selecting "benefit year ended" as the reason for filing is something I never would have known to do. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've filed second claims, did you notice any difference in how quickly you received your first payment compared to your original claim? I'm trying to plan financially for any potential gaps between when my current benefits end and the new claim gets processed. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical advice you can't get anywhere else!

If the employer doesn't appear, the hearing still proceeds with just your testimony. It can significantly improve your chances of winning since there's no contradicting testimony, but it's not an automatic win. The referee will still need to determine if your testimony and evidence meet the legal standards for eligibility.\n\nThe burden of proof in a \

This is interesting - they're claiming I quit when I was laid off. So it sounds like even if they don't show up, I still need to prove I didn't quit? I wonder if they'll skip the hearing since they're a pretty big company and might not care about one UC case.

I had my PA UC appeal hearing about 6 months ago and won! A few practical tips that really helped me: 1) Write down a simple timeline with dates before the hearing - when you were hired, any performance reviews, the exact date and circumstances of your layoff. 2) If possible, find your employee handbook or any company policies about layoffs vs terminations. 3) Stay calm if the employer's representative tries to interrupt you - the referee will handle that. 4) If you don't understand a question, it's totally okay to ask for clarification. The referee wants to get to the truth, not trick you. 5) Speak clearly since it's by phone - they may ask you to repeat something if the connection is bad. You've got this! The fact that you have documentation puts you in a good position. Most of these hearings are pretty straightforward when you stick to the facts.

I just wanted to add something that helped me tremendously during my PA UC appeal hearing last fall. If you have any written communication from your employer about the layoff - even something as simple as a text message from your supervisor saying "sorry about the layoffs" or an email mentioning company-wide cuts - make sure to reference it specifically during the hearing. I had a brief email from HR about "workforce reductions" that I almost didn't think was important, but it ended up being the key piece of evidence that convinced the referee I was laid off rather than quit. Also, don't worry if your employer has a more polished presentation or even legal representation. The referee is trained to cut through corporate speak and get to the actual facts. In my case, the company rep kept using vague language like "mutual separation" and "performance concerns," but when I presented my straightforward timeline with specific dates and the actual words my manager used ("we have to let you go due to budget cuts"), it was pretty clear what really happened. One last thing - if you get a decision in your favor, don't be surprised if your employer appeals to the next level. Mine did, but I won that too because the facts didn't change. Stay strong and stick to your truth!

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's emergency surgery - that's an incredibly stressful situation to be dealing with while you're already navigating unemployment challenges. As a newcomer to this community, I've been following this thread and it's clear everyone is giving you consistent, solid advice: absolutely do NOT file claims while you're out of the country, even for legitimate family emergencies. The experiences people have shared about fraud investigations and overpayment penalties are really sobering. A few thoughts that might help during this difficult time: - Since you mentioned winning your appeal recently, make sure to keep copies of all that documentation with you or in a safe place while traveling - you worked hard for that win and don't want to lose any important paperwork - Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to collect your mail while you're gone in case there's anything important from PA UC - When you do return and resume filing, having clear documentation of your exact travel dates will make explaining the gap much easier The financial impact of missing three weeks of benefits is going to be tough, especially with emergency travel costs, but you're absolutely making the right choice by following the rules and being there for your mom when she needs you most. Your claim will definitely be waiting for you when you return - the fact that you successfully won your appeal shows you're clearly eligible for these benefits. Hoping your mother's surgery goes smoothly and she has a quick recovery. This community seems incredibly supportive, so don't hesitate to reach out when you get back if you need help navigating the restart process.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's emergency surgery - what an incredibly stressful situation to be dealing with while you're already managing the challenges of unemployment and your recent appeal win. After reading through all the responses here, it's absolutely clear that you should NOT file claims while you're abroad, even for such a legitimate family emergency. The experiences shared by others about fraud investigations, overpayment penalties, and the strict enforcement of this rule really drive home how serious PA UC is about this requirement. A couple of additional thoughts that might help: - Since you just won your appeal after 6 weeks of fighting, make sure you have digital copies of all that documentation backed up somewhere safe before you travel - you don't want to risk losing any of that hard-earned paperwork - Consider reaching out to any local Mexican-American community organizations in your area before you leave - they sometimes have resources or emergency funds specifically to help families dealing with medical emergencies abroad - When you return, you might want to have a brief written summary of your travel dates and the reason for your absence ready, just to make the restart process as smooth as possible The three weeks without benefits will definitely be a financial challenge, especially with emergency travel costs, but you're absolutely doing the right thing by following the rules and being there for your mom during her recovery. Your claim will be waiting for you when you get back, and hopefully your restaurant job will be understanding about the family emergency. Wishing your mother a successful surgery and speedy recovery. You're being a wonderful son by prioritizing her health and wellbeing during this critical time.

Congratulations Aisha! This is such amazing news! 🎉 I've been quietly following your journey and I'm so excited that everything worked out for you. Your story has been incredibly helpful for those of us who might face similar situations in the future. The way you handled everything - from asking thoughtful questions to staying on top of the reporting requirements - really shows how to navigate this process the right way. It's also wonderful to see how supportive and knowledgeable this community is. Everyone's advice about proper reporting, keeping documentation, and understanding the nuances of PA UC has been educational for all of us. Best of luck with your new position - after 8 weeks of searching, you definitely deserve this success! Thanks for keeping us updated throughout your journey.

Congratulations Aisha! This is absolutely wonderful news! 🎉 I'm so excited for you - landing a job after 8 weeks of searching is such an accomplishment, especially in today's challenging market. You've been handling this entire situation so professionally and it's clear you're going to do great in your new role. The advice you've received here about reporting the job acceptance on your weekly certification while continuing to file until your actual start date is spot on. This community really came together to help you navigate the PA UC system, and your experience will definitely help others who find themselves in similar transitions. Make sure to celebrate this win - you've earned it! Best of luck on your first day and in your new position!