UPDATE: The incognito window trick worked!!!! I can't believe it was that simple. Logged in through incognito mode and the system recognized my ID.me verification immediately. I was able to file my claim without any issues. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help - especially @system_expert for the super simple solution that saved me hours of frustration!

This is why I HATE the PA unemployment system so much. They make everything SO COMPLICATED when the fix is usually something stupidly simple. But do they tell us that? NO! They let us panic and waste hours trying to get through on the phone! So glad you got it fixed without having to call them.

Wait I'm confused...is RESEA the same as PREP? I had to do a PREP workshop when I was on unemployment before but don't remember anything called RESEA?

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I feel much better about this meeting now. I'll get all my job search records organized with the details you suggested and go in with an open mind. It actually sounds like it could be useful for networking and getting some extra help with my job search. I'll update after my appointment to let others know how it went!

mine always shows up in my account on wednesday morning. hope u get yrs!

UPDATE: Great news! The payment just hit my new account this morning. So changing direct deposit on Friday DID work in time for my Sunday filing. Just wanted to update in case anyone else has this question in the future. Thanks everyone for your help!

Make sure ur still doin all ur work search activities while this is getting sorted out! My cousin didn't do his for 2 weeks cuz he thought he was disqualified based on a letter like yours and then when he found out he could still get benefits he couldn't get those weeks cuz he didn't do the searches. PA is really strict about that now.

UPDATE: I just wanted to let everyone know that my payment for this current week DID go through! It took an extra day to process compared to my previous payments, but it's showing as paid now. So it looks like the backdated disqualification really doesn't affect current claims. Thank you all for your help and reassurance!

Set a reminder on your phone for filing day! I do Sunday mornings at 9am every week. Never miss it now!

To summarize the correct information for anyone else who finds this post: 1. Missing ONE week: Your claim remains open, but you lose that week's payment. 2. Missing TWO consecutive weeks: Your claim becomes inactive and needs to be reactivated (not completely refiled). 3. Your benefit year remains the same (52 weeks from initial filing). 4. Your remaining balance is preserved when reactivating. 5. Work search requirements must still be met for any week you claim. Always check the PA UC website for official information as policies can change: www.uc.pa.gov

One time my neighbor got my card by mistake! Check with your neighbors if it doesn't show up soon. The envelopes are pretty plain.

Hey, just checking in - did your card ever arrive? I'm just curious because I remember when I was waiting for mine, it felt like forever.

Yes, PA UC requires you to complete at least two work search activities per week. These can include:\n\n- Applying for positions\n- Taking a civil service test\n- Creating a profile on PA CareerLink\n- Attending job fairs\n- Going to interviews\n\nYou'll need to track the details of these activities as you may be asked to provide this information during your weekly claims or in a random audit. I recommend keeping a simple spreadsheet with dates, company names, positions, application methods, and any responses.\n\nRegarding your case, I'd also suggest checking if your employer had a formal disciplinary policy they failed to follow. If their handbook or policies outline a process for performance issues (warnings, PIPs, etc.) and they didn't follow it, that can strengthen your case further.

You've been so helpful, thank you! I'm going to start a job search log right away. I'll also check our employee handbook - pretty sure they have a 3-strike policy they completely ignored in my case. Hopefully that helps my claim!

I was going through something similar with my unemployment last year, totally different issue tho. They kept sending me letters saying I didn't complete my work search but I did every single week. Some of these govt workers just don't know what they're doing honestly.

@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!!!

You need to decide if you want to hire an attorney. I didn't and I regretted it because my employer had their HR person who knew all the legal terms and I felt totally outmatched. If your case is simple maybe you don't need one but if there's a lot of money at stake it might be worth it.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I called off work for the whole morning just to be safe. One more question - will I find out the decision right after the hearing ends or do I have to wait?

wait i just thought of something. does ur job have any written policies they're breaking? like if they say no bullying but then ppl are bullying u and u have proof, that might help ur case

The real question is: is staying at this job worth your MENTAL HEALTH?? Money isn't everything! Sometimes you have to put yourself first even if it means no unemployment. I stayed at my toxic job WAY too long trying to document everything perfectly for UC and ended up having a complete breakdown. Had to be hospitalized and everything. No job is worth that!!