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dont forget to do ur work searches while waiting!!!!! i messed up and didnt do them for 2 weeks thinking i didnt need to while waiting for new approval and they denied me those weeks even tho i was eligible otherwise
Update: I submitted my new application yesterday and the system is showing an "open issue" already. Is this normal? Should I try calling them to find out what the issue is? I'm getting really anxious about this whole process.
Open issues during reapplication are very common. It usually means they're verifying something with your former or current employer, or there might be a discrepancy in reported wages. I would recommend trying to call, but be prepared for long wait times. The online message center is another option, though responses can take 7-10 business days.
The screenshot of the error message could be very helpful evidence! Make sure to bring it. Also, did you try to contact UC immediately when the error happened? Any record of a call or email about the issue at the time would strengthen your case. For the hearing itself, I suggest writing down a timeline of exactly what happened with dates and times. Referees appreciate organization and it helps you stay on track when you're nervous. Good luck!
Just checking back - were you able to get through to request a phone hearing? If not, seriously consider using Claimyr. I was in the same situation and spent hours trying to get through on the regular line with no luck. With everything riding on this hearing, it's worth considering all options to make sure you can arrange it properly.
For me it was about 7 weeks total - 3 weeks for the initial denial, then another 4 weeks until my hearing and decision. But when they approved me after the appeal, I got all the back weeks paid at once. It was a huge relief financially.
Thank you all for the advice. I'm going to start preparing for the appeal now even though I haven't been denied yet. I'll gather the death certificate, funeral program, and get a letter from my therapist. Really appreciate all your help during this difficult time.
That's a wise approach - being prepared in advance. You might also want to write down your own detailed statement while events are still fresh in your mind. Include dates, your emotional state, and why continuing to work was impossible. This will help you present a clear case during the appeal hearing. Wishing you strength during this difficult time.
My cousin's friend had this happen and it turned out his old job was contesting his unemployment entirely which is why they froze everything. Might not be about the one day of work at all, could be your regular employer causing issues?
For anyone dealing with this in the future: The key thing with temporary or one-off work is to make sure you indicate in the weekly claim that this is NOT a return to full-time work. There's a question specifically asking if you've returned to full-time work - make sure you answer 'No' if that's the case. Sometimes the investigation is triggered because of how those questions were answered rather than the fact that you worked at all.
This is incredibly helpful information! Thank you so much! I'm definitely going to call tomorrow morning to set up a payment plan. I accept that I messed up by missing the appointment, so I won't appeal, but a payment plan would really help me out.
I feel your pain. My situation wasn't identical but I had an appeal pending for 3 months and was about to lose my apartment. I contacted my state rep (Phil Williams in my district) and his assistant Ashley was AMAZING. She had someone from UC call me within 48 hours. Turns out my appeal paperwork had been received but not properly entered into their system. Two weeks later I had my hearing date, and three weeks after that I got all my backpay. State reps can't work miracles but they can definitely light a fire under the UC office. What's important is having all your documentation organized when you contact them.
Update: I called my state rep's office this morning and spoke to someone in constituent services. They took all my information and said they'd reach out to their contact at UC. They also advised me to upload my supporting documents right away through my dashboard (which I just did). I'll post another update when I hear something. Thanks everyone for the guidance!
wait I just realized something - are you talking about a DIRECT deposit to Chime or are you transferring from the Money Network card TO Chime?? Cause those are different things with different timelines!!!
Oh, I'm actually not sure! This is my first payment. They asked for bank info when I applied, but then sent me a Money Network card in the mail too. I assumed it would go straight to my Chime account?
PA UC typically sends first payments to the Money Network card even if you provided direct deposit info. After that, future payments should go to your direct deposit. You'll need to check your Money Network card balance (either by calling the number on the card or setting up online access) to see if the payment is there waiting for you to transfer to Chime.
Update for anyone who finds this thread later: The money just hit my Money Network card today! Now I need to transfer it to my Chime account. Thanks everyone for your help!
Just saw someone mentioned Claimyr above - BE CAREFUL giving your info to third-party services!!! They charge you to do what should be FREE
I understand the concern, but when you're missing 3+ weeks of payments and can't get through to UC, sometimes paying for a service to help is worth it. Each person has to decide if the time savings is worth it to them. I personally had a good experience with them, but everyone should do what they're comfortable with.
Just checking back - did you have any luck uploading your bank verification documents or getting through to someone? The bank statement upload suggestion is actually really good advice and can speed things up considerably.
Yes! I uploaded my bank statement AND used the Claimyr service to get through to an agent this morning. The agent confirmed there was a verification hold due to the payment method change, but they were able to clear it after verifying my identity and bank info. She said I should receive all my back payments within 2-3 business days! Such a relief. Thanks to everyone who helped!
For anyone using Chime or other online banks with PA unemployment payments, I'd recommend always keeping a small buffer in your account if possible. I've seen these payment timing issues happen a few times in the past year. The UC system officially says to allow 2-3 business days for payments to appear after they're issued, even though they're usually faster with online banks. Having even a small cushion can help with peace of mind when these delays happen.
when i was getting PA UC last winter my Chime deposits always came at weird times... sometimes 6am sometimes 4pm... i started writing down the times and there was no pattern at all lol. your money will come but PA treasury department does whatever they want whenever they want
Khalid Howes
hang in there!! my claim took 11 weeks and i was about to give up when it suddenly got approved all at once. the waiting is the worst part 😩
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Manny Lark
Thank you! It helps to know I'm not alone even though this situation shouldn't be happening to anyone. 11 weeks is insane, but at least you eventually got approved!
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