PA UC claims specialist here. This is what's happening: When the calendar year changes, the system sometimes incorrectly flags continuous claims as having a separation even when nothing has changed. This is because the weekly certification questions include asking about work and earnings "for the week," and the system can misinterpret responses when the year changes. Here's what you need to do: 1. Complete the refile as requested (answer consistently with your original claim) 2. Contact a PA UC representative to explain the situation 3. Request they flag your claim for expedited processing due to the system error 4. Ask them to document that this was a system-generated refile, not due to new separation With proper documentation, this can be resolved in 3-5 business days rather than 2-3 weeks. Your previous payment history will help demonstrate this was a continuing claim erroneously flagged.

Glad to hear it! For anyone else experiencing this issue, make sure to document everything. Write down who you spoke with, what time, and what they told you. Sometimes you need to follow up multiple times. What specifically triggered the system error was likely answering the "did you work during this week?" question - the system treats the year change as a potential employment change.

My husband set up a fancy spreadsheet to track his payments because they were so random lol. After a few months he figured out his usually hit Thursday mornings around 4am but sometimes Wednesday night. I just check the UC dashboard under payment history to see if it says "paid" before I check my bank.

To directly answer your question: PA Unemployment does not currently offer an automated notification system specifically for benefit deposits. The system was designed to show payment status on your dashboard, but not to send alerts. Here's what you can do: 1. Check the "Payments" tab in your UC dashboard - it will show "paid" status before the money hits your account 2. If using direct deposit, set up banking alerts for deposits over $100 (or whatever your weekly benefit amount is) 3. If using the Money Network/ReliaCard, enable ALL notification options in their app settings 4. File your weekly claims on the same day each week (Sunday is optimal) to establish a more predictable payment pattern Payments generally follow a consistent pattern relative to when you file your weekly claim, but system maintenance and holidays can cause variations.

Can I just say I HATE how confusing the PA UC system is about this stuff?!? Why can't they just have CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS on their website about reopening vs. new claims and WHEN to do it? It's like they DELIBERATELY make it hard to understand!!! I nearly lost 3 weeks of benefits because of this exact situation!!

Just wanted to update everyone - I followed the advice and reopened my claim today. The process took about 15 minutes and asked about my new employer, why I needed to reopen (reduced hours), and some questions about my work search. The system told me I can file my weekly certification on Sunday for this week. Thanks for all the helpful advice!

ur supposed to keep filing weekly claims even while waiting for appeal decision!!! my cousin didnt know this and lost 6 weeks of backpay when she won her appeal!!! they only pay u for weeks u actually filed claims for

One more important tip: When you go to your appeal hearing, bring a timeline of events written out clearly. Include: - Your clean work history (performance reviews if you have them) - Exact time of the alleged incident (8:15am) - Normal work activities you completed after the incident (shows they had no immediate safety concerns) - Time you were called to HR (5pm) - When you recommended the witness (in your email statement) - Date of termination Referees handle multiple cases every day and appreciate clear, organized information. Also, Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state for recordings, so don't secretly record any conversations with your employer or the witness as that could hurt your case.

By the way, since your employer didn't show up, did the referee explain to you what that means procedurally? Sometimes they'll put on the record that the employer's absence means they can't contest certain facts. Did anything like that happen?

Just checking back - has your decision arrived yet? Most people should hear something within 5-7 business days. If it's been more than 10 business days, you might want to try contacting the Referee Office directly.

Just a heads-up about the Money Network card - make sure you understand all the fees. There are fees for certain ATMs, balance inquiries, and inactivity. The card itself is free and there's no fee for purchases, but it's good to know where you can withdraw cash without fees. There should be documentation on the PA UC website about this.

i wish theyd just let us use paypal or venmo or cashapp for UC payments! would be SO much easier than all this paper check and card stuff! anyway DONT use those payday loan check cashing places they are HUGE ripoffs!!!

To directly answer your original question: Yes, your current employer CAN contest your UC claim when you file after the seasonal job ends. Whether they will choose to or not depends on the employer. However, with proper documentation and explanation during the application process, you should still qualify even if they do contest it. The key facts that will help your case: 1. You left for another job (not just to collect UC) 2. That new job had a legitimate seasonal layoff 3. You're available and searching for work during the winter months Make sure you keep documentation of everything - your resignation letter should state you're leaving for other employment, and get something in writing from the new employer about the seasonal nature of the position.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I'm going to try that Claimyr service to speak with PA UC directly. And I'll definitely get documentation from both employers - resignation letter stating I'm leaving for other employment and something from the new employer about the seasonal nature with expected winter layoffs. I feel better knowing that even if my current employer contests it, I should still qualify with proper documentation and can appeal if needed. I appreciate all the help!

whatever u do just make sure u get paid something! waiting around for appeals can take forever

UPDATE: I just spoke with a UC supervisor about a similar issue (though mine was about job separations, not wage calculations). They confirmed that under certain circumstances, they can process payment for "undisputed weeks" while an appeal continues for other aspects of a claim. The key is that they must document this as a "split determination" where they're only processing certain weeks without requiring you to withdraw your appeal for the remaining disputed issues. I suggest specifically asking for a "split determination" and getting confirmation in writing about exactly which weeks they'll pay now and which remain subject to the appeal process. This would allow you to get some money now without giving up your rights to the remaining benefits.

Just an update for everyone dealing with this waiting week issue - I've spoken with several PA UC reps through my advocacy work, and they're aware this is a systemic problem. They've expedited the appeal process for these specific cases. When you file your appeal, use the phrase "system notification failure regarding waiting week requirement" in your explanation. This will flag it as part of this known issue. They're hoping to have a more permanent fix soon, but for now, individual appeals are the way to go.

my cousin works for unemployment and she said they're getting THOUSANDS of calls about this waiting week thing. total disaster. said their computer system is from like 1995 and they're always having problems updating it when rules change.

You can definitely use networking events as one of your work search activities! Here's what counts as valid work search in PA: 1. Applying for jobs 2. Attending job fairs 3. Creating profiles on job search websites 4. Taking civil service exams 5. Posting resumes on job boards 6. Networking events 7. Job interviews You need at least 2 different activities each week. I recommend keeping detailed records of everything you do (dates, company names, contact info) in case you get audited. They do randomly check people's work search records.

One important thing that hasn't been mentioned - if you do end up returning to work in December as planned, make sure you report any earnings properly on your weekly certifications once you start working again. Even partial weeks need to be reported. A lot of people mess this up and end up with overpayments.