Just to summarize what you should do now: 1. Continue filing your weekly certifications - backdating can be complicated 2. Meet and document your work search requirements (2 job applications + 1 work search activity per week) 3. Try contacting PA UC through their online messaging system with a specific question about your open issue 4. Consider using a service to connect with a representative if you're unable to get through on your own after multiple attempts 5. Check your portal and email daily for any requests for additional information Most claims with open issues are resolved within 30 days, though some take longer. The good news is that once resolved, you'll receive all back payments for properly filed weekly claims.

I went through the exact same thing a few months ago! "Monetary Finality" was actually a relief when I saw it because it means you DO qualify for benefits - they've calculated your weekly benefit amount based on your work history. The frustrating part is that you still need to wait for any "open issues" to be resolved before payments start. In my case, the open issue was related to my separation reason. Even though I was laid off, my former employer hadn't responded to PA UC's request for information about my termination. It took about 4 weeks total, but once it was resolved, I got all my back payments. My advice: definitely keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting (I almost made that mistake!), and try calling first thing in the morning around 8 AM when the lines open. I had better luck getting through early in the day. Hang in there - the monetary finality status is actually good news, even though it doesn't feel like it right now!

One more tip - during your hearing, stay calm and factual. Don't get emotional or attack your former employer personally, even if you're justified. The referee is only interested in facts relevant to UC law. And while you're waiting, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims/certifications, even though you're not getting paid yet. If you win your appeal, they'll pay all those back weeks, but only if you've been filing consistently.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago - also got denied initially for "voluntary quit" when it was clearly constructive discharge. The appeal process was stressful but totally worth it. I won my case by focusing on three key things: 1) Timeline showing how conditions deteriorated after I refused unpaid work, 2) Documentation of unreasonable demands (save every text/email!), and 3) Proof that I tried to resolve issues before quitting. The whole process took about 10 weeks from appeal to decision. Don't let them intimidate you - employers often don't even show up to hearings because they know their case is weak. You've got this! Just stay organized and stick to the facts.

I'm on week 4 waiting for a decision. Every time I call they just say "it's still pending" and can't tell me anything more. My landlord is getting impatient and I don't know what to tell him. Has anyone had any luck getting an advance payment or partial payment while waiting?

I'm currently on day 12 of waiting for employer verification and this thread is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time. It's helpful to know I'm not alone in this situation, but seeing people wait 5-7 weeks is making me panic. I've been calling every day but can never get through - the system just hangs up on me after being on hold for 2+ hours. Has anyone tried reaching out to their state representative for help? I've heard mixed things about whether that actually works or just adds more bureaucracy to the process. At this point I'm willing to try anything because I can't afford to wait another month for a decision. Also keeping detailed records of everything and filing weekly certifications religiously, so hopefully that will help when they finally get to my case.

Just want to add that if you're claiming benefits for a while, try to vary your CareerLink activities. I've heard from a career advisor that they like to see different types of engagement. So maybe do a workshop one week, an assessment the next, a job fair after that, etc. Shows you're really putting in the effort.

I'm new to PA unemployment and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Quick question though - do the CareerLink activities have to be completed during normal business hours? I work part-time (which is why I'm getting partial benefits) and most of my availability is evenings and weekends. Are there virtual workshops or activities available outside of typical 9-5 hours? I'm worried about scheduling conflicts with my current job.

Great to hear you got through and resolved it! I'm dealing with a similar IDme verification nightmare right now - been locked out for 3 days because the facial recognition keeps failing. Super frustrating that they implemented this system without making sure it actually works properly. For anyone else struggling with IDme specifically, I found that using a different device sometimes helps. The facial recognition worked better on my laptop than on my phone. Also make sure you have really good lighting - that seemed to make a difference for me when I finally got through the verification process. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Claimyr service too. Might have to try that if I run into backdating issues once I can actually access my account again.

I'm dealing with the exact same IDme nightmare right now! Filed my claim last week but got stuck in verification hell for 4 days. The facial recognition kept timing out and their customer service was useless. Finally got verified yesterday but now I'm worried about the same backdating issue you had. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the Message Center approach might be worth trying first before dealing with the phone system. Has anyone had success getting backdating approved through the online message system alone, or did everyone eventually have to call? Also @Zainab Ismail - really hoping your backdating gets processed smoothly! Keep us posted on how it goes. This whole IDme rollout has been such a disaster.