
Pennsylvania Unemployment
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Hey everyone, I'm in a weird spot with my seasonal employment and PA unemployment. I work landscaping so it's hit or miss with hours right now (late winter/early spring). My supervisor offered me work yesterday but I couldn't make it in (kid was sick), but I have ZERO hours scheduled for next week. If I don't file my weekly claim because I missed that one available workday, I think I'll have to go through the whole claim reopening process for next week when I have no hours. But if I DO file for this week, do I need to report that I refused/missed available work? Will they disqualify me? This is my first time dealing with seasonal work and UC and I'm stressed about making mistakes. What's the correct approach here?
I've been filing my weekly UC claims for about 2 months now and it's always been the same basic 4-5 questions. This morning I logged in to file and the form looked completely different with like 10+ questions I've never seen before! Some were about job contacts (which I thought we only had to report if asked?) and others about availability that were worded in a really confusing way. Did PA change their weekly claim form overnight? Has anyone else experienced this change today? I'm worried about answering something wrong and getting my benefits delayed. I took screenshots just in case but I'm not sure if I should just answer everything or try calling them first.
Just wanted to add that I experienced the same thing when filing this week. The new form definitely caught me off guard at first, but I think it's actually better in the long run. Instead of wondering if you're doing enough for work search requirements, now you just report what you've done each week and know you're compliant. One tip: I started keeping a simple note on my phone with employer names, dates, and contact methods throughout the week so I don't have to scramble to remember everything when filing. Makes the process much smoother!
I have had to answer the same question over and over and over. Who do I work for? When did you work for this employer? How much do you earn for a quarter? How much do you earn per bi-weekly? How much do you earn weekly? How many hours did you work? I've worked for one employer in the past 18 years I should not need to put in the same employer at least four times. I have no idea how many times it would ask because I finally just closed the browser session and turn my tablet off.
Hey everyone, I'm confused about my seasonal PA unemployment claim requirements. I live in New Jersey but my employer is in Pennsylvania. I've been laid off for winter (construction industry) and have a definite return date in spring. I registered on the CareerLink website already but was told I need to physically go to a CareerLink office? Is that true even though I don't live in PA? Also not sure about the job search requirements - do I still need to apply for jobs and upload proof even with my guaranteed return date? Someone said my benefits would be terminated if I don't register at an actual CareerLink location. This is my first time dealing with PA unemployment and I'm stressed about making a mistake that could cost me my benefits during these winter months. Any guidance would be super appreciated!
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I've registered on CareerLink, confirmed my employer submitted the proper paperwork, and set up a system to track my work search activities each week. This community has been incredibly helpful - much clearer than the official instructions from PA UC!
Just wanted to add something for other seasonal workers who might find this thread - if you're in construction like Sergio, make sure to check if your union (if you're in one) offers any online training or workshops during the off-season. These definitely count as work search activities and can help you stay current with industry standards while you're laid off. Also, PA CareerLink has some really good free online courses for construction trades that count toward your work search requirements. I did a few OSHA refresher courses through their platform last winter and it was actually pretty useful when I went back to work. Way better than just applying to random jobs you know you won't take!
It looks like you received a notice saying your appeal was "reviewed as invalid" because it was filed on the "incorrect determination." This can be frustrating and confusing. This typically happens when you appealed something different than what EDD thinks you were trying to appeal, or you may have used the wrong form or process for what you're contesting. Your next steps should be: - Carefully read the "Further Appeal Rights" section of your decision letter - it should explain exactly what to do next - Make sure you're appealing the specific determination you disagree with (using the correct form/reference number) - If you're confused about which determination to appeal, call EDD directly for clarification - Consider whether you need to file a new appeal that specifically addresses the correct determination Don't give up if you believe you have legitimate grounds for appeal. The system can be technical, but following their specific instructions in the "Further Appeal Rights" section is crucial to having your appeal properly considered.
@Brittany Diem It means that when you filed your appeal, you may have referenced the wrong determination number or appealed a different decision than the one you actually wanted to challenge. For example, if you received multiple notices from unemployment like (an eligibility determination, overpayment notice, or benefit calculation ,)you need to make sure you re'appealing the specific one you disagree with using the exact reference number from that determination. The appeal system is very technical - they want to make sure your appeal is filed against the right decision so they can address your specific concerns. Since it was marked invalid, "you" ll'need to file a new appeal following the instructions in the Further "Appeal Rights section" to make sure it gets properly processed this time.
Hey everyone! I'm kinda freaking out because I checked my Money Network card this morning and there's no pending deposit from unemployment. I ALWAYS get my UC payment on Wednesday (has been like clockwork for the past 3 months), but it's not showing up today. Could this be because of the holiday on Monday? Will my payment arrive tomorrow instead? I haven't seen any notices about this on the PA UC portal, but maybe I missed something? My rent is due Friday and I'm cutting it close already. Anybody else experiencing delays this week?
Hey I just wanted to update - my payment just hit my account about an hour ago (Thursday morning). So it was definitely just delayed by the holiday. Hope everyone else got theirs too!
Just got mine this morning too! Thanks everyone for the reassurance yesterday - I was definitely spiraling a bit. It's so frustrating that PA doesn't send out notifications about these holiday delays. Would save everyone so much anxiety if they just posted a quick notice on the portal saying "expect your payment one day late due to federal holiday." Anyway, crisis averted and rent will be paid on time! 🙏
Andre Dupont
did u figure this out?? curious what happened with ur claim
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Yuki Watanabe
AuthorYes! I filed my weekly claim, honestly reported the missed day due to my sick child, and explained the situation. They approved my payment with no issues! Thanks everyone for the help. Definitely less stressful than reopening the claim would have been.
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Carmen Sanchez
Great to hear! This is exactly why it's important to keep filing and be honest - the system generally does recognize legitimate reasons like childcare emergencies.
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Luca Esposito
So glad to see this worked out! Your situation is exactly why I always tell people in seasonal work to keep filing weekly - even when things get uncertain. The fact that you were honest about the childcare emergency and it was approved shows the system does work when you follow the proper procedures. Thanks for updating us on the outcome, it's really helpful for others who might face similar situations with their seasonal UC claims.
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