One thing nobody mentioned yet - when you file your claim online, save or print EVERY screen. The PA UC website is notorious for glitches where your information disappears. Also, after you file, you'll need to register with PA CareerLink and do your weekly work search activities (apply to at least 2 jobs each week). They're really strict about that part.

I want to add something important that might help your case - make sure you keep detailed records of any medical documentation related to your back and knee problems. If you have doctor's notes, physical therapy records, or any written communication with your employer about needing accommodations, gather all of that together. The fact that you were trying to work around your physical limitations with reasonable solutions (like the stool) shows you were making good faith efforts to do your job effectively. Also, when you describe the situation to UC, focus on the facts: you have documented physical limitations, you attempted reasonable self-accommodation, your employer denied this accommodation citing safety concerns, and then you were terminated shortly after with vague complaints about "attitude" that specifically targeted older employees. This creates a clear timeline that supports your case. One more thing - if you have any coworkers who witnessed the comments about "older cashiers" or saw you trying to accommodate your physical needs, ask if they'd be willing to provide statements. Witness testimony can be very valuable in both UC determinations and potential discrimination cases.

Keep in mind that even after the hearing, the referee has 14 days to issue a decision, though many come sooner. The entire process from appeal to decision typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on current caseload. Document everything and be extremely prepared for your hearing. I'd recommend writing out your key points beforehand so you don't forget anything important when you're nervous during the hearing.

Just went through this process myself - got my acknowledgement letter in February and had my hearing exactly 3.5 weeks later. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is to start preparing your evidence NOW while you're waiting. I created a simple timeline document with dates, what happened, and who was present for each event. Also gathered my employee handbook, any emails about the layoff, and my termination paperwork. Having everything organized made the hearing so much less stressful. The waiting is the hardest part but use that time productively to build your case. You got this!

Update for anyone who finds this post in the future: My money finally showed up in my bank account today, so it took exactly 3 business days (Thursday to Tuesday). I was also able to call my landlord and explain the situation, and they agreed to waive the late fee as long as I pay by Wednesday. Lesson learned - I'll start transfers much earlier next time!

Pro tip for anyone else dealing with this - if you have a Wells Fargo account, their transfers from Money Network actually process faster than most other banks. I usually get mine in 2 business days instead of 3. Also, if you're really in a bind for rent money, some landlords will accept Zelle payments, and you can add your Money Network card as a debit card in Zelle for instant transfers (though there might be daily limits). Just another option to consider for future emergencies!

If you do file for that waiver, make sure you clearly demonstrate financial hardship. Include your monthly expenses, income, and any special circumstances (medical bills, dependents, etc.). The more specific evidence you provide, the better your chances. Also, definitely emphasize that the reporting error was your employer's mistake and not yours. If you have any documentation from your employer acknowledging the error, include that too.

Hey there! I went through something really similar about 8 months ago. The good news is that yes, you can still get relief even though you're past the initial appeal window. I was in almost the exact same boat - employer reported wrong info, got hit with a "fault" overpayment classification, and they were taking like 38% of my benefits. Here's what worked for me: I filed both the late appeal (citing that I didn't understand the process initially) AND the overpayment waiver at the same time. The waiver got approved first after about 5 weeks, and they actually refunded me about $800 that they had already deducted! The key was really documenting everything - I included my employer's written acknowledgment of their error, bank statements showing financial hardship, and a detailed timeline of what happened. Don't give up! The system is frustrating but there are definitely ways to fight this, especially when it wasn't your fault to begin with.

UPDATE: For anyone who finds this thread later - the landscape mode trick worked for me! Once I rotated my phone, the options for text/email appeared. Thanks everyone for your help! Claim is finally filed.

Just wanted to add another workaround that worked for me - if landscape mode doesn't work for you, try opening the PA UC site in an incognito/private browsing window. Something about the cached data was interfering with the 2FA buttons loading properly. Had to do this plus clear my cookies, but then the text/email options showed up normally in portrait mode. Hope this helps someone else who's struggling with this mess!