I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more important point: Even though your claim has been approved by the Board of Review, sometimes there's paperwork that must be manually updated in the system. The Board's decision gets sent to a separate unit that has to implement it. If you do decide to call, make sure you mention you had a Board of Review decision in your favor, as those require special handling. Ask specifically if there's any action needed from you or if it's just in queue for processing.

Congrats on getting through to someone and figuring out the issue! This is such a good reminder that sometimes the "prevent payment" status is just a simple verification thing that looks way scarier than it actually is. Your situation gives me hope - I'm dealing with something similar where my payment has been stuck for about 10 days now. How did you finally manage to get through to an agent? I've been calling the main number but just get busy signals or disconnected.

I went through this exact same situation about 4 months ago when I switched from the ReliaCard to CashApp for my PA UC payments. The first payment took 11 business days to show up! I was panicking because like you, rent was due and I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone. What I learned is that CashApp has a "first government deposit" verification process that they don't really advertise - they basically hold the funds while they verify it's legitimate. After that first payment though, all my subsequent payments have arrived within 2-3 days. If you're at 8-9 business days now, I'd give it until day 12-13 before really worrying. But honestly, after going through that stress, I switched back to direct deposit with my regular bank and haven't had any issues since. The peace of mind is worth it when you're already dealing with unemployment stress!

Just wanted to add another perspective for anyone considering CashApp for PA UC payments. I've been using it for about 8 months now and while the first payment did take about 6 business days (which was stressful!), I've found that subsequent payments are actually pretty reliable - usually arrive within 2-3 days after the "total payment" status shows up. The key thing I learned is to make sure you have your CashApp account fully verified BEFORE switching your direct deposit. This means uploading your ID, confirming your SSN, etc. I think this helps speed up the process for government deposits since they've already verified your identity. That said, reading through everyone's experiences here, it's clear that traditional banks are definitely more predictable for timing. If you can't afford to wait potentially 7-10+ days for that first payment, definitely stick with a regular bank account for your UC direct deposit!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress right now - having your benefits run out unexpectedly is such a scary situation, especially when you're already in training and have bills due. I wanted to add one more resource that hasn't been mentioned yet: if you're a member of any union (even if you're not currently working), many unions have emergency hardship funds for members facing financial crises. Also, check with your local Salvation Army and Catholic Charities - they often have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent and utilities even if you're not religious. Some locations can even write checks directly to landlords or utility companies. Since you mentioned you worked at a warehouse, you might also want to check if you're eligible for any industry-specific assistance programs. I know it feels overwhelming with all these different programs to research, but the fact that you're actively seeking help and in a training program shows you're doing everything right. This rough patch will pass, and you'll be in a better position once you complete your training.

I just wanted to say that reading through all these responses gives me hope for how supportive this community is. I'm actually going through something similar right now - my benefits are getting low and I'm worried about what happens next. @AstroAce, I really hope some of these suggestions work out for you. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is checking with your local community action agency - they often coordinate multiple assistance programs under one roof and can help you navigate what's available in your specific area. They usually know about programs that other organizations might not be aware of. Also, if you have any medical conditions or disabilities (even temporary ones from stress), sometimes that can open up additional assistance programs. The fact that you're in training shows you're being proactive about your future, which is really admirable when you're dealing with this kind of financial stress. Hang in there!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was laid off from my warehouse job after 14 years with a callback date that keeps getting extended. What I've learned from calling PA UC multiple times is that you absolutely need to start your work search activities the week after your callback date officially expires - no grace period. But here's something that might help ease your anxiety: I discovered that networking events, career fairs (even virtual ones), and informational interviews all count toward your 3 weekly activities. So you don't have to jump straight into formal job applications if you're not ready. I've been using this time to attend virtual industry meetups and connect with former colleagues on LinkedIn - it's helped me feel more confident about eventually interviewing again. Also, don't underestimate the value of your 22 years of experience. Manufacturing companies are actually struggling to find experienced workers right now, especially with the skills shortage. Your knowledge of safety protocols, quality standards, and equipment operation is incredibly valuable. Start documenting all your accomplishments and certifications now so you're ready when the time comes.

I'm going through something very similar - 19 years at a chemical plant, laid off in December with a callback that's now been pushed from February to April. At 54, the thought of starting over is absolutely terrifying, but this thread has given me so much hope and practical advice! What I've learned from my own research is that PA UC will notify you in writing when your work search requirements change, but don't wait for that letter - start preparing immediately. I've been quietly updating my resume and researching companies, and honestly it's been empowering to realize how much I've actually accomplished over nearly two decades. One thing that's helped my confidence is volunteering at a local food bank - it counts as community involvement and has helped me practice talking to new people again after being in the same workplace bubble for so long. For what it's worth, I've started reaching out to former coworkers who left over the years, and several have told me their new employers specifically sought out people with long manufacturing experience. We're more valuable than we think! Keep your head up - we've weathered plant shutdowns, recessions, and massive industry changes. We can handle this transition too.

I went through this exact same situation last month! Saw my payment dates appear on a Wednesday and was anxiously checking the mail every day. The Money Network card arrived exactly 8 business days later in a very plain white envelope - honestly looked like junk mail at first glance. Once I activated it online, all my pending payments were available immediately. The whole process was nerve-wracking but worked out fine. Just keep filing your weekly claims while you wait and don't panic if it takes the full 10 days - seems like mail delivery varies by area. You're so close to the finish line now!

Just wanted to add my experience from when I went through this last fall - I was in the exact same situation where payment dates appeared but no card yet. The Money Network card took about 9 business days to arrive for me, and like others mentioned, it really did look like junk mail! I almost tossed it. One thing I wish someone had told me is that you can actually call Money Network directly (not PA UC) to check if your card has been mailed once you have payment dates showing. Their customer service was way easier to reach than PA's phone lines. The number should be on the PA UC website. Also, definitely set up account alerts in the Money Network app once you get the card - it helps you track when funds are loaded. Hang in there, you're almost at the finish line!