UPDATE: I found the direct deposit section! For anyone else looking, after you log in, click on "Unemployment Services" and then look for "Update Payment Option" (not "Payment Information" like someone said above). I just set up my direct deposit, and it says my next payment will be deposited directly to my bank account. Thanks everyone for your help!

my cousin works for unemployment and she told me they're actually planning to phase out the Money Network cards completely by end of 2025, going all direct deposit. not officially announced yet tho

Something to consider: PA UC law recognizes that transportation issues can constitute good cause for leaving employment when: 1. The change in commute was due to factors beyond your control (becoming homeless) 2. The distance is prohibitive (70 miles definitely qualifies) 3. You attempted to resolve the issue before quitting Make sure you can show evidence for all three elements. Also, be prepared to answer why you waited until April to file when you left in January. The referee might ask about this gap - just explain your housing situation honestly and that you were focused on stabilizing before filing. If your employer shows up (they don't always), don't get defensive or argue. Let them present their side, then calmly explain your perspective.

Yes, bring any documentation of your housing situation during those months. This could include shelter intake forms, lease agreements (once you found stable housing), correspondence about looking for housing, etc. This helps explain the filing gap and supports your overall case that you were dealing with genuine hardship. One more tip: During the hearing, if your former employer attempts to claim you could have found alternative transportation, be prepared to explain exactly why each alternative wouldn't work (cost prohibitive, no public transit routes, etc.). The more specific you can be about why you had no viable options, the stronger your case will be.

Has anyone gotten their claim fixed by using the message center on the PA UC website?? I keep hearing different things about whether they actually read those or not

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the UC office! Using Claimyr actually worked after days of busy signals. The agent confirmed that my employer reported my wages to New Jersey instead of Pennsylvania, which caused the review flag. They're now processing an interstate claim, and the agent said I should see movement on my claim within 7-10 days. They also noted in my file that I worked 100% remotely from PA. Thanks everyone for your help!

My niece had this same issue with her depression. she waited 8 weeks and nothing happen, then she just reapplied and didnt mention the medical condition at all on the second application and got approved right away. maybe not the right way to do it but it worked for her

For what it's worth, I process UC claims (not in PA, but nearby state with similar rules). The key issue with medical conditions is whether they make you unable to work. If your doctor can document that you can work with certain accommodations, that should resolve the issue. Also, make sure you're completing any questionnaires they send about your medical condition. These often get overlooked in the dashboard but are critical for moving your claim forward. Look specifically for something called an "Able and Available" questionnaire.

Hate to break it to u all but PA uses Money Network because it's THE CHEAPEST option for them, not the best for us. My buddy works in state gov (not UC dept) and says they know about all these fraud problems but aren't fixing it because it would cost more. They count on people giving up on claims. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT NEEDED!!!

For those following this thread: I've compiled some important resources for PA UC Money Network card fraud victims: 1. PA Attorney General Consumer Protection: 800-441-2555 2. CFPB Complaint Portal: consumerfinance.gov/complaint 3. PA Treasurer's Office (oversees the Money Network contract): 717-787-2465 4. PA UC Claimant Services: 888-313-7284 (difficult to reach, but they can help with direct deposit setup) Document everything - dates, times, representatives spoken to, and transaction details. Take screenshots of unauthorized transactions. This documentation is crucial when filing reports.

wait u can still do direct deposit? when i filed in january they told me the card was the only option now. has this changed?

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know the money showed up on my card this morning (Monday)! So it took exactly one business day after the payment date. Going to switch to direct deposit now though - thanks everyone for your help!

i think this might be about that new reporting system PA started using in 2025. all employers have to submit new hire reports within like 20 days now instead of quarterly. maybe your separation and the new hire reporting got crossed somewhere. confusing system!!!!

Good news - completing the questionnaire should resolve this fairly quickly in most cases. Make sure to answer all questions accurately and mention specifically that you received severance, which was likely misreported as regular wages. You can check your claim status every few days, and once the issue is resolved, any held payments should be released automatically. If it's not resolved within 2 weeks after submitting your questionnaire, then you should definitely try calling.

when he does get thru make sure he asks them to backdate any weeks he shoulda been paid. they wont do it automatically sometimes

So did this ever get fixed? My husband might have to file soon and I want to know if we should be extra careful with the reason selection...!

To clarify what others have said: as someone who works with claimants regularly, here's the proper procedure for your situation: 1. File your weekly claim as normal 2. When asked if you refused work, select "Yes" 3. Provide a clear explanation that you were unable to work due to caring for a sick child 4. Be prepared to provide documentation if requested (doctor's note, etc.) PA UC regulations specifically recognize childcare emergencies under Section 402(b) of the PA UC Law as potentially valid reasons for refusing work. The key factors they consider are: - Was this a one-time emergency or recurring issue? - Did you attempt to find alternative childcare? - Have you made arrangements to prevent this from happening regularly? Continue filing each week regardless of your work status - missing weeks creates gaps that require reopening claims. This is especially important for seasonal workers like yourself.

did u figure this out?? curious what happened with ur claim

One clarification about PA UC timeframes - there are different processing queues based on the type of issue. Regular unemployment with no employer contest is currently processing in 2-3 weeks. Claims with employer protest (like yours) are 6-8 weeks. Claims with identity verification issues can take 4-5 weeks. Appeals are running 6-10 weeks for scheduling a hearing date. The good news is that once approved, payments for properly certified weeks typically begin within 48-72 hours. Make sure your payment method (direct deposit or Money Network card) is properly set up in the system so there are no additional delays when your claim is approved.

to answer ur first question - yes u will get all back pay if approved. i got a big lump sum for the 7 weeks i had to wait. just keep filing every week!!