Just to clarify for anyone reading this thread later - here's how to handle missed interviews for different PA benefit programs: 1. For UC (unemployment): Use your dashboard messaging system or call 1-888-313-7284 2. For SNAP/food stamps: Contact your County Assistance Office (each county has its own) 3. For Medical Assistance: Call 1-866-550-4355 Missed interviews generally need to be rescheduled within 30 days, though some programs like SNAP have shorter deadlines. Always check your specific notice for the exact timeframe.

UPDATE: Got through to the County Assistance Office! They rescheduled my mom's SNAP interview for next Tuesday. They said there was a backup in processing applications due to their new system update. Thank you all for your help - especially for pointing out I was calling the wrong department entirely. Would have never figured that out on my own.

let us know what happens with your refund! im filing next week and am terrified

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at UC Overpayment Services! I used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got through in about 30 minutes. The agent confirmed that since I've been on my payment plan for over 8 months with consistent payments, I HAVE been removed from the Treasury Offset Program. She said it might take up to 2 weeks to show up when I call the offset line, but my refund should be safe. Such a relief! She's also sending me an email confirmation, which I'll be saving forever as suggested. Thanks everyone for your help!

I remember when I had open issues the system would show random things all the time but at least in my case it was a good sign when the payment date appeared! They ended up disqualifying me for 2 weeks because of how I answered the job search questions (be careful with those!) but then approved me going forward. Hopefully you get ALL your money!

Since your status has changed to "Benefits Paid" with a transaction number, you're in excellent shape. That confirms the payment has been processed and is on its way to your Money Network card. At this point, it's just waiting for the banking transfer to complete, which typically takes 1-3 business days depending on when the payment was initiated. Regarding your backpay question - yes, you should receive payment for all eligible weeks you certified for during the waiting period. The system automatically includes those weeks once your issues are resolved, as long as you properly filed your weekly certifications during that time. If you're missing any weeks when the payment arrives, that would be the time to contact them.

Based on everything you've shared, I think you're in a pretty good position. You've submitted strong documentation (doctor's notes, school emergency logs) that directly addresses the reason for disqualification. The fact that they're proceeding without a hearing suggests your documentation was clear and comprehensive. Keep in mind that your decision will come in the mail first, before the online system updates. Watch your mailbox carefully over the next week or two. And if you do need to call for a status update, try early morning (7:58am, right before they open) for the best chance of getting through.

update us when u get ur decision!! i'm curious if yours turns out better than mine did lol

my cousin said u can also check ur wage records on the UC site to see what ur company reported about ur wages... might help ur case

Thank you all so much for the advice! I just checked my UC dashboard and found my wage records - they've been reporting me as an employee with regular wages every quarter until now! I've taken screenshots of everything. I'm still nervous about the hearing but feeling much more prepared. I'll definitely keep filing my weekly claims while I wait. I'm going to gather all my pay stubs, W-2, and any emails showing they controlled my schedule. If I have any other questions before the hearing, I'll post again. You've all been incredibly helpful during this stressful time!

Is anyone else having trouble with the Money Network app? I can't see my balance half the time and keep getting error messages. Wondering if it's just me or if the app is garbage for everyone...

UPDATE: My money just hit at 5:23pm! Everyone who said afternoon/evening was right. Such a relief! Thanks for keeping me from panicking all day.

DONT GIVE UP!!! This is exactly what these companies want - for u to get frustrated and stop pursuing your benefits. Happened to my cousin and she just gave up after fighting for weeks and now regrets it. Keep calling and documenting EVERYTHING!!!

Update: I finally got through to someone at UC office! The agent explained that my previous employer is contesting because they're claiming I was a seasonal worker (I wasn't). They're trying to avoid their UC tax rate increasing. The agent scheduled a phone hearing for next week. I'm gathering my old paystubs and work schedule to prove I wasn't seasonal. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Thanks everyone for the responses. I called my landlord and explained the situation. He's giving me until Wednesday without a late fee since I've always been on time before. I appreciate all the input!

Off topic but anybody know if Pennsylvania is keeping the work search requirements at 2 activities per week? I heard a rumor they might increase it to 3 but couldn't find anything on the UC website about changes for 2025.

To set up direct deposit, go to your PA UC dashboard, select Payment Information, then Update Payment Type. You'll need your bank account and routing numbers. This is much more convenient than the debit card. However, even if you set up direct deposit now, any payments already sent to the debit card will still be on the card - they won't be redirected to your bank account. Future payments will go to your bank once direct deposit is activated.

Let us know what happens! Once you reach someone at UC, they should be able to see exactly when your card was mailed out. If it's been more than 10 business days since that date, they should issue a replacement automatically. The direct deposit option is definitely better for the future, but you'll still need to recover those initial payments.

The REAL problem is that PA UC just automatically sides with employers no matter what evidence you have!! I know dozens of people who had IRON-CLAD cases with PROOF their employers were lying and they STILL lost their appeals. The entire system is rigged against workers. Why do you think these shady companies keep doing this?? BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT!!

Quick update from my experience: One thing that helped me win my appeal was getting statements from former coworkers who witnessed what happened. If you have any colleagues who saw the situation unfold or know about the safety violations you reported, ask them to write a statement for your case. Also, double-check the PA UC appeal portal daily for any updates or requests for additional information. Sometimes they'll post questions there but won't notify you by email or mail, and if you miss responding, it can delay your case.