UPDATE: The problem was my new spam blocker app! I checked the settings and it was blocking all messages from 5-6 digit numbers as potential scams. I whitelisted the PA UC number and instantly got 4 verification texts all at once. Thank you all for the help!!

This is such a helpful thread! I've been having the same issue for the past month and couldn't figure out why my verification texts stopped coming through. Just checked my phone settings and sure enough, I had enabled spam protection that was blocking short codes. Going to whitelist 91875 right now. You all just saved me from potentially missing more payments - thank you!

Update: Got the letter from HR today with the specific September 15th recall date. I uploaded it to my dashboard under "Provide Additional Documentation" as suggested. Hopefully this resolves everything! Thanks everyone for your help. I'm glad I registered with CareerLink already since that seems to be required regardless. Fingers crossed I don't have any benefit interruptions!

Great update! You did everything right by getting the specific date and uploading it properly. Just a heads up - keep checking your dashboard over the next week or two to make sure the exemption gets processed correctly. Sometimes there's a delay before it shows up in the system. If you don't see any confirmation or if your weekly certification still asks for work search activities, don't panic - just call UC to confirm they received and processed your documentation. You're being super proactive about this which is smart!

i dont get why ur stressing so much. just go to the hearing and tell the truth. if you didn't do anything wrong you'll be fine. i've been through 3 of these hearings and won each time. the refs are actually pretty fair.

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - toxic boss, documented everything, won the first appeal, then she filed for reconsideration. The good news is that since you already won once with substantial evidence, you're in a strong position. Here's what worked for me: - Called the UC office immediately and requested a phone hearing due to "workplace harassment trauma" - they approved it same day - Organized all my emails chronologically and made a simple timeline - Practiced explaining the situation calmly in 2-3 minutes max - Had a friend listen to me rehearse so I wouldn't ramble during the hearing The reconsideration hearing was actually shorter than the original appeal because the referee already had the full case file. I just had to reaffirm my previous testimony and answer a few follow-up questions. Won again and my ex-boss finally gave up. You've got this! The documentation you mentioned is your strongest asset. Don't let her intimidate you into not participating - she's clearly hoping you'll just give up.

Yes, attending networking events specifically focused on employment opportunities does count as a work search activity in PA. The senior job networking group would qualify. Regarding your severance agreement, you should have it ready during your initial application. There will be questions about severance during the application process, and you may need to provide the agreement either during the initial filing or shortly after. Remember that even though you're 68, you're still eligible for your full benefit entitlement. Your claim isn't affected by your age, only by your work history, earnings, and current part-time income.

As someone who just went through a similar situation at 62, I wanted to add a few practical tips that really helped me: 1) File online early in the morning (like 6-7 AM) - the system seems to work better then and you're less likely to get kicked out mid-application 2) Have your last employer's info ready including their UC account number if you can find it (sometimes on your final paystub) 3) When they ask about your reason for separation, be very clear it was a layoff/reduction in force, not resignation 4) For the work search requirement - I found that applying through company websites directly counted better than just using job boards like Indeed. They seem to prefer when you can provide specific company contact info The partial benefits calculation worked out better for me than I expected. Even though my part-time job was only bringing in about $300/week, I was still getting a decent partial UC payment that made a real difference. Good luck with your application! The process is confusing but once you get through the initial filing it gets more routine.

Has anyone here gotten approved for UC after being fired for missing sales targets? My situation is similar but I DID have one written warning about missing quota (but the quota was literally impossible - they set it 40% higher during a recession!). Getting desperate as I have bills due next week and no income!

I was in a very similar situation about 8 months ago - terminated for "performance issues" after 3 years with no prior write-ups or formal warnings. Just like you, I had one vague conversation with my supervisor about being "behind on deliverables" but nothing documented. I was approved for UC benefits without any issues! The key thing that helped me was being very clear and factual in my initial application. I stated exactly what happened: terminated for alleged poor performance, no written warnings received, no performance improvement plan offered, and only one informal conversation about work pace. I also mentioned my previous positive performance reviews. My employer did contest the claim initially, but during the fact-finding interview, the UC representative asked them specific questions about their progressive discipline policy and what documentation they had. When they couldn't provide any formal warnings or improvement plans, the decision went in my favor pretty quickly. One tip - make sure you apply ASAP since there's a waiting period anyway. Don't let fear of denial stop you from filing. In PA, they really do look at whether the employer followed proper procedures for performance management, and it sounds like yours didn't. Good luck!