I just went through this same nightmare last month! What worked for me was actually doing a full browser reset - not just clearing cache but completely resetting Chrome to default settings. Also, make sure you're not using any VPN services as IDme flags those as suspicious. One thing that nobody mentions is that if you have multiple IDme accounts (maybe from other government services), you need to use the EXACT same one you used before or it will create conflicts. The PA UC system doesn't handle multiple IDme accounts well at all. If all else fails, the UCIDME@pa.gov email that @Liam Mendez mentioned is legit - they helped me when I was completely stuck.

I just went through this exact same issue two weeks ago! The IDme verification has been super glitchy lately. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: first, I went directly to id.me and made sure my account was fully verified there (including uploading a photo of my driver's license). Then I used Chrome in private/incognito mode, disabled all extensions, and tried accessing the PA UC site around 6am when there's less traffic. The key was doing the IDme verification separately first - once that was complete, the PA UC integration worked immediately. Also make sure you're using the same email address for both your PA UC account and your IDme account, as mismatches can cause the endless loading screen. Hope this helps!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact nightmare last year! My employer also tried to claim I quit when I was clearly laid off during downsizing. The whole process took about 3.5 weeks, but I got approved once they reviewed all my documentation. A few things that helped me: 1) I kept a detailed log of every interaction with my employer leading up to the layoff, 2) I saved screenshots of any company communications about restructuring, and 3) I contacted my former coworkers who were also laid off to see if they'd be willing to provide statements if needed (I didn't end up needing them but it was good to have as backup). The waiting is absolutely brutal especially when bills are due, but hang in there! Your documentation sounds solid and the fact that you have multiple pieces of evidence (termination letter, supervisor texts, company email) puts you in a really strong position. Also definitely keep filing those weekly claims - I almost forgot one week and it would have been a huge hassle to fix later. Rooting for you!

Just went through this exact situation 2 months ago! My employer also incorrectly reported that I quit when I was actually laid off during a company restructuring. The whole process was incredibly stressful, but I eventually got approved after about 3 weeks. A few things that really helped me: 1) I made sure to upload EVERY piece of documentation I could find - not just the obvious stuff like termination letters, but also any emails about the restructuring, calendar invites for layoff meetings, even photos of any paperwork they gave me during the exit process. 2) I wrote a detailed statement explaining exactly what happened, with dates and names of people involved. 3) Most importantly, I kept filing my weekly claims religiously even though it felt pointless at the time. When I finally got approved, I received all the back pay for those weeks. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're stressed about money, but your documentation sounds really strong - termination letter + supervisor texts + company email should definitely work in your favor. Stay persistent and keep advocating for yourself!

I just went through this same situation a few weeks ago and can confirm what several others have mentioned - since you had those two partial payment weeks due to part-time work, you should absolutely be able to collect that remaining $420! Those partial weeks don't count toward your full 26-week limit, which is exactly why you still have money left in your balance. I was in almost the identical situation (had $380 remaining after my "26th" payment) and was able to file for two more weeks until my balance was exhausted. The key is filing before your benefit year ends on 2/9/2025 - after that date you lose access to any leftover funds no matter what. Go ahead and file this Sunday with confidence, the system should definitely let you through. PA UC is so confusing about explaining this stuff, but you're totally entitled to that money since you haven't truly exhausted your full benefit weeks yet!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually facing a similar situation right now - I'm at 24 weeks and still have about $800 left in my balance, but I had 3 weeks where I worked part-time and got reduced payments. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I should be able to collect my remaining balance even after hitting my "26th" payment since those partial weeks don't count toward the full benefit limit. The PA UC system really needs to do a better job explaining this on their website - it's so stressful not knowing if you can access money that's literally sitting in your account! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who went through the exact same situation. It's reassuring to know the system will let you file as long as you're within your benefit year and haven't truly exhausted your full 26 weeks of benefits.

I'm going through my first PA UC appeal too and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on everyone's advice, I think I'll upload my documents to the portal AND take screenshots as backup proof. @Drew Hathaway - regarding your question about timing, my hearing notice said to expect 30-60 minutes, but I've heard it really depends on how complicated your case is and whether your employer shows up with a lot of counter-evidence. I'm planning to block out 2 hours just to be safe. Has anyone here had experience with cases where the employer claimed misconduct but it was really a layoff? I'm curious how those situations typically go during the hearing.

I'm scheduled for my PA UC phone appeal next week and this entire thread has been a lifesaver! Based on everyone's experiences, I'm planning to upload my documents to the portal at least 5 days early, take screenshots of the confirmation, AND email the appeals office as backup. @Marilyn Dixon thank you for those specific steps - having an advocate's perspective really helps. One question for those who've been through this: did any of you have issues with the phone connection during your hearing? I'm worried about technical problems cutting me off mid-explanation. Should I have a backup phone number ready or use a landline instead of my cell?

I'm in a similar situation - hitting my 26 week limit soon and dreading what comes next. Healthcare admin is brutal right now, you're right about the competition. One thing I learned from calling around is that some temp agencies specialize in healthcare admin placements and might have short-term assignments that could at least provide some income and work history for a future claim. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're documenting every job application meticulously - apparently they're getting stricter about the work search requirements and it might be important if you need to file a new claim later. The whole situation is really stressful when you're trying to pay bills and find decent work at the same time.

Just wanted to add some specific info about the qualifying wage requirements for a new claim - in PA, you need to have earned at least $3,000 during your base period (which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file). So temp work can definitely help you meet that threshold if you're strategic about it. I actually went through this exact situation last year and managed to get enough qualifying wages through a mix of temp assignments and part-time work during my benefit year. The key is keeping track of your earnings and making sure you understand which quarters will count toward your base period when you're eligible to file again. Also worth noting that some temp agencies offer benefits after a certain number of hours worked, which could be helpful during the gap between benefit periods.