I went through almost the exact same situation last year as a per diem respiratory therapist! The confusion is totally understandable because the PA UC system really wasn't designed with healthcare per diem workers in mind. Here's what I learned after months of dealing with this: You absolutely CAN stop filing if you want to avoid the hassle, but you'll lose any partial benefits during low-hour weeks. I actually did this for a few months when my per diem position was giving me inconsistent hours (sometimes 12 hours, sometimes 28) because I got tired of the job search requirements and constant worry about overpayments. The thing that finally helped me was realizing I could be strategic about my job searches. I started applying only to positions that would complement my current job - like weekend-only positions at other hospitals, or PRN roles that specifically stated "flexible scheduling." I also counted things like updating my certifications, attending nursing education webinars, and even networking with other CNAs as work search activities. One tip that saved me: document EVERYTHING in writing. Screenshot your job applications, save emails from potential employers, keep records of every work search activity. If you ever get questioned, you'll have proof you were following the rules. The good news is once you're out of training and can potentially get more consistent hours, this whole nightmare gets much easier to manage. Hang in there!

I'm going through something very similar right now as a new per diem medical assistant! Just finished my certification and got hired at a clinic, but my hours are all over the place during this probationary period - some weeks I get 25 hours, others just 12. The whole UC filing situation has me so stressed because I feel like I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. What's been helpful for me is treating the job search requirement as a way to build a network of backup opportunities rather than looking for jobs to replace my current one. I've been applying to other per diem positions at different medical offices that could work around my current schedule, and also looking into weekend-only opportunities at urgent care centers. This way I'm technically meeting the work search requirements while actually trying to supplement my current income rather than replace my job. One thing I learned from calling the UC office (finally got through after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned) is that they really do expect you to keep filing as long as you're not consistently full-time, even if you love your current job. The rep told me that per diem workers are considered "underemployed" rather than "unemployed" which is why we still qualify for partial benefits but have to keep looking for additional work. It's frustrating that the system doesn't account for people who are happy with flexible work arrangements, but at least now I understand the rules better. Hang in there - sounds like we're all figuring this out together!

I went through almost the exact same situation last year! Filed for 7 weeks with no payments and was getting super stressed about bills. Like others mentioned, there was definitely an open issue I didn't know about - in my case it was wage verification from a previous employer who had closed down. The key thing is to not give up calling. I know it's frustrating but once you get through to an actual person, they can usually resolve things pretty quickly. Also, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the issue to be resolved, because you won't get back pay for weeks you didn't file. Sounds like you're on the right track now that you know what the issue is. Good luck with your determination interview!

I'm going through something similar right now - been waiting 6 weeks with no payments and just found out there's an "open issue" on my claim too. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful! It's crazy how common this seems to be. @Annabel Kimball I'm really glad you finally got through and found out what was holding up your claim. Employer contests are frustrating but at least now you know what you're dealing with. For anyone else in this situation, I'd definitely recommend checking for those open issues in your dashboard like everyone mentioned - I completely missed mine at first too. The system really doesn't make it obvious when there's a problem. Keep us updated on how your determination interview goes!

Just wanted to add my experience - I had an in-person hearing last fall and it was definitely the right choice. The employer's representative kept trying to present "evidence" that was just hearsay and the referee was able to immediately question the validity since I was there to object in real time. One tip that really helped me: practice explaining your situation out loud beforehand. I rehearsed my story with my spouse a few times so I could tell it clearly and concisely without rambling when I was nervous. Also, if you have any witnesses who can speak to the circumstances of your termination (coworkers who were also laid off, managers who can confirm budget cuts), ask if they can attend or provide written statements. Good luck with your hearing - it sounds like you have solid evidence with those emails about budget cuts!

I had both types of hearings (phone for my first case, in-person for my second) and the difference was night and day. Go in-person if you can! During my phone hearing, I couldn't see what documents the employer was showing the referee, and there were technical issues with the connection. But for my in-person hearing, I could immediately point out inconsistencies in their paperwork and hand over my own evidence right when it was relevant to the discussion. Since you have those emails about budget cuts and organizational restructuring, being there in person will let you walk the referee through the timeline visually. Also, dress business casual but comfortable - you might be sitting for 1-2 hours. Bring a notepad to jot down points you want to address. The fact that they're claiming misconduct when you have documentation of budget layoffs actually works in your favor - that's a pretty clear contradiction they'll have to explain. You've got this!

Thanks for sharing the follow-up @Zara Ahmed! This is really helpful for anyone else going through the same transition. It sounds like having both options worked out well in the end. For future readers - it's good to know that even if you set up direct deposit, PA still sends the Money Network card automatically, so you're not stuck waiting if there are any issues with the bank transfer. The 6-day timeline for card delivery seems pretty consistent with what others have reported too.

Just went through this exact transition last month! Can confirm PA automatically sends the Money Network card when your new claim is approved - mine took exactly 7 business days to arrive. One tip that saved me: while waiting for the card, I called Money Network customer service directly (not PA UC) and they were able to give me the card number and security info over the phone once it shipped, so I could add it to my digital wallet and start using it for purchases before the physical card arrived. Might be worth trying if you're in a time crunch with bills!

So glad everything worked out for you! I went through the exact same thing when I first got approved - that waiting period between seeing the payment date and actually getting the money is nerve-wracking. For anyone else reading this, I've found that with Chime specifically, PA UC payments usually hit between 1-3 days after the system shows the payment date. The first payment always seems to take the longest, but after that it gets more predictable. Keep your confirmation emails from when you set up direct deposit just in case you ever need to verify your banking info with UC!

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