I couldn't get through to anyone at UC for weeks when I had an issue with my appeal. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a PA UC agent within about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent was able to tell me exactly what was going on with my appeal and fixed the issue right away. Might be worth checking out if you're still having problems with the website.

Just wanted to follow up - if you do mail or fax your appeal, you should include: 1. Your full name 2. The last 4 digits of your SSN 3. Your address and phone number 4. The date of the determination letter you're appealing 5. The reason you disagree with the determination 6. Any evidence that supports your position Also, keep calling the appeals office at 717-787-5122 while you're waiting. Sometimes they can process an appeal over the phone.

Update: For anyone reading this thread in the future, PA UC has specific rules about what constitutes "good cause" for a late appeal. According to the PA Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, technical difficulties with the filing system can qualify as good cause if properly documented. Here's what they typically look for: 1. Evidence of attempts to file (dates, times) 2. Evidence of system errors or outages 3. Prompt action once the filing system became available 4. Consistency in your explanation If you prevail on the timeliness issue, the referee will then schedule a separate hearing on the merits of your case (the employer dispute).

I went through something similar about 6 months ago. The key thing that saved me was being extremely detailed in my late appeal explanation. I listed every single date and time I attempted to access the system, described the exact error messages I received, and included my phone's call log showing all my attempts to reach them. What really helped my case was that I also contacted my state representative's office for assistance. They were able to confirm that there were documented system issues during the period I was trying to file. Sometimes having that third-party verification makes all the difference. Don't give up - the system errors are a legitimate reason for missing the deadline. Just make sure you file that late appeal ASAP with as much detail as possible about your attempts to file on time.

Update on the state rep suggestion - just make sure you reach out to your STATE representative, not your federal one. The state reps deal with PA UC issues, not federal congresspeople. Might save you some time!

Hey there! I'm dealing with something similar right now - my claim has been with an examiner for about 3 weeks and I'm getting really anxious too. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful! I had no idea about contacting your state rep - that's genius. One thing I wanted to add that might help you - I've been keeping a detailed log of every call attempt, screenshot of my dashboard status, and documentation of all my job search activities. My friend who works in HR said this kind of record-keeping can be super helpful if there are any issues later or if you need to escalate. Also, don't give up on calling! I know it's frustrating but I managed to get through once last week around 2:30pm on a Wednesday. The rep couldn't help much but at least confirmed my claim was "in queue" for review. Sometimes just knowing it's actually being looked at helps with the anxiety. Hang in there - sounds like everyone eventually gets approved, it's just a matter of time. The backpay will come through when it does!

UPDATE: They actually came through! Just got my decision letter today - APPROVED!!! After 14+ months of waiting, they reversed the denial and I should be getting the back payments within 2 weeks. If you're still waiting, don't give up hope and definitely try calling that number. Now I just need to figure out how to deal with the credit card debt I racked up while waiting...

Congratulations Vanessa! This gives me so much hope. I've been waiting 11 months for my review board decision after being denied for "voluntary quit" when I actually left due to unsafe working conditions that my employer refused to address. I tried calling 717-787-5122 yesterday but got a busy signal - probably because of this post! I'll keep trying though. Did they end up paying any interest on the delayed payments or just the original amount you were owed?

UPDATE: I finally got through to a PA UC rep! They confirmed it was indeed a system glitch - apparently their system can sometimes misinterpret certain job search entries as a job separation (makes no sense but whatever). The rep removed the false flag from my account and I was able to file my weekly certification normally right after our call. My payment is now showing as processed! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.

Awesome that you got it resolved! For anyone else dealing with this same glitch - I had a similar experience a few weeks ago and what helped me get through faster was calling right when they open at 8am. The lines seem less busy first thing in the morning. Also totally agree with keeping screenshots of everything - saved me when I had to prove the system error wasn't on my end. The PA UC system definitely needs some serious bug fixes after their updates!