I just went through this entire process and finally had my hearing last month after waiting about 5 months. One thing I didn't realize - you can request an expedited hearing if you're facing financial hardship (like potential eviction, utility shutoffs, etc.). You need to submit the request in writing with documentation of the hardship. It didn't speed things up dramatically for me, but I did get scheduled about 3-4 weeks after submitting my hardship letter instead of continuing to wait indefinitely.

There's no specific form for hardship requests. Write a detailed letter explaining your situation and include copies of any eviction notices, past due bills, etc. Send it to the UC Appeals office (same address that should be on your appeal acknowledgment letter). Also, after you send it, try calling the Appeals office directly to confirm they received it and added it to your file. Sometimes these requests get overlooked unless you follow up.

my nephew had the exact same thing happen last month. it said payment for like $572 then nothing happened for a week and he called and they said there was some problem with his last employer not responding to something. he had to wait another 2 weeks before getting paid. so maybe call just to double check?

UPDATE: You guys were right! I just checked my Money Network card and the money is there!!! It took exactly 3 business days after I saw the payment amount in my portal. I'm so relieved. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

UPDATE: I talked to a lawyer through legal aid, and they gave me some really helpful information. According to the lawyer, if my benefits were properly determined based on the information I provided (which they were), I would NOT have to repay benefits received before a reversal on appeal. The lawyer cited Section 804(b) of the PA UC Law which covers non-fault overpayments. The lawyer explained that since I didn't misrepresent anything and was approved based on the initial determination, the benefits paid before any appeal decision would be protected. I wanted to share this update for anyone else in a similar situation. Still preparing for the hearing, but feel much more confident now!

just went thru this exact thing in January. make sure u show up for the hearing!!!! my neighbor missed his hearing and auto-lost his appeal and had to repay like $3k. even if u think you might lose, SHOW UP!

I hate to be negative but BE CAREFUL with these training programs!! My brother got approved for welding certification last year and halfway through the program PA UC suddenly decided it wasn't "approved" anymore and demanded he pay back 4 WEEKS of benefits!!! He's still fighting it. These people have no idea what they're doing and the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!

Just to follow up on this thread - the program most likely to help you is called "Training Benefits" (sometimes called "Section 30") through PA CareerLink. PMP certification typically takes 3-6 months which fits within their guidelines. The approval process usually takes 2-3 weeks if you have all your documentation ready. You'll need: - Details about the PMP training provider - Cost breakdown - Length of training - Your recent work history showing relevance to the training - Evidence that PMP certification will improve your job prospects If approved, you won't have to do the weekly work search activities, but you'll still need to file your weekly certification claims. Also important - while in approved training, you can sometimes get an extension beyond your regular benefit year if needed to complete the program.

Update on my earlier comment - I just remembered something important. For fraud cases specifically from 2021, there's a special PA UC fraud resolution unit with a direct number: 717-772-4331. They ONLY handle backlogged identity theft cases. This number isn't published on their website for some reason, but an examiner gave it to me. Call early in the morning (right when they open) for best results.

UPDATE: You all are amazing! I called the fraud resolution unit number that @helpful_person suggested, and after three attempts, I got through to someone who actually knew what they were talking about! They found my case and said it had been marked for review but never assigned to an examiner. They've now assigned it and promised a determination within 15 business days. I also submitted the appeal for delay and scheduled a call with my state senator's office. I'll update again when I hear something. THANK YOU ALL!

i thought if u had a new job even part time u couldnt get benefits anymore? the whole system is so confusing. every time i think i understand how it works theres some new rule

Update: I filed my new claim yesterday and got an email confirmation. The system still isn't letting me file for that last week though. I guess I'll just have to wait until the new claim is processed? Really hope I don't lose that week's payment.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! I've been dealing with PA UC for 5 months now and it's a NIGHTMARE. Even when everything is supposedly correct, payments get delayed, accounts get locked for no reason, and trying to get answers is impossible. They designed it this way to discourage people from collecting what they're owed!!

UPDATE: The money just hit my account this morning (Thursday)! Thanks everyone for the reassurance and advice. Looks like it was just the normal processing time for a first payment. Such a relief!

btw what happened with me was that i won my appeal but then the company appealed AGAIN to the next level (the board of review i think??). just be prepared that even if you win the first hearing, they might take it further. don't let it stress you out like it did me - i won at that level too eventually.\n\ni was so mad because they dragged it out for like 3 months total! my manager even admitted during the hearing that several other people had gotten exceptions to the point system (which proved they weren't applying it fairly) and i still had to go through all that!

Oh no, I didn't realize they could appeal again if I win! That's stressful. Were you able to keep collecting benefits during that second appeal period?

I did select direct deposit! That's another reason I was confused about getting the card.

Even if you selected direct deposit, they still send the card as a backup payment method. It's just how their system works. If your direct deposit information was entered correctly, that's how you'll receive payments once approved.

I want to clarify something important: PUA and regular UC use different funding sources. PUA was federally funded, while regular UC is state-funded with employer contributions. This is part of why the "systems don't talk to each other" - they literally have different funding accounts and reconciliation processes. For the original poster, since your claim dates back to 2023, you should specifically request an "Administrative Offset Review" in writing. This is a special process for handling cases where benefits were paid from the wrong program. Make sure to use that exact terminology in your request.

After trying for MONTHS to get my cross-program issue resolved through normal channels, I finally got it fixed by contacting my state senator (not representative). Their office has a dedicated staff person who deals with UC issues, and they have direct contacts with higher-level UC administrators. Within 3 weeks of involving them, my regular UC was processed and applied against the PUA overpayment. Might be worth trying if your state rep hasn't been helpful.