I went through something very similar when I started my insurance career in PA back in 2022. The key thing to remember is that during the unpaid training/exam period, you're not technically employed yet - you're in a conditional job offer situation. Here's what worked for me: - Report the job offer on your weekly claim but clearly state it's contingent on completing unpaid training/licensing - Continue filing weekly claims during the training period - Answer all questions honestly - when asked about training, specify it's unpaid and mandatory for future employment - Keep detailed records of your training schedule and exam dates The important distinction is that you haven't started "work" yet - you're preparing to work. Once you pass your licensing exam and officially start your first day of paid employment, THAT'S when you stop claiming benefits, even if your first paycheck comes later. I was able to claim for the full 3 weeks of my training period without any issues. Just be completely transparent on your weekly certifications and you should be fine. Good luck with your licensing exam!

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who went through this exact situation last year with a different type of licensing job. I was in limbo for about 4 weeks doing unpaid training and certification for a financial advisor position. The most important thing is documentation - I kept a daily log of my training activities, hours, and progress toward licensing. When I had to explain my situation during a later phone interview with UC (unrelated issue), having those detailed records made everything much clearer. Also, don't stress too much about the "job offer" question. The UC system is actually designed to handle these transitional situations. As long as you're honest about being in unpaid training that's required before employment officially begins, you're following the rules correctly. One practical tip: when you do start getting paid, make sure you understand exactly when your employment officially begins versus when you receive your first paycheck. For my job, I officially started work on a Monday but didn't get paid until the following Friday. I stopped claiming benefits starting that Monday, not when I got the paycheck. You've got this! The fact that you're asking these questions shows you're being responsible about following the process correctly.

Just to be super clear for everyone reading this thread: PA UC requires 3 work search activities EVERY WEEK, and you have to report these activities when you file your weekly certification. Many people get disqualified because they did the activities but forgot to report them. And yes, they can and DO audit people randomly!

I went through the exact same thing last year! The key is definitely appealing ASAP and being super organized going forward. One thing that helped me was creating a weekly checklist to make sure I hit all 3 activities. I'd recommend mixing up your activities too - don't just apply for jobs. You can also attend virtual job fairs (CareerLink hosts them regularly), take online courses through PA CareerLink, or even contact employers directly about potential openings. The variety shows you're actively engaged in your job search. Also, when you do your appeal, be honest about the confusion but emphasize that you were genuinely trying to comply and will follow the rules correctly moving forward. Good luck!

I'm going through something similar right now - been waiting 10 weeks and just got told my case was "expedited" last week. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! It sounds like the key things are: 1) Ask specifically what TYPE of review your claim is under, 2) Try to get transferred to a claims examiner (not just a regular rep), 3) Document everything including names of who you speak with, and 4) Don't give up on filing weekly even while waiting. I'm also going to look into contacting my state representative if this drags on much longer. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is more helpful than the actual UC system!

I just wanted to share some hope with everyone here - I was in a similar situation last year and it did eventually get resolved! I waited 15 weeks total (including 4 weeks after they said it was "expedited"). What finally worked for me was calling first thing Monday morning at exactly 8:00 AM and asking to speak with a claims examiner about a "review status inquiry." I also mentioned I was facing financial hardship due to the delay. The examiner found that my file had been sitting in the wrong queue and was able to process it immediately. Got my backpay for all 15 weeks within 3 days. I know it's incredibly stressful and feels hopeless, but keep fighting and don't let them brush you off with generic responses. Document everything and be persistent! @Yuki Kobayashi - based on your timeline, I'd definitely try the hardship prioritization route that @Zoe Stavros mentioned. Hang in there!

I'm going through something very similar right now! Got fired from my retail job after being arrested for possession charges (still pending). My employer is fighting my UC claim saying I violated their "drug-free workplace" policy even though the arrest happened at my apartment on my day off. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope though. It sounds like the key is proving the arrest was completely unrelated to work and didn't affect your job performance. The fact that you have 3 years of perfect performance records is huge in your favor. One thing I learned from calling UC multiple times - they told me that even if your employer has a policy about criminal charges, PA law still requires the misconduct to be "willful" and work-related. Getting arrested off-duty for something that doesn't impact your job duties usually doesn't meet that standard. Keep us posted on how your hearing goes! I have mine scheduled for next month and your situation sounds almost identical to mine. We got this! 💪

I'm really sorry you're going through this - it's such a stressful situation when you have kids depending on you. I went through something very similar about 18 months ago when I got arrested for a domestic dispute with my ex (charges were eventually dropped). My employer at a daycare center fired me immediately citing their "background check policy" even though I had been there 4 years with zero issues. The good news is that I won my UC case! Here are the key things that helped me: 1) I documented everything - saved all my performance reviews, attendance records, any positive feedback 2) I proved the arrest was completely unrelated to my job duties and happened during my personal time 3) I showed that other employees had been treated differently (one coworker had a DUI and kept their job) 4) I emphasized that I hadn't been convicted and the charges were still pending The referee ruled that while my employer could terminate me based on their policy, off-duty arrests that don't affect work performance aren't willful misconduct under PA law. The whole process took about 6 weeks from initial denial to getting benefits, but I got full back pay. Your 3-year perfect record is going to be your strongest weapon. Make sure you bring copies of everything to your hearing. And definitely keep filing those weekly claims no matter what - I almost lost weeks of benefits because I didn't know to keep filing during the appeal. You've got this! The law is actually on your side in these situations.

Hey everyone! I'm new to this whole unemployment thing as a school custodian. Been reading through all these comments and wow, this is way more complicated than I thought it would be! I just got laid off for the summer and honestly had no idea about any of this exemption stuff. My supervisor mentioned something about coming back in August but didn't give me anything formal. After reading @Jamal Washington's steps, sounds like I need to get that official letter ASAP. Question though - does it matter what type of school employee you are? Like, does a custodian get treated the same as a bus driver or teacher for these exemptions? Really hoping I don't have to do job searches when I know I'll be back mopping floors in two months!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this nightmare last summer as a school maintenance worker! The system is definitely confusing but you CAN get the exemption. Few things that helped me: 1) Don't waste time trying to recover old passwords - the system changed and you'll need to create a new account anyway. 2) That formal letter on letterhead is CRUCIAL - I initially tried with just an email from my boss and it didn't work. 3) Even with the exemption, you still have to do your weekly certifications, you just won't see job search requirements. One tip nobody mentioned - if you're having trouble reaching UC by phone, try calling right at 8am when they open. I got through on the second ring doing that. The afternoon is absolutely hopeless. Also check if your school district has a specific person who handles UC paperwork - ours does and she knew exactly what forms to send to the state. Saved me hours of headache!