Good news is that if you win your appeal, you'll get all the back payments you're entitled to. Make sure you're answering the weekly certification questions correctly - 'Are you able to work?' should be YES (because you can work many jobs, just not your previous one). Also document all your job search activities carefully during this time.

That's great that you got your appeal submitted! Just wanted to add - when you go to your appeal hearing (if they schedule one), bring copies of everything: your doctor's note, any emails or documentation about requesting accommodation from your supervisor, and a list of job types you've been applying for that work with your restrictions. Also, practice explaining clearly that you CAN work, just not jobs requiring heavy lifting. Sometimes the hearing officer needs that distinction spelled out really clearly. Wishing you the best of luck - sounds like you have a solid case!

One more bit of advice: After you get this sorted, double-check your dashboard after each weekly certification to confirm your work search activities were properly recorded. Sometimes the system glitches and doesn't save entries even when you enter them correctly. If you see this happen, take a screenshot and call immediately rather than waiting for your benefits to be affected. Also, since you've had a disruption in benefits, watch for a message about scheduling a mandatory reemployment session. These are often triggered when there's a work search issue, and missing one will definitely stop your benefits again.

Honestly this is why I just apply to jobs directly thru indeed and linkedin instead of careerlink. Easier to track and screenshot everything. Careerlink is so clunky its like they designed it in 2005 and never updated it lol

One more consideration: If you do apply for UC benefits, be very clear and honest about your school schedule on your initial application. If you're found eligible and later UC discovers you didn't disclose your school attendance, it could result in an overpayment determination or worse. Make sure to report that you're in school and any restrictions it places on your availability when you file your biweekly claims as well.

I went through something very similar during my RN program! The key thing that helped me was getting my employer to put in writing that they were "unable to provide suitable work hours" rather than me "choosing to reduce hours for school." My manager wrote a letter stating that due to operational needs, they couldn't accommodate a modified schedule during my clinical period. I was approved for partial benefits for 6 weeks. Also, definitely look into your school's emergency assistance fund - mine had a small grant program specifically for students doing clinicals who faced income reduction. Good luck with your rotations!

I had this exact problem in February. For anyone reading this in the future - make sure you're doing at least 3 QUALIFYING activities each week. Not everything counts as a work search activity. Reading job postings doesn't count. You need to be submitting applications, posting resumes, attending interviews, going to job fairs, etc. Here's a list of qualifying activities: https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/job-search/Pages/default.aspx

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been applying through CareerLink but getting redirected to company websites, and none of my applications are showing up in my dashboard either. Reading through these comments has been super helpful - I had no idea about manually adding activities in JobGateway. Going to go add all my applications from this week right now. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't explain this clearly anywhere. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

my boss tried to do the EXACT same thing to me but i got lucky and found another job before they could fire me. these companies think they OWN us and our time!!! the whole system is rigged against workers with families. good luck with your claim!

I'm sorry you're going through this! I had a similar situation a few months ago where I was fired for not being able to work mandatory overtime due to my elderly mother's medical appointments. The separation issue on my claim took about 3 weeks to resolve, but I was eventually approved. The key things that helped my case were: having documentation of my caregiving responsibilities (medical appointment schedules), showing that I had communicated my limitations to my supervisor in writing (emails), and demonstrating that the overtime demands were unreasonable and not part of my original job description. Since you have documented daycare late fees, that's great evidence that you had legitimate childcare obligations. Make sure to bring those receipts to your interview and emphasize that you were a reliable employee who just couldn't accommodate last-minute schedule changes due to your parental responsibilities. PA generally recognizes family care obligations as good cause. Stay strong - the system is frustrating but it does work out for legitimate cases like yours!