Last time I filed UC they kept saying new card was coming but nothing ever came and then a month later I got a letter saying they were using my old card. The whole system is just confusing af.

Just to clarify for anyone else with this issue in the future: 1. PA UC will always default to using an existing, unexpired Money Network card first 2. Even if the system mentions "issuing a new card," check your existing card first 3. You can verify which card is linked to your claim by calling UC directly 4. Money Network customer service can also tell you if a new card has been issued 5. New cards are typically only issued if you specifically request one or your old one is expired/reported lost Glad you got your money and everything worked out!

Have you considered remote work? I was in a similar situation last year (no degree, UC running out). I found an entry-level customer service job that's fully remote with a healthcare company. Pay isn't amazing but it's steady and has growth potential. Sites like FlexJobs and Remote.co have legitimate listings that often don't require degrees, just decent computer skills. Worth checking out!

One thing to note - if you do find employment but it's part-time or lower-paying than your previous job, you might qualify for Partial UC benefits. Many people don't realize you can still receive some UC while working part-time, as long as you report your earnings accurately. This could help bridge the gap while you continue looking for something better.

Regarding your question about timeline - voluntary quit cases with complex circumstances like yours typically take 4-6 weeks for initial determination in PA. If denied and appealed, the appeal hearing is usually scheduled 3-4 weeks after you file the appeal. The referee typically issues a decision within 7-10 days after the hearing. So worst case, you're looking at about 10-12 weeks from initial filing to final appeal decision. Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims during this entire process, even if initially denied!

Oh! Don't forget that when you get that questionaire thing it comes with a DEADLINE. I think maybe just 7 days? My friend missed it and had to start her whole claim over from scratch! Check your portal and email everyday so you don't miss anything they send you.

wait can i ask - did u get a seperate w2 from the union itself? or is it just union dues listed on ur regular w2? those r totally different things

Update: I just checked with a friend who works at the PA CareerLink office. She confirmed that you absolutely must include all W2 wages when filing for UC, including those from a union. The system will flag your claim if there's a mismatch between what you report and what's on file with the tax authorities. Better to be upfront than have to deal with an overpayment notice later!

Hey so a little off topic but does anyone know if job interviews count as one of the work search activities? I've got an interview next week but not sure if that counts toward my two activities or if I still need to do something else too??

Thank you everyone for your help! I feel much better now understanding that I don't need to upload my CareerLink registration proof. I'll make sure to keep track of all my work search activities each week and report them when I file. I might still try Claimyr to get through to someone at UC just to make sure I'm doing everything right from the beginning. Really appreciate all the advice!

Update: I finally was able to get through to someone at PA UC this morning after trying for days! The representative confirmed I can submit a backdating request even while my claim is still under review. I submitted it through the portal messaging system and selected "Backdating Request" as the topic. She said my original claim should be decided within the next week (finally!) and the backdating request will take an additional 1-2 weeks to process. I have to keep filing my weekly certifications in the meantime. Thanks everyone for the advice - will update when I hear back about both requests!

Great news! One more tip - make sure to follow up on your backdating request in 10 business days if you don't hear anything. Sometimes these requests can fall through the cracks if they're busy. Also, be sure you can document your job loss date (last pay stub, termination letter, etc.) as they'll want verification to approve backdating. Good luck!

I'm going through this right now too. My benefit date changed 4 times in the last week!!! First it said Feb 14, then 16th, then 19th, and now it says the 21st. I NEED THIS MONEY NOW!!! Has your payment come through yet? I'm about to lose my mind dealing with this system.

Just following up - did you ever receive your payment? If you're still having issues, there might be something else going on with your claim. Sometimes there can be payment holds that aren't immediately visible in your account dashboard.

To answer your question about my determination - they never actually contacted me directly. I just checked my account one day and saw a payment had been processed. When I logged in, there was a determination letter in my dashboard. About a week later, I received the same letter in the mail. All the weeks I had claimed were paid at once with backpay. One thing that helped me was getting very specific when I finally reached someone. I asked them to note in my file that I was experiencing financial hardship and requested expedited processing. The rep said this can sometimes help prioritize cases. Might be worth trying on your next call.

Just to update on a few points raised in this thread: 1. Contacting your state representative can indeed help. Their offices often have dedicated contacts at PA UC who can inquire about stuck claims. 2. The "financial hardship" notation can help in some cases, though there's no official fast-track process. 3. When a determination is made, you typically receive a notification in your dashboard and by mail, though some claimants report seeing payments processed before any formal notification. 4. If your claim involves specific issues like employment verification, separation eligibility, or able/available questions, the review timeframes can vary significantly. What was the initial issue with your claim that led to this escalation? That might help predict your timeline better.

Quick update on my situation from last month - after I got through to the agent and they manually processed my certification, the payment still posted within the normal timeframe (2 business days for me). So if you can actually reach someone, they can definitely help solve this without making you wait until 8/27.

i miss the pandemic unemployment when u could actually talk to someone lol. pa uc has been garbage since way before that tho

Just to add one more thing - make sure when you talk to your employer you get clarity on your official separation date. That becomes really important for UC purposes because it establishes when your benefits eligibility might change. Document EVERYTHING including who you spoke with and when.

Update: I called my employer this morning and explained the situation. They were actually really understanding and agreed to process my resignation effective immediately rather than waiting until the return date. They said they'll update UC about my status change. I've already started doing the work search activities and will keep documentation of everything. Thanks everyone for the advice - you helped me avoid what could have been a really bad situation!