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my cousin works for the post office and says they are super behind on mail delivery right now so maybe thats why its taking so long
UPDATE: The check finally arrived today! It took exactly 9 business days from the payment date. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. Now we're going to set up direct deposit for future payments and try to figure out why those other weeks are still pending. This whole unemployment system is so confusing and stressful.
Great news! Yes, definitely set up the direct deposit for future payments - it typically processes 2-3 days faster than paper checks. For those pending weeks, I suggest uploading any additional documentation you might have (pay stubs, separation notice, etc.) to your dashboard, as that often helps resolve pending issues faster than waiting for them to request specific documents.
same thing happened to my sister last month lol. she ended up just waiting the full 7 days and then her payments started automatically. different for everyone i guess
The system is supposed to work the same way for everyone, but implementation can vary. It depends on factors like employer response (or lack thereof), whether the claim gets flagged for any reason, and unfortunately, which UC representative processes the claim. The official rule is still 48 hours for additional claims with unchanged benefit amounts.
Update: I finally got through to PA UC this morning after 1.5 hours on hold! The rep confirmed it IS supposed to be 48 hours for additional claims, but said my claim got stuck in their processing queue (exactly like some of you mentioned). She was able to release it right away and said I should receive payment within 2-3 business days for all weeks I've certified. Thanks everyone for your help and confirming I wasn't crazy about the 48-hour rule!
BE CAREFUL! If they say you were fired for cause they will fight your claim. My cousin's friend got fired for something similar and employer said they had "documentation" even though it was just other employees saying stuff. UC sided with employer. Just saying don't get your hopes up too high.
While it's true employers sometimes fight claims, hearsay alone typically isn't sufficient evidence of willful misconduct. PA UC requires actual evidence of deliberate violation of employer rules or disregard for employer interests. Without documentation, warnings, or direct evidence, the employer's case is usually weak. Always appeal if denied initially!
Update: I filed my claim yesterday and answered everything truthfully. When it asked for reason for separation, I selected "discharged" and explained that I was terminated based on unfounded hearsay without any evidence, documentation or prior warnings. Now just waiting to see what happens. Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement!
Good job filing promptly! Expect to wait 2-3 weeks for an initial determination. Your employer has 7 days to respond to the claim. If they don't contest it, you'll likely be approved automatically. If they do contest it, you'll probably get a phone interview scheduled. Just stick to the facts and remain calm during that call. Keep us posted!
Does anyone know if we're supposed to report cash tips from delivery apps? Some customers give cash in addition to in-app tips...
also make sure u keep fillin out that work search record thing every week even if u dont need to send it in!! they can ask for it randomly and if u dont have it ur in trouble
Another warning - when you reopen your claim, they WILL contact your most recent employer to verify the reason for separation. Make sure whatever you tell UC matches what your employer will tell them or you'll end up with an "open issue" that takes FOREVER to resolve. I made this mistake - I said I was laid off but my employer told them I quit (which wasn't true). It took 7 weeks to resolve the issue!
THIS SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I had to wait 11 WEEKS for my separation determination while watching my savings disappear. The employer can say whatever they want and delay your benefits for months. Then PA UC backlog is so bad they don't even look at your evidence half the time. My determination letter had FACTS WRONG that I had submitted evidence to disprove. Had to appeal and wait ANOTHER 6 weeks!!! The whole system is designed to make people give up.
Just to add some clarity here - while separation determinations can take time, the PA UC system has improved somewhat since last year. The current average wait is about 5-6 weeks for contested separations. Yes, it's still too long, but not quite the 11 weeks some experienced during the peak backlogs. My advice is to: 1. File all back weeks immediately 2. Upload any documentation supporting your case 3. If you haven't heard anything after 5 weeks, try contacting them 4. Keep filing your weekly claims while waiting for the determination 5. Document all your job search activities (2 per week minimum) And don't lose hope. Many contested claims are still approved when the evidence supports the claimant's case.
Btw, make sure your registration on PA CareerLink is COMPLETE before your appointment. They turned me away becuz I didnt finish all the profile sections and I had to reschedule!!! So annoying!!!! Go to your profile and check that all sections have green checkmarks.
One important thing to note: CareerLink appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance for them to count toward your work search requirements. Each week you need to complete and document at least 2 work search activities (applying to jobs, attending workshops, having career counseling appointments, etc.). Also, the system generates a confirmation code when you book an appointment - write this down in case the email doesn't come through. You'll need to enter this code as verification when you report the activity in your weekly certification.
i think your talking about regular UC not PUA? PUA ended in 2021... UC and PUA are totally different programs. PUA was for the pandemic only
Just to follow up on this thread - appeals are usually successful in cases like yours. About 75% of self-employment disqualification appeals are overturned when the person was actually a W-2 employee with tips. Make sure you have these documents for your hearing: 1. Your W-2 from the restaurant 2. Recent pay stubs showing your reduced hours 3. A letter from your employer confirming your employment status (if possible) 4. Any documentation showing that tips were processed through your employer If you haven't already, check your UCMS dashboard for the appeal form, or call the UC service center to request the appeal form be mailed to you.
my friend had her former job appeal after 6 MONTHS of getting benefits and she had already spent all the money on rent and stuff!!! but she won her appeal because she had text messages from her supervisor that contradicted what the company was saying at the hearing. do you have any texts or emails that might help your case??? also write down EXACTLY what your manager said when you reported the drinking issue the first time
Quick update on my situation - I won my employer appeal by focusing on patient safety protocols. The key was proving I followed the established reporting procedure first, and only took additional steps when there was no response to my initial report. The referee specifically noted in her decision that actions taken to protect patient safety, when following reporting chains, don't constitute willful misconduct. I hope this helps with your case!
NebulaNova
its not that bad honestly. bring ur work search records!!!! thats the most important thing. and dont be late they will report u to UC if ur late or miss it
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Luca Romano
•Thanks for the advice! Definitely going to make sure I have all my work search records in order before I go.
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Aisha Khan
My wife had to do this in March. She was really stressed about it beforehand but said it was actually helpful. They showed her how to use some job search tools she didn't know about. The career counselor also told her about some short training programs that UC would pay for that could help her get a better job. The whole thing took about 2 hours. She had to go back for a follow-up a few weeks later too, so be prepared for that.
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Luca Romano
•Oh that's good to know about the follow-up! I didn't realize there might be multiple appointments. I'll make sure to ask about that when I schedule.
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