I'm currently going through this exact same process and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! I do freelance marketing consulting while on UC from my corporate job loss. The examiner's questions were so confusing - they kept asking if I have "complete freedom" in my work, but it's not that black and white when clients give you parameters but you execute independently. What I've learned from everyone's experiences here is that the key is emphasizing three things: 1) the massive income difference (my corporate salary was $55K vs maybe $300-500/month freelancing), 2) how irregular and unpredictable the work is (some months nothing, other months a small project), and 3) that you're actively job searching and available for full-time work. It sounds like independent contractor classification is actually preferable since you still get benefits, just with weekly income reporting and adjustments. The 3-4 week wait time everyone mentioned gives me realistic expectations too. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it's made this stressful process so much more manageable knowing others have successfully navigated the same situation!

I'm in the exact same boat right now with PA UC! I do freelance video editing while collecting benefits from my media company layoff. The examiner asked me those same impossible yes/no questions about "direction and control" when the reality is so much more nuanced - clients give me footage and basic requirements, but I have creative control over the editing process. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. It's clear that the three key points to emphasize are: 1) the massive income difference between your main job and freelance work, 2) how irregular and unpredictable the side work is, and 3) that you're actively job searching and available for full-time employment. My corporate salary was $52K and I maybe make $200-600 per month freelancing, with some months having zero projects at all. It sounds like independent contractor classification is actually what we want since you keep benefits with weekly income reporting. The 3-4 week timeline everyone mentioned helps set realistic expectations too. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this thread has turned what felt like a terrifying situation into something much more manageable. It's frustrating that PA UC makes this initial process so confusing when the weekly reporting afterward seems straightforward!

I'm new to PA unemployment and this thread has been super helpful! I just want to confirm - so as long as I register with PA CareerLink and complete my two work search activities each week, I don't need to worry about uploading any proof of registration to my UC dashboard? The automatic connection between the systems handles that verification? I'm trying to avoid any delays with my payments since I just started my claim this week. Also appreciate the tip about being detailed when logging work search activities - I'll make sure to include company names and specific positions. Thanks everyone!

I can confirm what others have said - you definitely don't need to upload proof of your PA CareerLink registration to your UC dashboard. I've been receiving benefits for about 4 months now and the systems are integrated, so they verify your registration automatically. The key thing is making sure you complete your two work search activities each week and log them accurately when you file your biweekly claims. I'd recommend keeping your own personal record of all activities (job applications, interviews, workshops, etc.) with dates and details, just as a backup in case there are ever any questions. But as for the CareerLink registration itself, once you're signed up, you're good to go - no upload required!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who recently went through this exact situation in PA. When I filed my new claim after my benefit year ended, the biggest surprise was that my weekly benefit amount actually increased! This happened because my new base period included wages from a higher-paying job I had worked during the previous year. So don't assume your benefit amount will stay the same - it could go up OR down depending on your wage history in the new base period. Also, I'd recommend taking screenshots of everything when you file online, including any confirmation numbers. The PA system sometimes has glitches and having that documentation saved me when there was a processing delay with my first payment.

I just want to echo what others have said about documentation - keep records of EVERYTHING! When I filed my new claim after my benefit year ended, there was initially a delay because they couldn't verify my wages from my most recent employer. Having my pay stubs and W-2 ready helped speed up the process. Also, one thing I learned is that even though you get a fresh 26 weeks with your new benefit year, if you find work again and then lose it before using all 26 weeks, you can't just reopen that claim - you'd have to wait until that benefit year ends to file another new one. The system really does reset completely with each new benefit year, which can be both good and bad depending on your situation.

Congrats on the new warehouse job! Just went through this exact situation last month. One thing I'd add is that after you submit your final claim, you might get a confirmation email or notice about your claim ending - keep that too. Sometimes employers ask for proof that you properly closed out your UC benefits when you start. Also, if your warehouse job offers direct deposit, get that set up ASAP on your first day. Makes everything smoother! Good luck with the new gig!

This thread is such a great resource! I'm in a similar boat - just accepted a job offer that starts in two weeks and was stressing about how to handle my final claims. Reading through everyone's experiences and advice here has been incredibly helpful. It's reassuring to know the system is actually designed to handle this transition smoothly when you answer the questions correctly. @Aurora St.Pierre congratulations on the warehouse job and thanks for sharing your update - it gives me confidence that I can navigate this process without any major hiccups!

Really appreciate you sharing your update! Your situation is a perfect example of why transparency is always the best policy with unemployment benefits. It's so easy to think about taking shortcuts when you're stressed about money and dealing with little kids, but the potential consequences just aren't worth it. The fact that your employer was cooperative shows that most reasonable people understand that circumstances change, especially when childcare is involved. Your approach of getting everything documented and staying on top of the work search requirements is exactly what others in similar situations should follow. Hope your job search goes smoothly!

This is such a valuable thread for anyone dealing with PA unemployment benefits! I'm currently on UC myself and honestly had no idea about some of these regulations around return-to-work letters and the potential fraud implications. Reading through all the responses really highlights how important it is to be completely transparent with both your employer and UC, even when it might seem easier to take shortcuts. The fact that Paloma's employer was understanding and willing to work with her when she was upfront about her situation is really encouraging. It shows that honesty really is the best policy, even in stressful financial situations. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences - this kind of community support is invaluable for navigating these complex systems!