Can I file a new PA UC claim after being unexpectedly terminated due to health issues and family bereavement?
I'm in a really tough spot and need advice about filing for PA unemployment. I started a new job in February 2025 and was there for about 6 weeks before things got complicated. I developed serious knee problems requiring multiple specialist appointments, and then my father unexpectedly passed away in mid-March. I had a doctor's note excusing me until April 3rd, but then caught a bad respiratory infection that kept me out even longer. My employer initially just took me off the schedule for my medical appointments, but then went silent. Today they finally texted me saying I've been terminated. I'm worried because I wasn't there very long before all this happened. Is it even worth trying to file for PA UC? Do I have enough work history to qualify? I'm concerned they'll say I was fired for attendance, but everything was documented with doctor's notes. Any advice would be really appreciated.
18 comments
Carter Holmes
Yes, you should absolutely file for UC. Pennsylvania looks at your base year (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters) to determine eligibility, so what matters is if you had enough wages in that period, not just at this most recent job. Even if this employer contests it due to attendance, having medical documentation is crucial - make sure you have all your doctor's notes organized and ready. When you file, be honest about the separation reason but also emphasize your medical situation and family bereavement. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised.
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
•Thank you!! I was working steadily all last year, so maybe I do have enough in my base year. I'm just so worried they'll code it as being fired for cause. Should I mention my doctor's notes right away when I file or wait until they ask about it?
0 coins
Sophia Long
I found myself in nearly the same situation last year! Had serious health issues two months into a new job and eventually got let go. PA UC was impossible to reach by phone - I spent DAYS trying. Then I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual UC rep within 30 mins. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The rep explained that medical documentation is your best defense against misconduct claims, and helped me understand exactly what info I needed to provide. Don't give up before trying!
0 coins
Angelica Smith
•These Claimyr comments are in every thread now. Is it even a real service????
0 coins
Sophia Long
•It's definitely real - I was skeptical too. But after wasting 3 days hitting redial and getting nowhere with PA UC's busy signals, I was desperate. The service connected me when nothing else worked. Just sharing what helped me with my medical separation issue.
0 coins
Logan Greenburg
DONT EVEN BOTHER!! PA UC is a JOKE when it comes to medical issues. I had ALL my doctors notes and STILL got denied because they said I could have "worked modified duty" - which my employer never offered me!!! Fought it for 6 MONTHS before winning appeal. The system is DESIGNED to deny first, ask questions later. And good luck getting ANYONE on the phone to explain anything!!
0 coins
Charlotte Jones
•While the system can be frustrating, I've seen many cases where people with medical documentation were approved, especially with bereavement involved. The key is properly documenting everything and accurately explaining your situation during the initial application. Every case is different, and being denied isn't necessarily the norm with proper documentation.
0 coins
Lucas Bey
just file anyway man u got nothing to lose they look at like the last 18 months of work history not just ur last job so if u worked before that u might be fine
0 coins
Harper Thompson
I'm in the same boat right now! I got fired after my surgery and they're fighting my UC claim saying I abandoned my job when I was literally in the hospital!! It's been 5 weeks and still no decision. This whole system is so stressful when you're already dealing with health problems.
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
•I'm so sorry you're going through that. It's absolutely unfair. Did you have to do an interview with a UC examiner about your separation? I'm trying to prepare for what might happen with mine.
0 coins
Charlotte Jones
Here's what you need to know about your situation: 1) PA considers medical issues and family bereavement to be qualifying separation reasons when properly documented 2) Financial eligibility is based on your base year earnings (first 4 of last 5 completed quarters), not just your most recent job 3) When filing, select "health reasons" for your separation cause, and be prepared to provide doctor's notes 4) If your employer contests, you'll have an examiner interview where you'll explain the situation 5) Make sure you have documentation showing you informed your employer about your absences The fact that you have doctor's notes is extremely important. Even if initially denied, this documentation will be crucial for an appeal. File as soon as possible.
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
•Thank you so much for breaking it down like this. I do have texts confirming I told them about both my medical appointments and my father's passing. I'll gather everything and file tomorrow. I'm still nervous but feeling more hopeful now.
0 coins
Angelica Smith
my cousin got aproved for unemployment after only working 3 months at amazon when she hurt her back so maybe u can get it too
0 coins
Carter Holmes
•Your cousin likely had enough wages in her base year from previous employment. It's not just about the most recent job - PA UC looks at a longer earnings period. This is important for the original poster to understand.
0 coins
Harper Thompson
Does anyone know if we still have to do those weekly work search activities when we're on medical leave? I'm so confused about this!!
0 coins
Charlotte Jones
•If you're able to work but were separated for medical reasons that have resolved, yes, you need to complete weekly work search activities (applying to jobs, attending workshops, etc.). However, if you're currently unable to work due to ongoing medical issues, you should be on medical leave rather than regular UC. Those are two different systems with different requirements.
0 coins
Carter Holmes
One more important thing to consider - make sure you file within the appropriate timeframe. In PA, you should file your initial claim during the first week you are unemployed. Filing late can complicate things unnecessarily. Also, be prepared that the initial determination might take longer in cases involving medical issues because they often require additional fact-finding.
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
•Oh thank you for mentioning this! I just got the text today saying I was terminated, so I'll make sure to file this week. Is there anything specific I should say about the medical issues when I file online? The form options don't always seem to fit complicated situations.
0 coins