Can I file a new PA UC claim for job loss that happened 3 months ago?

Yes, you can still file! PA allows you to backdate your claim up to six weeks from when you file, so you won't get benefits for the entire period since December, but you should file ASAP to minimize further losses. The sooner you file, the better. Make sure you have your employment information ready (company name, address, dates worked, reason for separation).

I had a similar issue last year. Couldn't get through on the phone for WEEKS to ask about backdating. Wasted so much time with busy signals and disconnects. Then I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it got me connected to a PA UC rep in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Totally worth it when you need to talk to someone about backdating a claim.

Last year my cousin waited like 5 months to file and they still let him but he only got paid from when he actually filed. something about the rules changing after covid i think? not sure tho

FILE IMMEDIATELY!!! PA UC is a nightmare system and the longer you wait the worse it gets. I waited only 3 weeks after losing my job and STILL had issues with backdating. They make everything difficult on purpose to discourage people from getting what they're owed!!! The whole system is designed to make you give up!!!

Update: I filed my initial claim online yesterday. The system let me request backdating for 6 weeks (not the full 3 months unfortunately). I explained that I thought I'd find work quickly but the construction industry is still slow locally. Now I'm stuck on the 'open issues' screen. Has anyone dealt with this? How long will it take to resolve?

Make sure you're doing your work search activities while waiting for your claim to process. PA requires you to apply to at least 2 jobs and complete 1 work search activity each week. Document everything carefully - job title, company, application date, and contact information. You'll need this information when filing weekly claims, and UC can audit you and request this information up to 1 year later.

when i filed UC in 2023 i got my first payment in like 3 days but my friend just filed last month and shes still waiting lol weird how it works so different for everyone

Just got an email saying they need me to upload proof of employment. Is a W-2 enough or do they need something else? Also worried because it says I have 7 days to respond.

Final update: My claim was approved! They backdated it 6 weeks and I just received my first payment on my Money Network card. Thanks everyone for the help and advice - I would have been completely lost navigating this system without your guidance.

Congratulations on getting approved! Your post is going to be really helpful for others in similar situations. The construction industry layoffs are tough, especially during winter months. Quick tip - since you mentioned bills piling up, make sure to budget carefully with your UC payments as they're typically much less than your regular wages. Also, if you're looking for construction work, some contractors start hiring again in early spring for upcoming projects, so keep checking with local companies. The fact that you had 4 years with your previous employer should help show stability to potential new employers.

This is such a helpful thread for anyone dealing with delayed UC filing! I went through something similar last year when I was laid off from my retail job. I waited about 2 months thinking I'd find something quickly, but like you said, bills started piling up fast. The 6-week backdate limit is frustrating but better than nothing. One thing I learned is that even though you can only backdate 6 weeks, filing ASAP is crucial because every week you delay is money you can't get back. Also, keep all your documentation organized - pay stubs, separation notice, any communication with your employer. PA UC loves paperwork and having everything ready speeds up the process. Really glad to see your claim got approved and you're getting payments now!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who works in workforce development - this thread is incredibly valuable! @Kendrick Webb, I'm so glad your claim got approved and you're receiving benefits now. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation, I want to emphasize a few key points from this discussion: 1) File immediately even if you've waited months - the 6-week backdate rule is real but every additional day you wait is money lost, 2) Keep detailed records of your work search activities from day one of filing - PA does audit these and you need specific information (company names, dates, contact info), and 3) Don't give up if you hit "open issues" - it's frustrating but most get resolved within 2-6 weeks if you provide requested documentation promptly. The construction industry is particularly challenging right now with seasonal factors, but spring hiring should pick up soon. Great job everyone supporting each other through this process!

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - lost my restaurant job about 10 weeks ago when the place closed down unexpectedly. I've been surviving on savings and some gig work, but like many others here, I kept putting off filing for UC thinking something permanent would come along quickly. Reading through everyone's experiences, especially @Kendrick Webb's successful outcome and all the detailed advice from @Emma Wilson, @Anna Xian, and others, has finally motivated me to stop procrastinating and file today. The information about the 6-week backdate limit, work search requirements, and what to expect with "open issues" is exactly what I needed to understand the process. It's both frustrating and reassuring to know that delays and complications are normal but ultimately resolvable. Thank you all for creating such a supportive environment where people can share real experiences and practical advice!

This thread has been incredibly educational! I'm new to this community and currently in week 7 since losing my manufacturing job. Like so many others here, I kept thinking I'd land something quickly and avoided filing. Reading about @Kendrick Webb's success and all the detailed guidance from everyone has finally pushed me to take action. The breakdown of the 6-week backdate rule, work search requirements, and timeline expectations is exactly what I needed. It's both concerning and comforting to know that "open issues" and delays are common but usually get resolved. Planning to file my claim tomorrow morning and wanted to thank everyone for sharing their real experiences - it makes this intimidating process feel much more manageable. This community is a fantastic resource for people navigating UC for the first time!

As someone new to this community, I wanted to share that I'm currently in a very similar situation - lost my job at a small accounting firm about 5 weeks ago and have been hesitant to file for UC. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly eye-opening and motivating! @Kendrick Webb, congratulations on getting your claim approved and thank you for sharing your journey from start to finish. The detailed responses from @Emma Wilson, @Anna Xian, @Rajan Walker, and others have really helped me understand what to expect. I had no idea about the 6-week backdate limit or the specific work search requirements. It's both reassuring and concerning to learn that delays and "open issues" are common, but seeing that most people eventually get their claims resolved gives me hope. I'm planning to file my initial claim this weekend and will make sure to document everything carefully moving forward. This thread should definitely be a reference for anyone dealing with delayed UC filing - the real experiences and practical advice here are invaluable!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for this incredibly detailed and helpful thread! I'm currently in week 4 since losing my job at a logistics company, and like so many others here, I kept putting off filing thinking I'd find something quickly. Reading @Kendrick Webb's complete journey from filing to approval, plus all the expert advice from @Emma Wilson, @Anna Xian, @Rajan Walker, and others has finally given me the push I needed to stop procrastinating. The breakdown of the 6-week backdate rule is especially important - I had no idea there was such a specific timeframe. It's both reassuring and stressful to learn that "open issues" and delays are normal, but seeing that people do get their claims resolved eventually gives me confidence. Planning to file my claim tomorrow and start documenting all my job search activities properly. This thread should be required reading for anyone navigating UC for the first time - the real experiences and practical tips here are worth their weight in gold!

As a new member of this community, I just want to say how incredibly valuable this thread has been! I'm currently 8 weeks out from losing my job at a local manufacturing plant and have been putting off filing for UC because I kept thinking something would come through. Reading through everyone's experiences, especially @Kendrick Webb's complete journey and the detailed advice from @Emma Wilson, @Anna Xian, and others, has finally motivated me to stop procrastinating. The information about the 6-week backdate limit is crucial - I had no idea that was the cutoff. It's both nerve-wracking and reassuring to see that delays and "open issues" are common but ultimately get resolved for most people. I'm planning to file my initial claim first thing tomorrow morning and will make sure to start documenting my job search activities properly from day one. For anyone else reading this who's been hesitating like I was - don't wait any longer! Every day you delay is potential money lost. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative community resource!