Can I file for PA UC after being fired for 'attitude' at 54? Age discrimination question

Yes, you should absolutely file for PA unemployment right away! From what you've described, this sounds like a potential case of age discrimination. When you file your initial claim, make sure to clearly explain that you believe you were terminated due to age-related factors rather than legitimate performance issues. In Pennsylvania, you can still qualify for benefits even if you were fired, as long as it wasn't for 'willful misconduct.' What you're describing (needing accommodation for physical limitations and being accused of 'attitude' problems) likely doesn't meet the standard for willful misconduct. Your employer will need to prove you deliberately violated workplace rules or standards. Document everything - dates, specific comments about 'older cashiers,' the denied accommodation with the stool, and any witnesses. This will help both with your UC claim and if you decide to pursue an age discrimination complaint.

I went through something similar at 58 when I worked at a grocery store. They started criticizing everything I did even though I'd been a reliable employee for years. Then they cut my hours and eventually pushed me out by writing me up for minor things younger employees got away with all the time. When I filed for unemployment, they contested it claiming I was fired for 'performance issues' but I won my case because they couldn't prove willful misconduct. Just be prepared - PA UC will investigate your case and probably interview both you and your former employer. Be honest about your physical limitations and how you tried to accommodate them yourself with the stool. Also, you might want to contact the PA Human Relations Commission about the age discrimination issue. The comments about 'older cashiers' and refusing reasonable accommodation for physical limitations are red flags.

ur employer sounds terrible lol they cant just fire ppl for being older thats illegal af. my mom went thru similar bs and she got her benefits no problem. just make sure u file asap and tell them exactly what happened. the "attitude" thing is so subjective they cant prove that

OK SO I WORK IN HR AND HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!!! Your former employer will 100% contest your claim. They ALWAYS do because their UC tax rate goes up when former employees collect. When you file, you'll get a PIN number. DON'T LOSE IT!!! You'll need it to file biweekly claims. The UC office will investigate and your employer will probably say you were insubordinate or had performance issues. That's when you explain the age comments and denial of reasonable accommodation. Document EVERYTHING. Dates, times, who said what. This is KEY!!!!!

If you can prove the age discrimination thing, that's one approach, but honestly, the PA UC system is so backed up right now you might want to focus on just getting your benefits first. I filed in January and didn't see a penny until March because my employer contested my claim. The most frustrating part was trying to reach someone at UC to explain my side. I called literally 50+ times and kept getting busy signals or disconnected.

To directly answer your questions: 1. Yes, you should absolutely file for PA UC. Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you - it depends on the reason. 'Attitude' is subjective and difficult for employers to prove as willful misconduct. 2. The comments about 'older cashiers' combined with denying reasonable accommodation (the stool) could potentially constitute age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which protects workers 40 and older. 3. For your UC claim, emphasize that you were performing your job duties to the best of your ability while managing physical limitations. The insubordination write-up for not hearing someone call you isn't likely to be considered willful misconduct unless they can prove you deliberately ignored them. 4. File your initial claim immediately, then biweekly claims afterward. Be prepared to explain your side if there's an investigation. 5. Remember that UC determinations are separate from discrimination claims. You can pursue both simultaneously.

hey just wondering if ur store had cameras?? cuz if they do that wuld show u actually didnt hear them calling u. might help ur case

I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now!!! I'm 52 and got fired last week for "performance issues" after 6 years with no problems! They started nitpicking everything after I asked for a different chair because of my back problems. Now I'm so stressed waiting to see if my UC claim will be approved or denied! How are you holding up? Have you filed yet? This is all so unfair!!!

One thing nobody mentioned yet - when you file your claim online, save or print EVERY screen. The PA UC website is notorious for glitches where your information disappears. Also, after you file, you'll need to register with PA CareerLink and do your weekly work search activities (apply to at least 2 jobs each week). They're really strict about that part.

I want to add something important that might help your case - make sure you keep detailed records of any medical documentation related to your back and knee problems. If you have doctor's notes, physical therapy records, or any written communication with your employer about needing accommodations, gather all of that together. The fact that you were trying to work around your physical limitations with reasonable solutions (like the stool) shows you were making good faith efforts to do your job effectively. Also, when you describe the situation to UC, focus on the facts: you have documented physical limitations, you attempted reasonable self-accommodation, your employer denied this accommodation citing safety concerns, and then you were terminated shortly after with vague complaints about "attitude" that specifically targeted older employees. This creates a clear timeline that supports your case. One more thing - if you have any coworkers who witnessed the comments about "older cashiers" or saw you trying to accommodate your physical needs, ask if they'd be willing to provide statements. Witness testimony can be very valuable in both UC determinations and potential discrimination cases.