Can I file for PA UC after being terminated from long-term medical leave?

I went thru something similar last year but only missed 6 months. PA UC denied my claim saying I wasnt "able and available" for work which is a requirement. They said since my doctor hadn't cleared me to work I couldn't get benefits. So frustratin!!!!

This is a tricky situation. PA UC has two main requirements that might affect your case: 1. You must be able and available for work 2. You must be actively seeking employment If your doctor hasn't cleared you to work at all, you likely won't qualify for regular UC benefits regardless of why your employment ended. The separation reason (termination vs. quitting) doesn't overcome the able/available requirement. However, you should look into: - Short-term disability if you have it - Long-term disability insurance - Social Security Disability (if your condition is expected to last 12+ months) Even if you think you'll be denied, it might be worth applying for UC anyway and explaining your situation fully. Sometimes individual circumstances can affect determinations.

i think ur supposed to answer "yes" to the able and available question when filing weekly claims even if ur not really able to work yet... thats what my cousin did when he was recovering from surgery and he got benefits for like 3 months until he could work again

BEEN THERE! I was on medical leave for 8 months in 2024 and when they let me go, I applied for UC and got DENIED because I couldn't pass the "able and available" test. I APPEALED and had my doctor provide documentation that I could work PART-TIME with accommodations even though I couldn't return to my previous position that required heavy lifting. The appeal took FOREVER but I eventually won and got benefits while I looked for suitable work. My advice: 1. Talk to your doctor about whether you could perform ANY type of work even with restrictions 2. Apply for UC and be honest 3. If denied, APPEAL with medical documentation showing what work you CAN do 4. Be prepared to show you're actively looking for jobs within your medical restrictions Good luck!!!

Anyone tried getting through to PA UC about medical issues? I spent THREE DAYS calling their number about my similar situation last month. Busy signals and getting disconnected constantly. I was about to lose my mind!

Let me clarify a few important points about PA UC eligibility in medical situations: 1. The key issue isn't how your employment ended, but whether you're currently able to work in some capacity. 2. If you cannot work at all according to your doctor, you would not qualify for regular UC benefits, as the "able and available" requirement is fundamental to the program. 3. However, as someone mentioned, if your doctor can certify that you're capable of performing some type of work with restrictions, you may potentially qualify. 4. During your weekly claims, you must truthfully answer whether you're able and available for work. False statements can result in fraud charges. 5. If you're denied initially, you have 15 calendar days to file an appeal. Appeals for medical situations often require additional documentation from healthcare providers. 6. While your UC claim is being processed, you should also explore other benefit programs that specifically address medical inability to work. Based on what you've shared, I'd recommend applying and being completely honest about your medical restrictions. The determination will depend on your specific situation and medical documentation.

has anyone checked if the company has to offer you a different position based on your medical needs before they can fire you? isn't that part of ADA or something?

One more thing to consider: When you file your initial UC application, you'll be asked about your separation reason. In your case, select "laid off/terminated" rather than "quit/resigned" since the company is initiating the separation. You'll likely have an interview with a UC examiner who will ask about your medical condition and work capabilities. Be prepared to discuss: 1. The nature of your condition 2. What types of work you might be able to perform 3. Any work restrictions from your doctor 4. Your job search efforts If approved, remember that for weekly claims you must be truthful about being able and available for work AND must complete your work search activities (usually applying to at least two positions per week and completing one work search activity). Document everything carefully.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been on FMLA for 7 months due to a chronic condition and my employer is starting to make noises about my position. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening about the "able and available" requirement. One thing I wanted to add is that if you do get approved for UC benefits, make sure you understand Pennsylvania's work search requirements. Even with medical restrictions, you'll still need to apply to jobs and document your search activities. I've been researching remote/work-from-home positions in case my situation goes the same direction as yours. Also, don't forget to ask your HR department about COBRA for health insurance continuation - losing your job means losing your employer health coverage, and with ongoing medical issues, you'll definitely want to keep that going even though it's expensive. Hope things work out for you! This whole system is so confusing when you're already dealing with health problems.

Just wanted to share my experience from last year - I was terminated after 9 months of medical leave for a spine injury. Initially got denied for UC because I couldn't lift over 10 pounds, but my appeal was successful after my doctor wrote a detailed letter explaining I could do desk work, customer service, data entry, etc. The key was being very specific about what I COULD do rather than focusing on what I couldn't. My doctor's letter listed specific job functions I was cleared for, and I had to show PA UC that I was actively applying for those types of positions. A few practical tips: - Get your medical documentation ready BEFORE you apply - Research job openings in your area that match your restrictions - Keep detailed records of every application you submit - Be prepared for the process to take 6-8 weeks with appeals Also, definitely look into your state's temporary disability programs and see if your employer offers any severance or extended benefits. Sometimes companies will provide a transition period especially for long-term employees. Wishing you the best - this situation is stressful enough without having to navigate the bureaucracy!