Can I file for PA UC benefits over a year after being fired while pregnant?

i dont think u can file after a year sorry. when i got laid off they told us we had like 2 weeks to apply or something short like that

The previous comment isn't accurate. In Pennsylvania, you should file your initial UC application during the first week you are unemployed or your hours are reduced. However, there are provisions for late filing with good cause. Severe medical conditions like postpartum depression might qualify as good cause for a late filing. You'll need to explain your situation and possibly provide medical documentation. I suggest you file immediately and explain your circumstances. The worst they can do is deny the claim, but given your medical situation, there's a chance they might approve it.

I think you can probably still apply but they're definitely going to ask why you waited so long!!! My sister had a baby last year and she got benefits right away when she got laid off during her maternity leave. But that was only like 3 weeks later not a whole year...

You need to apply as soon as possible and request a "backdating" of your claim with good cause. Here's my experience: PA UC has specific rules about backdating claims beyond the normal filing period. Having documented postpartum depression would likely qualify as good cause, but be prepared to submit medical documentation and possibly appeal if initially denied. When you file online, there will be a question about why you're filing late - be honest and detailed about your medical condition. After filing, call the UC service center to explain your situation further, though getting through can be nearly impossible. You might also need to attend a fact-finding interview about the late filing.

Has anyone told you why you were fired? If it was because of the pregnancy that's discrimination and you should talk to a lawyer not just file for unemployment!!! Your employer can't fire you just for being pregnant.

I was in a similar situation with a different health issue and trying to reach PA UC to explain was IMPOSSIBLE!!! I spent WEEKS trying to get through on their phone lines and kept getting disconnected. So frustrating!!! I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a rep in about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Definitely worth it to explain your situation directly to a rep instead of just hoping they understand what you write in the application. The rep I talked to was actually really sympathetic about my health issues.

THE PA UC SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!! I got laid off last year and they made everything so complicated I almost gave up too. They'll probably try to deny you because it's been so long but DON'T GIVE UP if they do. The appeal process actually works sometimes but they count on people not appealing when denied. The whole system is rigged against us regular people!!

Update: I filed my claim online yesterday and did my best to explain the postpartum depression situation in the comments. They have scheduled a phone interview for next week to discuss the late filing. I'm gathering all my medical documentation now. Thank you everyone for the advice and support! Fingers crossed this works out.