Can I get PA UC benefits after refusing 50-mile job relocation that affects childcare?

This is exactly why PA UC has the 'suitable work' provision! Distance and commute time are ABSOLUTELY factors when determining if work is suitable. Generally, positions requiring substantially longer commutes (especially ones that create hardship like childcare issues) would NOT be considered suitable work. If terminated for refusing, you SHOULD qualify for benefits - but document EVERYTHING. Save emails about relocation, your refusal reason, etc. They'll probably fight it so be ready!

I'm seeing some misinformation here. PA regulations actually specify that a commute becomes potentially unsuitable if it exceeds 45 minutes or approximately 20% of your work hours (for a standard 8-hour day). At 50+ miles and over an hour commute, your situation clearly meets this threshold. However, don't just quit! Let them terminate you if possible. They might offer a severance package, and termination is generally cleaner for UC purposes than voluntary resignation. Either way, you'll need to explain in detail during your UC application how this change created undue hardship, particularly with childcare arrangements. When you file, use these exact terms: "substantial and unilateral change in working conditions" and "childcare hardship due to unsuitable commute distance." This terminology matters during review.

I help people with PA UC issues regularly, and this is absolutely a valid reason for benefits IF handled correctly. The key is whether this change represents a "substantial and material change in employment conditions" - and a 50-mile relocation certainly qualifies. Here's what you need to do: 1. Get the relocation requirement in writing (email is fine) 2. Respond in writing explaining why this creates undue hardship (childcare specifically) 3. Ask for reasonable accommodation (like remote work if possible) 4. Let them terminate you rather than quitting 5. File for UC immediately after termination 6. Be prepared for your employer to challenge your claim During your appeal (if needed), emphasize that this would cause significant hardship with childcare arrangements AND that the distance exceeds PA's guidelines for suitable work. You've got a strong case here.

I've been trying to reach PA UC for WEEKS about a similar issue (mine was only 35 miles but still impossible with my situation). CONSTANTLY busy signals!!! Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual person at UC in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent explained that relocation cases depend on the specific details but generally anything over 35 miles that creates provable hardship (especially childcare) is grounds for benefits. Makes a HUGE difference talking to a real person versus trying to figure it out from the website. Good luck!

my company did this to me to try to get me to quit!!!! its a TRICK they use to avoid paying unemployment!!!!! DONT QUIT let them fire u. and when u file make sure u say exactly the thing about your kids daycare because that proves its unreasonable what there asking. i won my case but had to appeal first. ugh the system is a nightmare but dont give up!!!

Everyone keeps saying 'let them fire you' but what if they never actually pull the trigger? My friend's company just kept scheduling her at the far location until she gave up and quit - then denied her benefits! Maybe ask HR directly what happens if you simply don't report to the new location?

I know this isn't exactly what you asked but have you looked into Pennsylvania's daycare assistance program while you're sorting this out? If your income drops while fighting this issue, you might qualify for subsidies that could help with extended daycare hours if you end up having to take a job with a longer commute in the future. Just trying to think of backup plans here!

why dont u just move closer to the new work site? 9 years is a long time to be with a company seems crazy to throw that away tbh

Quick update on current PA rules: For most areas, "suitable work" is defined as being within a one-way commuting distance of 45 minutes or less from your residence. The 20% of daily work hours guideline is still used as well. Both support your case. Also important: PA unemployment reviews whether the employer made "reasonable accommodations" before termination. Have they offered any compromise solutions? Partial remote work? Schedule adjustments? Documenting that you proposed reasonable alternatives that were rejected strengthens your case significantly. Lastly, when you file, make sure you use the phrase "material change in employment terms" in your explanation. Be factual and specific about the daycare closing times and why the commute makes it impossible to meet those obligations.