Can I quit new job and claim PA UC benefits from previous 15-year employer that shut down?

Based on my experience with PA UC, this gets complicated. When your employer of 15 years shut down, you had good cause for separation which would qualify you for benefits. However, once you accept new employment, that becomes your most recent work history for UC purposes. If you quit your new job without what PA calls "necessitous and compelling reasons," you likely won't qualify for benefits. Simple job dissatisfaction or lower pay typically doesn't meet that standard. However, there are some exceptions that might help your case: 1. If the job conditions are substantially different than what was described during hiring (bait and switch) 2. If there are health/safety issues or harassment 3. If the pay is dramatically lower than industry standard (not just lower than your previous job) The 90-minute commute might help your case if you can show it's causing hardship and wasn't disclosed during hiring.

you should just stick with the new job for like 6 months at least before quitting. then you'll have better options. i tried quitting after 3 weeks once and got DENIED benefits even tho my previous job laid me off. its all about the last job you had unfortunately

I successfully navigated a similar situation last year. Here's what you need to know about PA unemployment in your case: When you establish a benefit year (which starts when you first apply), your eligibility is primarily based on your base period wages (roughly the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before applying). Your 15 years at the previous employer would give you a strong base period. However, as the previous commenter mentioned, PA UC looks at your most recent separation when determining eligibility. If you quit without good cause, you'll likely be disqualified. One important factor: did you actually file an initial claim after the shutdown but before starting the new job? If you did, and were determined eligible, you might have different options than if you never filed at all. If the working conditions truly are misrepresented or intolerable, document everything. Get the original job description in writing if possible, keep records of any unsafe conditions, harassment, or substantial differences from what was promised. PA does recognize legitimate reasons to quit, but the burden of proof is on you. Finally, if you do quit and apply, be prepared for a lengthy appeal process if denied. Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims during any appeal process.

I WENT THROUGH EXACT SAME THING!!!! Company closed after 8 years, got new job, HATED IT, and quit after 7 weeks. Applied for UC and got DENIED because they said I VOLUNTARILY QUIT without cause. I appealed and lost!!!! So frustrating because I would have gotten benefits if I hadn't taken that terrible job at all!!!! The system basically PUNISHES you for trying to work instead of just collecting!!!!! The ONLY way you might get benefits is if you can PROVE the job was substantially different than advertised or has unsafe conditions. Take PICTURES, save EMAILS, get WITNESSES if possible!!!! PA UC is super strict about voluntary quits!!!! THE WORST PART IS I wasted months fighting this and got NOTHING! Should have just not taken that job at all!!!!

Have you tried reaching out to the PA UC office directly to ask about your specific situation? Sometimes getting an official answer is better than forum advice since UC rules can be complicated. I had a similar issue last year and couldn't get through on the phone for weeks - busy signals and disconnections constantly. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real PA UC agent in under an hour. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent I spoke with explained exactly what "necessitous and compelling reasons" would qualify in my case. Getting it straight from a UC rep was super helpful because they could look at my specific claim details. Might be worth trying before you make any decisions about quitting.

Not related to ur current situation but if you applied before starting new job you might have been able to get partial benefits while working if u make less now. pa has that thing where u can work and still get some benefits if ur new job pays a lot less. just something to think about if u decide to stay at this job

Since multiple people have commented on this thread, I want to clarify a few important points about PA UC that might help with your decision: 1. Partial benefits: Yes, if you earn less at your new job than your weekly benefit rate would be, you may be eligible for partial benefits. However, you would need to have an established claim first. 2. Documentation for quitting: If you decide to quit, Pennsylvania requires "necessitous and compelling" reasons. This is a high standard, but can include: - Material changes in hiring conditions (duties significantly different than advertised) - Substantial reduction in hours or pay from what was promised - Unsafe working conditions that have been reported but not addressed - Harassment or discrimination that has been reported but continues - Commute that exceeds 1 hour each way (in some cases) 3. Filing timeline: If you never filed a claim after your 15-year employer shut down, you still have time to file. Base period wages don't expire that quickly. If I were in your position, I would consider: 1. Filing for UC now (based on the shutdown) while still working, which might make you eligible for partial benefits 2. Documenting all issues with the current job in case you need to quit later 3. Consulting with a UC representative before making any decisions

I'm sorry you're going through this situation - it sounds really stressful. As someone who's dealt with PA UC before, I'd strongly recommend calling the UC office to discuss your specific case before making any major decisions. One thing that might help: since you mentioned the 90-minute commute wasn't disclosed during hiring, that could potentially be grounds for "good cause" if you decide to quit. PA UC sometimes considers excessive commute times (especially over an hour each way) as compelling reasons, particularly if it wasn't part of the original job offer. Also, definitely look into the partial benefits option that others mentioned. Since you never filed after your 15-year employer shut down, you might be able to establish a claim now and receive partial benefits while working this lower-paying job. That could help with your financial stress while you figure out your next steps. Document everything about how this job differs from what was promised - save emails, job postings, any written communications. If you do decide to quit, having that documentation will be crucial for your UC case. Good luck!

I went through something very similar in PA about two years ago. My advice would be to file your UC claim immediately based on your 15-year employer shutting down - don't wait any longer. Even though you're working now, you can still establish that claim and potentially get partial benefits since your new pay is significantly lower. Regarding quitting, PA is pretty strict about voluntary separations, but you might have a case if you can prove the job was misrepresented. The key is documentation - start keeping records now of everything that's different from what they promised during the interview. Save the original job posting if you still have it, and document specific examples of how your actual duties differ from what was described. The 90-minute commute each way could actually work in your favor if it wasn't disclosed upfront. PA has recognized excessive commute times as compelling reasons in some cases, especially when it creates financial hardship (gas, wear on your car, etc.) or interferes with your ability to maintain employment. My suggestion: file the UC claim now, document everything for 2-3 weeks while you're getting partial benefits, then if conditions don't improve, you'll have a much stronger case for quitting with good cause. Don't suffer in silence - the system does have protections for situations like yours, but you need to work within the rules.