Can PA UC approve benefits after quitting due to relocation? Starting new job in a few weeks

u need to have a VERY good reason 4 quitting or they deny u automatically. moving cuz u bought a house probably wont cut it tbh

Pennsylvania UC has very specific guidelines about what qualifies as a necessitous and compelling reason to quit. Generally, relocating because you purchased a home doesn't qualify unless there were other factors involved. However, if the distance made the commute unreasonable (generally more than 45 minutes each way or if public transportation isn't available), you might have a case. Be prepared to document that you attempted to make the commute work and that it was genuinely unreasonable. Also, make sure you can prove you've secured another position with a firm start date. They'll want to see that you're not just voluntarily unemployed.

I quit my job when we moved across the state last year and they DENIED me instantly. Waste of time applying. The UC system just looks for any reason to say no!!!!

I had success with a somewhat similar situation in 2025. The key is that you need to prove that you attempted to preserve the employment relationship before quitting. Here's what worked for me: 1. I documented that I asked my employer for a transfer to a closer location (they didn't have one) 2. I requested remote work accommodations (was denied) 3. I showed that my commute exceeded 2 hours each way 4. I had documentation that I'd secured another position Make sure you're completely honest on your application about the reason for separation. If you say anything other than "quit" they'll eventually find out from your employer and hit you with an overpayment. Be prepared for an initial denial and to go through the appeal process, which takes about 3-4 weeks. During your interview, emphasize the unreasonable commute time rather than the home purchase (which was a voluntary choice).

Yes, absolutely continue filing weekly claims during the appeal process. If you win your appeal, they'll only pay for weeks you properly certified for. As for your interview, expect questions about: 1. Why you purchased a home so far from work 2. Whether you considered the commute before buying 3. If you explored carpooling options 4. Whether you tried to find work closer to your old home before moving The key is proving that despite your voluntary decision to purchase a home, the resulting commute created an impossible situation that gave you no choice but to quit. Having secured another position helps your case significantly as it shows you're not trying to just collect benefits indefinitely.

Has anyone tried using Claimyr to get through to a PA UC agent? I sat on hold for HOURS last month trying to ask about my relocation claim, but I just found this service at claimyr.com that gets you through to an agent usually within an hour! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Might be worth checking out if you need to discuss your specific situation with someone who can actually help. Way better than getting disconnected after waiting all day.

im so confused abt what counts as a good reason for quitting??? the UC handbook mentions family circumstances but does moving count as that??? and if i get denied can i appeal it or is that just wasting time??? freaking out bc i also quit last month (different reason - safety issues) and im scared ill get denied too

My sister-in-law just dealt with this exact situation back in November. She quit because they bought a house in Erie and her job was in Pittsburgh. PA UC denied her initially, but she appealed and won because: 1. She had documented asking her employer to transfer her to their Erie office (they refused) 2. She tried the commute for 3 weeks and kept a log of the drive times and costs 3. She had medical documentation that the long commute was exacerbating her back problems So it IS possible, but you need strong evidence. Having a new job lined up definitely helps your case too.

One more important tip: when you file your biweekly claims during this period, make sure you're reporting that you're able and available for suitable work. If you answer that you're not available or have restrictions, they'll deny you regardless of your separation reason. Also, you'll need to be actively searching for work and recording your work search activities for each week, even though you have a job lined up. PA requires at least two work search activities per week (applications, interviews, etc.). The system doesn't make exceptions for people with future start dates.

Just wanted to add that timing is really important with PA UC applications. Since you mentioned your new job starts Feb 28th, make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's a waiting week before benefits can start, and any delay in filing can cost you weeks of potential benefits. Also, when you do start your new job, you'll need to report your first day of work immediately - they'll stop your benefits but if you're approved, you'll still get paid for the weeks you were legitimately unemployed. The whole process can take 4-6 weeks from application to first payment even if approved, so don't wait to apply thinking you might not need it.

I went through this exact situation last year when I moved from Philly to Harrisburg area! Here's what I learned: PA UC will initially deny you because they see house purchase as voluntary, but you CAN win on appeal if you build a strong case. Key things that helped me: 1) I documented every conversation with my employer about transfer/remote work options (they said no), 2) I kept a detailed log of my commute times for the weeks I tried to make it work (averaged 2.5 hours each way), 3) I calculated the monthly cost of gas/tolls which was eating up nearly 40% of my take-home pay. The hearing officer was actually pretty reasonable once I showed it wasn't just about convenience but genuinely impossible to sustain. Having your new job already lined up definitely strengthens your case too. Don't get discouraged by the initial denial - about 60% of voluntary quit appeals get approved if you have good documentation. File ASAP though, the waiting period starts from when you apply, not when you get approved!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - quit my job in December due to a spouse's job relocation and PA UC initially denied me. However, I just won my appeal last week! The key was showing that I had no reasonable alternative. Here's what worked for me: 1) I got a letter from my spouse's employer confirming the mandatory transfer, 2) I documented that I applied to 15+ jobs in our old area but couldn't find anything before we had to move, 3) I showed that staying behind wasn't financially feasible (would need separate housing, etc.). The hearing examiner said the combination of family circumstances AND economic necessity made it compelling. Even though your situation is a home purchase rather than job transfer, if you can prove the commute was truly unreasonable and you exhausted all alternatives, you might have a shot. Document everything and don't give up after the initial denial - the appeals process is where you actually get to tell your full story!

I actually work as a benefits counselor and see cases like this fairly regularly. While PA UC is strict about voluntary quits, relocation CAN qualify if you can prove it created an "unreasonable commute." The magic number they typically look for is 90+ minutes each way OR if the commute costs exceed 20% of your gross wages. Since you mentioned 60 miles and 2+ hours with traffic, you're likely in the ballpark. Here's what I'd recommend: 1) File immediately - don't wait, 2) Document your attempted commute with specific times/dates, 3) Calculate total monthly commute costs (gas, tolls, wear/tear), 4) Get something in writing about your employer refusing accommodations, 5) Prepare for initial denial but appeal right away. The fact that you have a firm start date for your new job actually helps - it shows you're not trying to game the system. Good luck!

I actually just went through this exact scenario in late 2024! Bought a house about 50 miles from my job and had to quit due to the impossible commute. Initially got denied but won my appeal after 6 weeks. Here's what made the difference: I kept a detailed commute log for 2 weeks showing actual drive times (ranged from 1.5-3 hours each way depending on traffic), calculated that gas/tolls were costing me $450/month, and got an email from my supervisor confirming they couldn't offer remote work or transfer options. The hearing officer was actually pretty understanding once I showed I genuinely tried to make it work and had no other choice. Since you already have a new job lined up, that'll work in your favor - shows you're not trying to collect benefits long-term. Don't get discouraged if they deny you initially, the appeals process is where you can actually present your full case. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even during the appeal!