Can PA UC representatives help with appeals or only initial claims?

the regular UC reps CANT help with appeals they just file claims and answer basic stuff. Your appeal needs to go on the appeal form and mail it in with your evidence like the layoff letter. Dont wait too long u only have 15 days from determination date to appeal!!!!

Thanks for the warning about the 15 days! I got my determination letter 5 days ago so I still have time. Do you know if I should send the original documents or just copies? I don't want to lose my only proof.

The UC service representatives can help answer basic questions about your appeal, but they cannot file the appeal for you or make determinations. You need to file your own appeal using the appeal form that came with your determination letter (or download it from the PA UC website). \n\nImportant things to include with your appeal:\n1. Your appeal form completely filled out\n2. COPIES (not originals) of your layoff documentation \n3. Any written communication between you and your employer about the layoff\n4. Your final pay stub\n\nMake sure you specifically address why you believe the determination is incorrect. State clearly that you were laid off due to 'lack of work' and were not a voluntary quit.

This is so helpful! I'll make sure to include all those documents. Should I also include my termination letter where they specifically mentioned

Went thru same thing last yr. Determination said i quit but company laid me off! Crazy system. The regular phone reps are useless for appeals trust me

What happened with your case? Did you win your appeal?

Yeah I won after like 6 weeks but only cuz I had an email from my boss saying it was a layoff. Make sure u have proof!

I recently went through the appeal process for a similar situation. The regular UC representatives can provide general information about appeals, but cannot offer specific legal advice or handle the appeal for you. It's a completely separate process.\n\nFor your appeal to be successful, you need to:\n\n1. File within 15 days of the determination date (not when you received it)\n2. Include COPIES of all documentation showing you were laid off\n3. Be very specific in explaining why the determination is incorrect\n4. Continue filing your biweekly claims while waiting for the appeal decision\n\nThe appeals examiner will schedule a hearing, which could be by phone or in person. Be prepared to explain your situation clearly and have all documentation organized and ready to reference.\n\nBe aware that appeals are currently taking 6-8 weeks to process in PA.

do you know if we can check appeal status online somewhere? or do we just wait for mail? I'm in a similar situation and mailed my stuff 3 weeks ago but havent heard anything

Unfortunately, there's no online tracking for appeals. You'll receive all communications about your appeal via mail, including the hearing notice. If it's been more than 3 weeks and you're concerned, you can try calling the UC Service Center, but as others have mentioned, it's extremely difficult to get through.

OMG the phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE!!! i spent 3 days trying to get someone on the phone about my appeal and kept getting disconnected or busy signals. SUPER FRUSTRATING!!! i finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person at PA UC. they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 check out claimyr.com - saved me like 8 hours of redial hell

Is that service legit? I've been trying to talk to someone about my open issue for a week now and keep getting busy signals.

Totally legit! I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got me through to a rep in like 20 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own.

Just to clarify - while getting through to a representative can help with general questions about the appeal process, the actual appeal review is handled separately by appeals examiners. Even if you reach a representative, they cannot change or influence the appeal decision itself.

everyone keeps talking about the appeal form but when i look at my determination letter i dont see any form???? where exactly is it supposed to be? do i have to download it or should it have come with my letter??

The appeal form should have been included with your determination letter, but if it wasn't, you can download Form UC-46A from the PA UC website. Go to www.uc.pa.gov and search for \

Update: I managed to get through to someone at the UC office today. They confirmed that while they can't help with the actual appeal decision, they were able to answer my questions about the form and what supporting documents to include. They recommended I send my appeal via certified mail so I have proof it was received. I'm mailing everything tomorrow - fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your advice.

That's excellent advice about sending it certified mail! Make sure you keep a complete copy of everything you send for your records. Good luck with your appeal!

ur lucky u got through to someone! how long were u on hold????

About 2 hours! I started calling right when they opened at 8am. The wait was worth it though, I feel much more confident about my appeal now.