Can my current employer deny my PA UC claim during seasonal layoff from new job?

ur current employer can absolutely contest ur claim bc they'll get charged for it. happened to my cousin last yr - left one job 4 another & got laid off 4 months later, first employer fought it hard & won. depends how long u worked at current place tho

This is a very specific situation that deals with PA UC base-year calculations. When you file for UC after your seasonal job ends, PA will look at your wages during the first four of the last five completed quarters before you file. If you file in December 2025/January 2026, they'll examine your wages from approximately Oct 2024-Sept 2025. Your current employer CAN contest your claim if they believe you quit without cause. However, if you left for another job that offered similar wages (even with fewer hours), that's usually considered a legitimate reason to quit. The issue isn't whether your current employer contests it - it's whether you had good cause to leave that employment. You should document that your new position offered comparable wages when you make the switch. Also be aware that because you'll be working fewer hours at the new job, your weekly benefit amount might be affected.

I worked seasonal construction for years and here's what you need to know: PA UC absolutely covers seasonal workers during off-seasons as long as you're available for work during that time. Your base-year wages determine eligibility and amount. The key issue is your separation from your CURRENT employer. If you quit your current job to take the seasonal position, your current employer could potentially challenge based on you voluntarily quitting. However, quitting for another job is usually considered good cause IF the new job offered similar or better conditions. In your case, same hourly rate but fewer hours might be tricky. I'd recommend calling PA UC directly to ask about your specific situation before making the switch. Your financial security during those winter months might depend on it.

I had EXACTLY this situation last year! Quit my warehouse job to work seasonal landscaping. When winter came, my old warehouse tried to block my benefits saying I "voluntarily quit" - which technically I did. But I appealed with documentation showing I left for other employment that had seasonal layoffs. PA UC initially denied me but I won on appeal. The key was proving I didn't just quit to be unemployed but that I had legitimate work in between. Definitely keep ANY documentation from your new employer stating they're seasonal and expect to lay you off in winter. And be ready for a fight - but you CAN win it. When you apply in December make sure to select "laid off due to lack of work" not anything about quitting your old job.

This whole thing seems fishy to me. If you KNOW you're going to be unemployed part of the year why should the system pay for that? UC is for unexpected job loss not for people who choose to work part year. My taxes shouldn't pay for your vacation months!

Been trying to call PA UC about my claim for THREE WEEKS and can't get through!!! The number just gives me a busy signal or disconnects! I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real agent in 20 minutes after weeks of trying. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Definitely worth it if you need answers before making a job change decision. The agent I talked to was super helpful explaining my options.

To directly answer your original question: Yes, your current employer CAN contest your UC claim when you file after the seasonal job ends. Whether they will choose to or not depends on the employer. However, with proper documentation and explanation during the application process, you should still qualify even if they do contest it. The key facts that will help your case: 1. You left for another job (not just to collect UC) 2. That new job had a legitimate seasonal layoff 3. You're available and searching for work during the winter months Make sure you keep documentation of everything - your resignation letter should state you're leaving for other employment, and get something in writing from the new employer about the seasonal nature of the position.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I'm going to try that Claimyr service to speak with PA UC directly. And I'll definitely get documentation from both employers - resignation letter stating I'm leaving for other employment and something from the new employer about the seasonal nature with expected winter layoffs. I feel better knowing that even if my current employer contests it, I should still qualify with proper documentation and can appeal if needed. I appreciate all the help!