Can't log into PA CareerLink for mandatory RESEA appointment - facing disqualification?

This exact thing happened to me last month! The system was giving me the same runaround. Try this: go directly to pacareerlink.pa.gov (NOT through the UC portal link) and click on "Register" instead of login. Put in your info and it might tell you that your email already exists in the system. If that happens, there should be a prompt to recover your existing account. Also, take screenshots of EVERYTHING showing you tried to login. If you do end up missing the appointment due to technical issues, you'll need that documentation for your appeal. They're pretty understanding about system problems if you can show you made efforts to comply.

dont panic to much, resea isnt as scary as ppl make it sound. i missed mine cuz my kid was sick and i just called them the next day and they rescheduled me no problem. just keep calling the office

Since you're a former L&I employee, your situation is extra complicated. When I worked at CareerLink (retired 2023), we had special protocols for staff claims. The Harrisburg team that handles these claims should have a direct contact line that bypasses the regular UC service center. Did they give you any special contact information when you filed? For the CareerLink login issue - their system underwent a major update in January 2025 that's been causing problems. Some accounts didn't migrate correctly. You should email PACareerLink@pa.gov with your full name, the email associated with your account, and explain that you need urgent access for an RESEA appointment. Put "URGENT: RESEA ACCESS REQUIRED" in the subject line. They have a team addressing these migration issues.

The UC system is RIGGED against us!!! This happens WAY too often. They set up these stupid requirements then make it IMPOSSIBLE to actually complete them. Then they have an excuse to deny benefits we EARNED. I bet they purposely schedule system updates right before RESEA deadlines. Been through this nightmare twice myself. The whole system is designed to disqualify as many people as possible!!

have you tried using a different browser? sometimes careerlink acts weird with chrome but works fine with edge. also clear your cookies maybe???

If you're struggling to get through to someone at PA UC or CareerLink, you might want to try a service called Claimyr. I was in a similar situation with an urgent RESEA issue and couldn't get through to anyone. Claimyr connected me with a UC agent within an hour when I'd been trying for days on my own. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Their website is claimyr.com - definitely worth it when you're facing a potential disqualification issue and need to speak to someone ASAP.

Listen, the most important thing right now is to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Every call, every attempt to log in, every error message. Note dates, times, and take screenshots. If you do get disqualified, you'll need all this for your appeal. As a former L&I employee, you should know how the system works better than most people. Use that knowledge to your advantage. Have you tried contacting your RESEA facilitator directly? Sometimes they're listed in the appointment notification email. Also, go IN PERSON to your local CareerLink office ASAP if phone/email doesn't work. Don't wait until the last minute.

Quick update based on your responses: You mentioned you were able to start the account recovery process through pacareerlink.pa.gov. Once you get in, IMMEDIATELY email the RESEA coordinator through the internal messaging system explaining the technical difficulties you experienced. This creates a timestamped record in their system. Also, the tip about going in person is excellent. Bring your ID and all documentation of your attempts to access the system. The on-site staff can often resolve these issues immediately and document that you made a good-faith effort to comply with requirements.

That's such great news! I'm so relieved you got it sorted out. Your experience is going to be really helpful for others who face similar CareerLink login issues. It's awesome that you took the time to update everyone - shows how supportive this community can be when we all help each other out. Glad you won't have to stress about losing your benefits over a technical glitch!

As someone who just joined this community, I have to say this thread is incredibly helpful! I'm not dealing with RESEA issues personally, but I've been having my own struggles navigating the PA unemployment system and seeing how everyone came together to help @Justin Evans gives me hope. The step-by-step advice about going directly to pacareerlink.pa.gov, documenting everything, and going in person are all things I wouldn't have thought of. It's also reassuring to know that the local CareerLink offices can actually be helpful when you show up with proper documentation. Thanks to everyone who contributed solutions - I'm bookmarking this thread in case I run into similar technical issues!

Wow, what a rollercoaster! I'm also relatively new to this community and this thread has been such an education. @Justin Evans, I'm so happy you got everything resolved - that must have been incredibly stressful! As someone who's dealt with similar PA CareerLink technical nightmares, I wanted to add one more tip for anyone who finds this thread in the future: if you're having login issues, try accessing the site during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening). The system seems to have fewer glitches when there's less traffic. I learned this the hard way after multiple failed attempts during business hours. The community response here has been amazing - from @Emily Parker's direct troubleshooting steps to @Benjamin Johnson's insider knowledge about the system updates and @Victoria Scott's emphasis on documentation. This is exactly why forums like this are so valuable. Technical issues with government systems are frustrating enough without having to figure out solutions completely on your own! Thanks everyone for showing how collaborative problem-solving really works. I'll definitely be paying it forward when I see others struggling with similar issues.

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to say how incredible this thread has been to read! @Justin Evans, congratulations on getting your CareerLink access restored and your RESEA appointment rescheduled - what a relief that must be! I'm currently navigating my own PA unemployment claim and this thread has been like a masterclass in how to handle technical issues with government systems. The advice about going directly to pacareerlink.pa.gov instead of through the UC portal, documenting everything with timestamps and screenshots, and having that backup email address (PACareerLink@pa.gov) are all golden nuggets I'm saving for future reference. What really stands out to me is how everyone emphasized the importance of going in person when phone and online options fail. It's easy to forget that sometimes the old-fashioned approach of physically showing up with documentation can be the most effective solution. The fact that the local office staff were actually helpful and added notes to your file shows that not all interactions with the system have to be frustrating battles. This community's willingness to share practical, real-world solutions instead of just venting about problems is exactly what people in crisis situations need. Thanks to everyone who contributed - you've probably helped countless others who will find this thread when dealing with similar CareerLink login emergencies!