Employer appealing my PA UC benefits after 8 weeks - hearing coming up - need advice on preparation

I went through a similar hearing last year. Here's what to expect: the hearing will be either by phone or video conference with a UC referee. Both you and your employer will present your case. Make sure you have ALL documentation showing that you attempted to preserve your employment. Print copies of emails, text messages, any written accommodation requests, and doctor's notes if applicable showing your mother needed care. Practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely - you usually get limited time. Focus on how you tried to maintain employment but they were unwilling to work with your circumstances. The key issue will be whether you had a necessitous and compelling reason to leave, which caring for an ill family member often qualifies as, especially if you tried to preserve your job through accommodation requests first.

omg they can do that after PAYING YOU for 2 months?? that's so messed up! the system is totally rigged against workers. my cousin had something similar happen and she ended up having to pay back like $4000 😱

Former PA UC adjudicator here. What matters for your case is whether you had a "necessitous and compelling reason" to quit. Family caregiving responsibilities can qualify IF you can demonstrate: 1) The care was truly necessary (medical documentation helps), 2) You made reasonable efforts to preserve the employment relationship before quitting (your emails requesting accommodation), and 3) You had no reasonable alternative. For the hearing: Be professional but business casual is fine. Organize your evidence chronologically. When you speak, be brief and factual - emotional appeals don't sway referees. Submit your evidence beforehand if possible. If the employer doesn't show up (happens often), you still need to make your case, but it's usually much easier to win.

I had a hearing last year and I was SUPER nervous but won because my employer didn't even show up! But don't count on that happening. My advice: call the UC service center ahead of time and see if they can tell you what specific issue the employer is contesting. That way you can be better prepared. Good luck!!

Did you get The Notice of Hearing yet that tells you the exact date/time? Make sure to submit ALL your evidence at least a few days before the hearing date. I learned this the hard way when they wouldn't accept some of my evidence because I brought it to the hearing. If you're doing a phone hearing, they'll mail you a packet with instructions for how to submit documents ahead of time.

my hearing was on zoom last month. be careful what u say becuz they record the whole thing! my employer had their HR person and a lawyer on the call, i wish i had known they would bring a lawyer. i was so nervous i could barely talk right haha. but i still won becuz i had proof i was laid off.

i think its BS that they can just appeal whenever they want... like they already approved you!!!! my friend told me theres a rule that if you worked somewhere less than 6 months they can always deny your claim is that true??

One more thing about the hearing - the referee will focus specifically on whether you had a necessitous and compelling reason to quit. Being a caregiver for a family member CAN qualify, but you need to show: 1. You communicated the problem to your employer 2. You gave them a chance to accommodate you 3. You had no reasonable alternative but to quit Your emails requesting accommodation and their refusal will be crucial evidence. If possible, get a letter from your mother's doctor stating she requires daily care. Organize your evidence chronologically and be prepared to explain the timeline of events clearly. Good luck!

I won my hearing against my employer last year. Some practical tips: 1) Make multiple copies of all your documents 2) Highlight the key parts you want to reference 3) Write down bullet points of your main arguments 4) Stay calm and stick to facts 5) Be honest - don't try to embellish or exaggerate 6) If you don't know an answer, just say so rather than guessing. Most importantly, answer the referee's questions directly without going off on tangents. Good luck!