Finally got a response from PA UC Review Board after calling 717-787-5122 - 14 month wait
Just wanted to share something that might help others stuck in appeal limbo. After waiting 14 MONTHS for the PA UC review board to make a decision on my appeal (ridiculous, right?), I finally found a number that actually worked. I called 717-787-5122 last Thursday, expecting another dead end. To my shock, I got a call back today apologizing for the delay and saying they're going to expedite my decision now. The lady said there's been a massive backlog since 2023, but they're trying to catch up. If you've been waiting forever like me (lost my manufacturing job after 8 years and then got denied because they claimed I didn't submit enough work search activities - which I 100% did), try this number. Will update this post when/if I actually get my decision. Fingers crossed I can finally get the $4,200 they owe me before I lose my apartment.
19 comments
Join the conversation
Abby Marshall
Thanks for sharing this number! I've been waiting about 9 months for my review board decision and was starting to think they just forgot about me or lost my paperwork. Did they give you any timeline for when you might actually get a decision? I'm going to try calling tomorrow morning.
0 coins
Vanessa Figueroa
•They didn't give an exact timeline, just said they'd "expedite" it whatever that means. The woman I spoke with seemed genuinely apologetic though. She asked for my claim ID number and confirmed they had all my documentation on file. Hope it works for you too!
0 coins
Sadie Benitez
omg THANK YOU i been waiting since last april and nobody ever answers at the regular numbers they keep tellin me to call ive left like 20 messages
0 coins
Drew Hathaway
•Just be prepared when you call. Have your claim ID, SSN, and the date you filed your appeal ready. They'll ask for verification details before they can discuss your case. Also make sure to note the name of who you speak with for follow-up. The Review Board operates separately from regular UC staff.
0 coins
Laila Prince
This is crazy. How can they legally make people wait over A YEAR for an appeal decision when people are losing their homes and unable to feed their families??? The whole system is BROKEN. I waited 7 months for mine last year and thought THAT was bad. The state should have to pay interest on these delayed payments. Absolutely ridiculous!
0 coins
Isabel Vega
•While wait times are frustrating, the UC Review Board is legally required to make determinations within a reasonable time frame. However, since 2023, they've been overwhelmed by a 300% increase in appeals following the post-pandemic rule changes. If you're experiencing severe financial hardship while waiting for a UC decision, you can request an expedited review by submitting Form UC-1399H (Financial Hardship Acceleration Request). It doesn't guarantee faster processing but can help in urgent situations.
0 coins
Dominique Adams
My cousins friend tried that number last month but nobody ever called him back so dont get your hopes up too much
0 coins
Vanessa Figueroa
•Well they called me back within 5 days, so maybe your cousin's friend should try again? Could depend on what kind of appeal you have or how long you've been waiting.
0 coins
Marilyn Dixon
I was stuck in a similar situation with the review board for my appeal after being denied because my employer incorrectly reported my separation reason. After trying the regular UC number for weeks and getting nowhere, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a PA UC representative in about 25 minutes instead of fighting busy signals all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The rep was able to check my appeal status and give me an update on where it was in the process. Not a solution for everyone but saved me tons of frustration when I was desperate for information.
0 coins
Sadie Benitez
•Does this really work?? the reviews online look good but i never heard of it before
0 coins
Abby Marshall
Just an update for anyone following this thread - I called the number this morning that OP posted (717-787-5122) and actually got through to someone after about a 20 minute wait! They confirmed they have my appeal and it's "in the queue for review" whatever that means. They couldn't give me an exact timeline but said they're currently processing appeals from early 2024, so mine should be coming up in the next few weeks. At least I know they haven't lost my paperwork!
0 coins
Vanessa Figueroa
•That's awesome! Glad it worked for you too. Strange how different the experience can be depending on who you talk to. I never got through directly - just left a message and got a callback. But hey, whatever works! Let us know when you get a decision.
0 coins
Drew Hathaway
For anyone dealing with the Review Board, there are a few key things to understand: 1. The Board has a separate system from regular UC 2. Appeals are handled in chronological order (with some exceptions) 3. The Board is not bound by the same timeframes as regular UC determinations 4. By law, they must review ALL evidence submitted by both sides If you've been waiting over 6 months, calling is definitely the right approach. The 717-787-5122 number goes directly to the Review Board staff rather than general UC representatives who often can't access Board case status information. Also, make sure your mailing address is current in the system. Many decisions get sent back because people move during the long wait times.
0 coins
Laila Prince
•Do you know if calling them repeatedly helps or hurts your case? I'm afraid if I annoy them they'll put me at the bottom of the pile.
0 coins
Dominique Adams
i tried the number and got a busy signal so i guess everyone from this post is calling it now lol
0 coins
Vanessa Figueroa
UPDATE: They actually came through! Just got my decision letter today - APPROVED!!! After 14+ months of waiting, they reversed the denial and I should be getting the back payments within 2 weeks. If you're still waiting, don't give up hope and definitely try calling that number. Now I just need to figure out how to deal with the credit card debt I racked up while waiting...
0 coins
Sadie Benitez
•CONGRATS!!!! thats amazing news!! gives me hope mine might get approved too
0 coins
Eloise Kendrick
Congratulations Vanessa! This gives me so much hope. I've been waiting 11 months for my review board decision after being denied for "voluntary quit" when I actually left due to unsafe working conditions that my employer refused to address. I tried calling 717-787-5122 yesterday but got a busy signal - probably because of this post! I'll keep trying though. Did they end up paying any interest on the delayed payments or just the original amount you were owed?
0 coins
NebulaKnight
•Just the original amount unfortunately - no interest or penalties for the delay. But honestly I'm just relieved to finally get something! For the busy signal, try calling right when they open at 8 AM or around lunch time (12-1 PM). Those seemed to be the best times when I was trying. Also don't hang up if you get the busy signal right away - sometimes if you wait a minute it will connect you to their voicemail system where you can leave a callback request. Good luck with your unsafe working conditions case - that should definitely qualify for benefits!
0 coins