Fired from Walmart for attendance points - Can I qualify for PA UC while job hunting?

You should definitely apply for UC benefits. The key question will be whether your absences were for 'good cause' - being legitimately sick often qualifies, especially if you have medical documentation. Pennsylvania considers whether you had control over the situation that led to termination. Being sick isn't misconduct - it's something beyond your control. Make sure to clearly explain in your application that you were terminated due to absences caused by illness, and that you provided doctor's notes. Did you inform your supervisor each time you were going to be absent?

walmart is NOTORIOUS for fighting UC claims so be prepared!!!! I got fired for points last year and they tried sayin I committed willful misconduct but I won my case eventually. they will probably deny u at first but APPEAL IT!!! the hearing officer will look at the whole situation not just "company policy"

apply today and make sure u do ur weekly claims even while waiting 4 a decision. i got fired from target for somethin similar and got benefits but it took 6 weeks cause of 'open issues' on my claim

PA's unemployment system considers attendance-based terminations case-by-case. The key factors will be: 1. Were you really sick (provable with medical documentation) 2. Did you properly notify your employer 3. Did you follow reasonable call-out procedures Being fired for attendance points isn't automatic willful misconduct if the absences were for legitimate health reasons. You should apply immediately and be very detailed in explaining why each absence occurred. Expect Walmart to contest your claim - they almost always do - but don't let that discourage you. If you're initially denied, you have 15 days to file an appeal and request a hearing.

When I got fired from my retail job for attendance, I couldn't get through to anyone at UC to check on my claim status. I was stuck on hold for HOURS and kept getting disconnected. Finally I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to a UC rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 It was worth it because the UC agent was able to tell me exactly what documentation I needed to overcome my employer's contest of my claim. Saved me weeks of waiting.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I just filed my initial claim and tried to be super detailed about the situation. I uploaded my doctor's notes too. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly, but I'll be ready to appeal if needed. Should I also be doing the work search activities now or do I wait until they approve my claim?

My friend worked at Walmart for 3 years and the same thing happened to him but he got unemployment without any issues. But I think it depends on who reviews your case and if you get a nice person. The whole system is kinda random lol. Good luck!

One more important thing: when you file your weekly claims, if they ask if you were able and available for work during that week, and you were sick for part of it, you need to answer honestly. However, being sick for a few days in a week doesn't necessarily disqualify you if you were able and available to work for the majority of the week. Read each question carefully and answer accurately to avoid potential overpayment issues later.

I went through something similar and got so stressed waiting for a decision that I took a really crappy job just to have something. Wish I'd been more patient. The unemployment eventually came through and I could have held out for something better. Just saying - don't panic and take the first thing that comes along if it's terrible.