Fired over workplace hearsay after 1 month - Can I qualify for PA UC benefits?
I just got fired from my warehouse job after only working there for about a month. My supervisor claimed I was 'back talking' about management to coworkers, but this is completely untrue! I never said anything negative about anyone. It was all based on something someone else supposedly told my boss, with zero evidence. They didn't even give me a chance to defend myself - just called me into the office Friday afternoon and told me not to come back Monday. I've never been fired before and I'm wondering if I can file for unemployment in this situation? Does getting fired for something I didn't even do (and they have no proof of) disqualify me from PA benefits? I really need some income while I look for something else.
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Max Knight
Yes, you should absolutely file for UC benefits! Being fired for alleged misconduct that your employer can't prove is typically NOT going to disqualify you. PA unemployment considers hearsay to be very weak evidence. When you file, make sure you clearly explain that you were terminated based on unsubstantiated claims with no documentation or warnings. The burden of proof is on the employer to show you committed willful misconduct. Keep your explanation consistent and factual.
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Madeline Blaze
•Thank you! I just wasn't sure since I only worked there for a month. Will that be an issue? I worked at my previous job for 3 years if that matters.
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Emma Swift
file anywayz, worst they can say is no. i got fired 4 "excessive tardiness" even tho it was only like 4 times in 6 months lol. thought i was screwed but still got benefits. just b honest when u file
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Madeline Blaze
•Thanks for sharing your experience, that gives me hope! Did they contact your employer during the process?
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Isabella Tucker
You need to understand how the base year works for PA UC. Since you only worked at this job for a month, you'll need to have enough wages in your base year from previous employment. The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So your previous 3-year job will likely be what helps you qualify, not the one-month job you just lost. As for the misconduct issue, hearsay alone shouldn't disqualify you, but be prepared for your employer to dispute your claim. They might argue it wasn't hearsay but rather a legitimate termination. Document everything from your firing conversation while it's fresh in your memory.
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Madeline Blaze
•This is really helpful information about the base year, thank you. I do have a follow-up question - should I appeal if they initially deny my claim based on what my employer says?
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Jayden Hill
something similar happend to my brother-in-law last year. got fired for supposedly stealing but it was somone else. employer had no camara footage but fired him anyway. he applied for benefits and got denied at first but then he apealed and won because they couldnt prove anything!!
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Isabella Tucker
•This is exactly why appeals exist! The initial determinations often favor employers, but the appeal process allows for a more thorough review of the evidence (or lack thereof). About 45% of appeals by claimants are successful in PA.
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LordCommander
I HATE how some companies do this!! They know exactly what they're doing - firing without documentation hoping you won't fight back. I was fired for "poor performance" with ZERO write-ups or warnings. Applied for UC and my employer didn't even bother responding to the claim because THEY KNEW they had nothing. Got my benefits no problem. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and stand your ground!!
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Madeline Blaze
•That's infuriating but I'm glad you got your benefits! I wish I had documented the meeting where they fired me better, but I was so shocked I barely remember what was said. I'll definitely write down everything I can remember though.
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Lucy Lam
After trying for WEEKS to get through to someone at UC about my denied claim (similar situation - fired without cause), I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at UC. They got me connected to a rep in about 20 minutes when I'd been getting busy signals for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The UC rep was actually really helpful and explained that without documentation from my employer proving willful misconduct, I had a strong case. They reversed my denial after reviewing everything.
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Aidan Hudson
•Is this legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible PA UC phones are. Did they need access to your personal info or anything sketchy?
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Lucy Lam
•Totally legit - they just connect you through their system to the actual UC phone line. You still talk directly to a PA UC representative, they just help you bypass the busy signals. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after trying for 2 weeks straight to get through.
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Max Knight
To directly address your question about only working there for a month: That job alone probably won't qualify you for benefits, but combined with your previous 3-year job, you should have enough wages in your base year to qualify. When you file, you'll need to list all employers from the past 18 months. One important thing - your benefit amount is calculated based on your highest quarterly wages during the base year. So if you made more at your previous job, that's actually better for your benefit amount calculation.
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Madeline Blaze
•That's a relief! Yes, I made significantly more at my previous job (it was full-time and this recent one was only part-time). I'll make sure to include all my employment information when I file.
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Aidan Hudson
BE CAREFUL! If they say you were fired for cause they will fight your claim. My cousin's friend got fired for something similar and employer said they had "documentation" even though it was just other employees saying stuff. UC sided with employer. Just saying don't get your hopes up too high.
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Isabella Tucker
•While it's true employers sometimes fight claims, hearsay alone typically isn't sufficient evidence of willful misconduct. PA UC requires actual evidence of deliberate violation of employer rules or disregard for employer interests. Without documentation, warnings, or direct evidence, the employer's case is usually weak. Always appeal if denied initially!
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Madeline Blaze
Update: I filed my claim yesterday and answered everything truthfully. When it asked for reason for separation, I selected "discharged" and explained that I was terminated based on unfounded hearsay without any evidence, documentation or prior warnings. Now just waiting to see what happens. Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement!
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Max Knight
•Good job filing promptly! Expect to wait 2-3 weeks for an initial determination. Your employer has 7 days to respond to the claim. If they don't contest it, you'll likely be approved automatically. If they do contest it, you'll probably get a phone interview scheduled. Just stick to the facts and remain calm during that call. Keep us posted!
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Emma Swift
•dont 4get to file your weekly claims while u wait 4 them to decide! u can miss out on $$ if u dont
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Jay Lincoln
Good luck with your claim! I went through something similar about 6 months ago - got fired for allegedly "violating company policy" but they never showed me any evidence or gave me a chance to explain. Filed for UC benefits and initially got denied because my employer claimed it was misconduct. I appealed and won because they couldn't provide any actual documentation during the hearing - just he-said-she-said stuff. The hearing officer said that without concrete evidence, it doesn't meet the standard for willful misconduct in PA. Keep all your documentation and don't give up if you get an initial denial!
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