How to file for missed PA UC back weeks when already approved?

dont worry to much, u can file for those weeks!! just go to the weekly certification part on the dashboard and look for something that says "file for missed weeks" or something like that. I think u have like up to 2 weeks to backdate but it depends

You need to file for those missed weeks as soon as possible. PA UC allows for backdating weekly certifications, but there's a specific process. Log into your husband's UC account, go to the dashboard, and look for the option that says "File Biweekly Claim." When you get to the certification questions, there should be an option to select which weeks you're filing for. You can select those missed weeks IF they're still within the allowable timeframe. Be aware that PA generally allows backdating for up to 2 weeks after the week ending date. So if it's been more than 2 weeks since some of those weeks, you might need to request a backdate through a different process. In that case, you'll need to call the UC service center and explain your situation.

The previous responses contain some correct information, but let me clarify the exact PA UC process for your situation: 1. PA UC allows you to file for missed weeks within 14 days after the week ending date without any special process. Just use the regular biweekly filing system. 2. For weeks beyond that 14-day window but still within your benefit year, you need to request those weeks be reopened by contacting a PA UC representative. 3. You'll need to provide a valid reason for missing the filing deadline (confusion about the process is commonly accepted). Since it sounds like you're just beyond that 14-day window, you'll need to speak with a representative. Unfortunately, getting through on the phone can be very challenging. Call early in the morning (7:55am) just before they open at 8am for the best chance.

I had the EXACT same issue last year!! It took me 4 WEEKS of trying to call before I got through to anyone. The UC phone system is a nightmare. I would call 50+ times a day and just get busy signals or disconnected. So frustrating when you just need to fix something simple!!!

If you're struggling to get through on the phone lines (and most people are), I recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that helps connect you with a PA UC representative without the endless busy signals and disconnects. Saved me hours of frustration when I had a similar issue with missed weeks. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 I used it last month when I needed to have backdated weeks opened, and I was connected to a rep in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

I used Claimyr when I had an identity verification issue and it worked. Got through to someone in like 30 mins when I'd been trying for 3 days on my own. Just know they can only help you GET to a rep, they can't actually fix your unemployment issue - that's still up to the PA UC people.

btw make sure ur husband does his work search activities even for the back weeks!! they might ask for proof of the job searches for those missed weeks. u need at least 2 work search activities for each week

They don't always ask for work search proof upfront, but you should be prepared to provide it if requested. PA UC requires claimants to keep records of their work search activities for 2 years after filing. So for each of those missed weeks, you should document at least 2 work search activities. Also, when you do speak with a representative about reopening those weeks, they'll guide you through the process of certifying for those specific weeks. Be prepared to answer all the standard weekly certification questions (earnings, job offers, work search, etc.) for each missed week.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone this morning! Used the Claimyr service that was suggested and it worked perfectly. The rep was actually super nice and understanding about the confusion. They're reopening all 3 missed weeks for us to certify for. She said we should see them available in the system within 24 hours, and then we can go through and file each week individually. She did mention we'll need to confirm the work search activities for each week, so we're putting together that information now. Thank you all SO MUCH for the help and suggestions! What a relief!

So glad you got this sorted out! This is such a common issue - the PA UC system really doesn't make it clear that you need to keep filing weekly after approval. I went through something similar when I first got approved and was so confused about the whole process. Your post and the solutions everyone shared will definitely help other people who find themselves in the same boat. Hope those payments come through quickly for your mortgage!

This whole thread is exactly why I love this community! @Liam McGuire I'm so glad you got everything sorted out - that must be such a huge relief knowing those payments are coming. The PA UC system really needs to do a better job explaining the ongoing filing requirements after initial approval. I've seen so many people get tripped up by this exact same issue. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, the key takeaways seem to be: 1) Try calling early morning right at 8am, 2) Consider using Claimyr if you can't get through on your own, and 3) Make sure you have your work search documentation ready for each missed week. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - this is going to help a lot of people!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually dealing with something similar right now - my wife got approved for PA UC benefits about 2 weeks ago and we just realized we missed filing for the first week. Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like we might still be within that 14-day window that @Fatima Al-Hashemi mentioned. I'm going to try logging into the system first to see if I can file for that missed week through the regular biweekly filing option before calling. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely try the early morning call strategy or look into Claimyr. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences - it's reassuring to know this is a common mistake and that there are solutions!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might search this thread later - I had almost the exact same situation happen to me about 6 months ago. Got approved for PA UC benefits but didn't realize I needed to keep filing weekly claims. I missed about 4 weeks before I figured it out! The good news is that PA UC was actually pretty understanding about it when I explained the confusion. Like others mentioned, I had to call to get the weeks reopened since I was past that 14-day window. It took me about a week of trying to get through (calling right at 8am helped a lot), but once I got a rep they were able to unlock all the missed weeks for me to certify. One thing I'll add that I don't think was mentioned - when you do get those weeks reopened and go to certify for them, the system will ask you about your work search activities for each individual week. So try to remember specifically what job searches you did during each of those missed weeks, not just a general "I was applying to jobs." They want dates and specific employers/positions. I had to dig through my email and browser history to piece it all together, but it was worth it to get those payments! Hope this helps someone else who finds themselves in this frustrating situation. The PA UC system definitely needs better communication about the ongoing filing requirements after approval.

This thread has been incredibly helpful to read through! I'm actually dealing with a very similar situation right now - my brother got approved for PA UC about 10 days ago and we just realized yesterday that we completely missed filing for the first week. We're probably right at the edge of that 14-day window that was mentioned. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like our best bet is to try the regular biweekly filing system first to see if that missed week shows up as an option. If not, we'll definitely try the early morning calling strategy that worked so well for several people here. One question though - for those who successfully got their missed weeks reopened, how long did it typically take for the payments to actually come through after you completed the certifications? We're in a similar boat with bills coming due and trying to plan accordingly. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and advice - it's such a relief to know this is a fixable situation and not just money lost forever!

This thread is incredibly thorough and helpful! As someone who works in benefits administration (though not specifically PA UC), I can confirm that missed weekly certifications are one of the most common issues people face after getting approved. The system really should have better onboarding to explain the ongoing filing requirements. For anyone reading this thread in the future, I'd add one more tip: if you do end up having to call multiple times to get through, keep a log of when you called and any reference numbers you might get. Sometimes representatives can see previous call attempts in their system, and it can help demonstrate that you've been actively trying to resolve the issue. Also, huge props to @Liam McGuire for posting the update about getting it resolved - so many people ask for help but never circle back to share what worked. That follow-up is going to help countless other people who search for this same issue!

This thread is amazing - I wish I had found something like this when I was dealing with missed weeks last year! I ended up figuring it out on my own but it took SO much longer than it should have. For anyone still reading, I'll add one more resource that helped me: the PA UC website actually has a "Frequently Asked Questions" section that covers missed certifications, but it's buried pretty deep in their site. If you search for "missed weekly certification" on their help pages, you can find the official policy about the 14-day window and backdate process. Also wanted to echo what others said about keeping good records of your work search activities. I started using a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, employer, position, and how I applied (online, in person, etc.). Makes it so much easier when you need to report those activities during certification! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community really shows how we can help each other navigate these confusing government systems!

This entire thread is such a fantastic resource! As someone who went through almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago, I can't stress enough how important it is to act quickly when you realize you've missed weeks. I waited an extra few days thinking "it's probably fine" and ended up making the phone call process even harder for myself. One thing I'll add that might help future readers - when you do get through to a PA UC rep (whether through persistent calling or using a service like Claimyr), have all your information ready: Social Security number, PIN, the specific weeks you need reopened, and ideally a rough idea of your work search activities for those weeks. The reps are usually pretty helpful once you get connected, but having everything organized will make the call go much smoother and faster. Also, for anyone worried about using third-party services like Claimyr - I was hesitant at first too, but it really did save me hours of frustration. Just remember they're only helping you get connected to an official PA UC representative, so you're still dealing with the state directly for your actual claim issues. Hope this helps someone else avoid the stress that comes with this situation!

Wow, this thread is incredibly thorough and will definitely be a lifesaver for people dealing with this exact issue! I'm actually bookmarking this for future reference since I'm still pretty new to the whole PA UC system myself. What really stands out to me is how many different people had the same experience - it really shows that PA UC needs to do a much better job explaining the ongoing filing requirements after initial approval. Like, why isn't there a clear email or notification that says "Hey, you got approved, but now you need to file every two weeks"? The practical tips everyone shared are gold - especially the early morning calling strategy, keeping detailed work search records, and having all your info ready before calling. And huge thanks to everyone who shared their actual experiences rather than just general advice. Reading about real timelines (like payments processing within 3-5 days) and specific challenges (like needing exact dates for work searches) makes this so much more actionable. This community really shows how we can help each other navigate these frustrating bureaucratic systems when the official resources fall short!