How to start PA UC appeal process after wrongful denial due to false policy violation claim

You need to file the appeal ASAP to meet the 15-day deadline. You can file it online through your PA UC dashboard - look for the 'Appeals' section and follow the prompts. You'll need to explain your side clearly and mention you have evidence (those texts and emails) to disprove the misconduct claim. When you file, you'll eventually be scheduled for a hearing with a referee. Both you and your former employer will present your cases. Make sure to organize your evidence beforehand and have copies ready to submit. You don't absolutely need a lawyer, but it can help if you can afford one.

Make sure you're looking in the right place. After logging in, go to the 'Claim Summary' page, then look for your determination. There should be an option there to appeal that specific determination. If you absolutely can't find it online, you can also mail a written appeal to the address on your determination letter - just make sure it's postmarked within 15 days of the date on the letter! When writing your appeal, be factual and specific. Don't just say 'they're wrong' - explain exactly why the claim against you is false. For example: 'I was terminated on [date] for allegedly violating the attendance policy. However, I have documentation showing all absences were approved in advance as shown in text messages with my supervisor dated [dates].' Good luck! The appeal process takes time but many people win their appeals when they have evidence.

ya i had the same thing happen to me too. my boss said i was on my phone too much but everyone was on their phones all day long. i won my appeal but it took forever

took like 10 weeks for me but my friend got his done in like 4 so i think it depends

I went through this exact situation last year! If you're struggling to get through to someone at PA UC to ask questions about the appeal process, check out Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helped me get through to an actual person who walked me through how to properly file my appeal after my former employer falsely claimed I was fired for misconduct. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 They connected me to a UC rep who explained exactly what evidence I needed for my hearing. Made a huge difference because the rep told me to bring specific documentation I wouldn't have thought to include. Ended up winning my appeal!

My sister-in-law works at a call center and she says everyone gets denied the first time. It's like part of their process or something. Appeals are super normal. Just make sure you have all your documentation ready.

The form to mail in is called the "Petition for Appeal" and it should have come with your determination letter!! If you didn't get it, you can download it from the PA UC website. BUT THE ONLINE APPEAL IS FASTER!!! If you can't find the link, try clearing your cache and cookies or use a different browser. Their website is TERRIBLE and glitches all the time.

when u get ur hearing date mak sure u attend!!! i missed mine bc i thought it was a diffrent time & they automatically sided w/ my employer. had 2 request another hearing & it was a HUGE headache

One important tip: During your appeal hearing, stick to facts and avoid emotional language. The referee only cares about whether the employer had just cause to fire you according to PA's unemployment laws, not whether the employer was fair or whether you liked your job. Bring at least 3 copies of any evidence (one for you, one for the referee, one for the employer). If your hearing is by phone, make sure to submit your evidence ahead of time following the instructions in your hearing notice. Also, you should continue filing your weekly claims during the entire appeal process. If you win, they'll pay you for all those weeks. If you stop filing, you won't get paid for those weeks even if you win the appeal.

Just wanted to follow up - how's the appeal process going? Were you able to get it filed in time?