Is PUA still available in PA in 2025? Filed but got confusing response

PUA ended permanently in September 2021. It was a temporary federal program during the pandemic and is no longer available anywhere in the US. If you filed for it now, you essentially filed for a non-existent program. The PA UC system might have accepted your application because the forms still exist in their database, but you won't receive benefits through this program. Since you mentioned being a 1099 contractor, you likely won't qualify for regular UC either. Pennsylvania unemployment requires W-2 employment with sufficient earnings in your base year. Independent contractors generally don't qualify for any unemployment benefits in PA now that PUA has ended. You might want to check if you qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP or LIHEAP if you're struggling financially.

Wait Im confused to. I thought I saw something about PUA coming back for 2025?? Did anyone else hear this? My cousin said her friend just got approved for something like this last month but maybe it was a different program with a similar name??

i applied for pua back in 2020 and got it but then they said i owed everything back in 2022!!! be careful with these programs they come back later and say u didn't qualify and want all the $$$$ back with interest!!!

I've been dealing with PA UC for years (unfortunately), and I can tell you with 100% certainty that PUA is GONE. The fact that their system still lets people apply for defunct programs is just another example of how BROKEN the whole unemployment system is in Pennsylvania. The same department that takes 12 weeks to process a simple claim can't even update their website to remove programs that ended YEARS ago. You should call them directly to check if you might qualify for regular UC. Sometimes there are exceptions or you might have enough W-2 earnings mixed in with your 1099 work to qualify. BUT GOOD LUCK GETTING THROUGH ON THE PHONE!!!!

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm both relieved to know what's going on and super frustrated that the system let me apply for something that doesn't exist anymore. I'll try calling tomorrow to see if there's anything else I might qualify for, but it sounds like I'm probably out of luck as a 1099 worker. Really wish they would have clear information about this upfront instead of letting people waste time applying!

i think u might be able to get regular uc if you were misclassified as a contractor but were really treated like an employee. did ur boss control when and how u worked? did they provide equipment? worth asking when u call!

To summarize what everyone has said and add some clarity: 1. PUA ended in September 2021 and has not been renewed 2. There are no current federal unemployment programs for 1099 workers in PA 3. Regular UC in Pennsylvania requires W-2 employment with qualifying wages 4. You may have options if you: - Had some W-2 income in your base year - Were misclassified as a contractor - Qualify for other assistance programs (not unemployment) I'd recommend calling PA UC directly and explaining your situation. If you can't get through, consider using a service to help you connect with an agent. The important thing is to get official guidance rather than relying on what others might have heard.

Just wanted to add that if you're struggling financially while figuring this out, you might want to look into your local food banks and 211 services (dial 2-1-1). They can help connect you with emergency assistance programs in your area that don't require the same employment history as UC. Also, some gig companies have their own emergency assistance funds for drivers - might be worth checking if your delivery company has anything like that. I know it's not the same as unemployment benefits, but it could help bridge the gap while you explore your other options.

This is such a frustrating situation and unfortunately you're not alone in this confusion. The PA UC system really needs to do better about removing outdated program options from their portal. I went through something similar last year as a freelance graphic designer - applied thinking there might be some options for self-employed folks and got the same vague confirmation email. Turns out I wasted weeks waiting for a response on a program that didn't exist. One thing I learned that might help you: even if you were primarily 1099, if you had ANY W-2 income (even part-time or seasonal work) during your base year, you might still qualify for some regular UC benefits. The amount would be based on your W-2 earnings, not your contractor income, but something is better than nothing. Also, definitely follow the advice about asking if you were misclassified. A lot of delivery companies blur the line between employee and contractor, and PA has been cracking down on misclassification lately. If they controlled your schedule, required specific uniforms/equipment, or had strict performance metrics, you might have a case. Good luck getting through to them - the phone system is absolutely brutal but persistence pays off eventually!

I'm a gig worker in PA too and went through this exact same confusion earlier this year! The system definitely shouldn't let you apply for dead programs - it's so misleading. One thing I discovered that might help: if you worked for multiple delivery companies or had any traditional employment mixed in with your contractor work, make sure to mention ALL of it when you call. Sometimes people forget about short-term W-2 jobs or don't realize that some gig companies actually classify certain workers as employees rather than contractors. Also, I've heard from other drivers that DoorDash and some other delivery apps have been reclassified in certain situations, so definitely push on that misclassification angle others mentioned. The fact that they controlled your schedule and required uniforms sounds promising. The whole situation is frustrating but don't give up - I know several people who initially got denied but then qualified after providing more details about their work arrangements. The PA UC system is notorious for making people jump through hoops, but persistence can pay off. Hope you get some answers when you call!

Hey Aurora, I feel your frustration! I went through something similar last year as a rideshare driver. The PA system really needs to fix this - it's crazy that they still have application forms for programs that ended years ago. One thing that helped me was keeping detailed records of how my "contractor" job actually worked. Like others mentioned, if your delivery company controlled your schedule, required you to use their app/equipment, set strict performance standards, or required uniforms, you might have a strong misclassification case. I ended up qualifying for regular UC after proving my rideshare company treated me more like an employee than a true independent contractor. Also, when you call, ask to speak with someone specifically about "employment determination" - they can review your work situation and decide if you were properly classified. It's worth the fight, especially since you've been paying taxes on your income. The phone system is terrible, but try calling right when they open at 8 AM - I had better luck getting through early in the morning. Don't let them brush you off with a quick "contractors don't qualify" response. Make them actually review the details of how your job worked day-to-day. Good luck! The system is broken but there might still be options for you.

I just want to echo what others have said about the misclassification angle - it's definitely worth pursuing! I work in HR and see this issue a lot with delivery companies. The key factors that suggest employee status (vs contractor) are: 1. Company controls WHEN you work (set schedules vs. true flexibility) 2. Company controls HOW you work (specific procedures, GPS monitoring, performance metrics) 3. Company provides equipment/uniforms 4. Company has the right to fire you for performance issues From what you've described, your delivery company sounds like they were treating you as an employee while calling you a contractor to avoid paying unemployment taxes and benefits. This is actually illegal and PA has been cracking down on it. When you call, be very specific about these control factors. Don't just say "they required uniforms" - explain the full picture of how they controlled your work. If you have any documentation (emails about schedules, performance reviews, training materials), keep that handy. Also, definitely mention that second delivery company you worked for - even if it was minimal hours, it all counts toward your base period earnings if they were classifying you as W-2. The PA UC determination process can take a while, but don't let that discourage you from filing a proper claim if you think you have a case. You deserve benefits if you were essentially functioning as an employee!