PA UC Appeal Hearing at CareerLink - What to Expect?

I had my appeal hearing at CareerLink last month. It's actually less intimidating than it sounds. They have a small conference room set up, and the referee (that's what they call the person who conducts the hearing) sits at the head of the table. Your employer might be there or might call in - mine called in. Bring ALL your documentation - termination letter, emails, text messages, anything that proves you were laid off not quit. Make 3 copies of everything (one for you, referee, and employer). They record the whole thing. Dress business casual. My hearing lasted about 45 minutes. Good luck!

i went to one at careerlink and froze up completely lol. my old boss was there in person and it was so awkward!!! just write down everything you wanna say beforehand so u dont forget like i did

The appeal hearings at CareerLink follow a specific structure. The referee will explain the process at the beginning, then swear everyone in. You'll each get a chance to present your case and evidence. The referee will ask questions to clarify details. Typically, the employer goes first, then you respond, but this can vary. Bring multiple copies of any documentation proving you were laid off - official termination documents, emails discussing the layoff, text messages, performance reviews showing no issues, etc. Take notes during the employer's testimony so you can address any false claims. Speak clearly, stick to facts, avoid emotional arguments, and directly address the legal question of whether you quit or were laid off. The referee is looking for specific evidence related to the separation reason, not general complaints about the workplace. Expect a decision in 10-14 days by mail.

After waiting on hold with UC for 4 hours trying to get my appeal questions answered and getting disconnected TWICE, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and actually got through to a UC agent in about 10 minutes! They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The UC agent gave me a ton of info about my appeal hearing at CareerLink that really helped me prepare. Definitely worth checking out if you need more specific advice before your hearing.

YES! It works! I was skeptical too but I was desperate after trying for days. The service got me through to an actual person who helped me understand what documents I needed for my hearing.

CareerLink appeal hearings are a JOKE!!! Mine was supposed to start at 9am but the referee was 40 MINS LATE and then rushed through everything. My employer straight up LIED and referee barely questioned them! System is RIGGED against workers!!!!!

My wife had her hearing at CareerLink back in January. Dress professionally, arrive 15 mins early to collect yourself. The room was small but private. The referee explained everything clearly. My wife was nervous too but just answered questions honestly. She won her appeal against her employer who said she was fired for misconduct when really they eliminated her position. The key was having documentation that contradicted her employer's story.

Good morning! I'm actually going through something similar right now, waiting for my hearing date at CareerLink. From what I've been researching, make sure to practice what you're going to say beforehand. My neighbor who used to work for the state told me that the most important thing is to stay calm and stick to facts. Apparently, a lot of people lose appeals because they get emotional and start rambling about unrelated workplace issues. If you don't mind me asking, which CareerLink location is your hearing at?

An important update for anyone with 2025 appeal hearings at CareerLink: The PA UC system now requires you to upload any evidence you plan to present at least 48 hours before your hearing through the UC portal. This is a new requirement implemented in January. You should still bring physical copies to the hearing, but the referee may refuse to accept new evidence that wasn't pre-submitted unless you can prove you couldn't have obtained it earlier.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, I did win my appeal! The referee asked most of the questions and guided the conversation. He asked me to explain my version of events first, then asked my employer specific questions, then gave me a chance to respond to what my employer said. I didn't need to give a formal opening statement, but I did start by clearly stating "I did not quit, I was laid off due to budget cuts" and then provided the evidence to support that. The key was having documentation that contradicted my employer's story. The email from your boss about budget cuts will be VERY important evidence!

yea i still won even tho i was a nervous wreck lol. the referee was nice and could tell i was super anxious. he asked questions that helped me tell my side even when i was forgetting stuff. just be honest and ur good