PA UC Appeal Timeframe: How Long Until I Get a Decision?

Appeals in PA are currently taking about 6-8 weeks to schedule a hearing, and then another 2-3 weeks after the hearing to get a decision. I went through this process in January when they incorrectly classified my layoff as misconduct. The waiting is brutal, but hang in there. Make sure you're checking both your mail AND email regularly - they send hearing notices both ways, and if you miss the hearing, you're automatically denied.

i had an appral last yr and it took like 9 weeks from when i filed to when i got my hearing date. then another 2 wks to get the decision. but i won and got ALL my backpay in one big payment so that was nice lol

The PA unemployment system is COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED right now!!! I waited almost 12 weeks for my appeal hearing earlier this year, and I know people who waited even longer. They're severely understaffed and they don't care that people are suffering while waiting. Make sure you document EVERYTHING and be prepared for your hearing - have all your evidence ready, dates of employment, supervisor names, etc. Don't expect them to have accurate records.

Yes, you absolutely MUST continue filing your weekly claims during the entire appeal process! This is the most important thing. If you win your appeal, they will only pay you for weeks you properly certified for. Many people make this mistake and lose out on thousands in benefits because they stopped filing while waiting for their appeal. Also, gather every piece of documentation about your employment termination - emails, performance reviews, anything showing the downsizing was happening.

yeah they backpaid me for everything once i won but only for the weeks i filed for! dont forget to do job searches too, u need to record those when u file weekly

I spent weeks trying to reach someone at UC about my appeal status last month. Constant busy signals and disconnects. Finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to a UC rep in under an hour after trying for literal weeks on my own. Cost money but was worth it to finally get answers. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 if you want to check it out. The rep told me appeals are taking 8-10 weeks right now because of staffing shortages.

For your previous weeks, you should try to file them backdated if the system will allow it. If not, call (I know it's nearly impossible to get through) and explain that you didn't understand you needed to keep filing during appeal. Sometimes they'll let you backdate those certifications. And yes, as someone mentioned, don't forget your work search activities - you need at least 2 per week even during appeal.

my sister had an appeal last month because they said she didn't have enough work history or something? anyways her hearing got scheduled after about 7 weeks and then the referee ruled in her favor at the actual hearing! she didn't even have to wait for a decision letter. but i think that's unusual, most people have to wait for the written decision.

One more tip: when you do get your hearing notice, it will likely be a phone hearing. Make sure you answer when they call (they're very punctual) and be in a quiet place where you can speak clearly. Be extremely organized with your facts - have dates, names, and details ready. Speak slowly and directly answer the referee's questions. Don't ramble or get emotional. The referees are actually quite fair in my experience, but they need clear facts to rule in your favor.