PA UC Appeal says 'waiting for decision to be written' without a hearing - am I missing something?

Oh, I didn't know they could just skip the hearing! I thought everyone got one. I did write like 2 pages explaining the situation and uploaded my final paycheck stub and a copy of the company handbook section about attendance. So maybe they thought that was enough? I'm nervous now - does this usually mean they're ruling in your favor or against you when they skip the hearing?

That's what I'm afraid of! Did they explain why they didn't give you a hearing? Did you try to request one after you saw this status?

they said in the decision letter that my documents were 'sufficient to render a determination' or something like that. they ruled against me cuz i didn't have proof that i was laid off vs fired. shoulda got more documentation from my boss but didn't think about it at the time

They disqualified me claiming I had excessive absences that violated company policy. But in my appeal I showed that 3 of my 5 absences were approved medical leave with doctor's notes, which shouldn't count against the company's 5-absence limit. The other 2 were for my kid's school emergency. I submitted all the doctor's notes and the school's emergency contact log as evidence. So maybe they think the facts are clear enough?

That explains it. Attendance-based disqualifications are frequently resolved without hearings if you've submitted good documentation. The factual question (did you miss work?) isn't in dispute - rather, the legal question is whether those absences were justifiable under UC law. Doctor's notes and school emergency documentation are exactly what they need to make that determination. I'd actually consider this a positive sign in your case.

I tried calling yesterday morning but after being on hold for 45 minutes I had to hang up for a work meeting (I got a part-time job while this mess gets sorted out). I'll try again tomorrow, but it seems impossible to get through to a real person.

Thanks for the tip! I'll check out that service if I can't get through today. Did you find out why they skipped your hearing? I'm still worried they'll rule against me without hearing my explanation.

When I finally spoke to someone, they explained that hearings are mainly for when there are disputed facts or testimony needed. In my case (and sounds like yours too), the evidence I submitted with my appeal was sufficient for them to make a determination. The rep told me it's actually a good thing - means less waiting and backlog in the system.

While I understand your frustration, this isn't accurate information. Appeals can be decided without hearings when the facts aren't in dispute - it's standard procedure that can benefit either side depending on the documentation provided. The Board of Review is indeed the next level of appeal, but they don't automatically grant hearings either. They review the record from the Referee decision.

Maybe YOUR case worked out fine but I know DOZENS of people who got denied without hearings. The system is broken and everyone knows it. They just rubber stamp whatever the employer says unless you can speak to someone directly and even then it's a long shot!

Thanks for the insider perspective! That makes me feel a bit better. Do you know how long these paper reviews typically take? It's been about a week since the status changed to "waiting for decision.

In my experience, paper reviews are usually faster than scheduled hearings - typically 1-3 weeks from when that status appears. But everything depends on their current backlog and staffing. The good news is that paper reviews are generally more straightforward since they don't need to coordinate schedules for a hearing.

That's really helpful, thank you! I'll keep an eye on my mail and try calling at opening time tomorrow. I've been checking my portal obsessively but sounds like that won't update first. Fingers crossed the decision comes soon - this waiting and uncertainty is so stressful when bills are piling up.

Will do! I'm hoping to hear something by the end of next week. This whole process has been such a rollercoaster.