PA UC Appeal shows 'waiting for decision to be written' - Does this mean no hearing?
I'm totally confused about my unemployment appeal status. I filed an appeal about 3 weeks ago after being denied benefits (they said I quit but I was actually laid off). I just checked the PA UC portal and it shows 'waiting for decision to be written' under my appeal status. Does this mean they're making a decision WITHOUT giving me a hearing? I thought everyone gets a hearing to explain their side! I have all my documentation ready and was waiting for a hearing notice in the mail. Has anyone else seen this status? What does it actually mean? I'm freaking out thinking they'll just deny me again without letting me speak.
19 comments
Miguel Diaz
don't panic yet, that status can mean different things. sometimes they make a decision based just on paperwork if its super clear cut. other times they still schedule a hearing after reviewing docs. check ur dashboard for any notices they mightve sent
0 coins
Ava Johnson
•Thanks for responding! I don't see any notices in my dashboard. Does that mean they're making the decision without me? This is so stressful.
0 coins
Zainab Ahmed
When I went through the appeal process last year, my status changed to 'waiting for decision to be written' AFTER my hearing. Did you miss a hearing notice perhaps? They usually send those by regular mail, not just electronically. I'd double check any mail you received in the last week or two.
0 coins
Ava Johnson
•Oh no! I've been checking my mail carefully but I suppose something could have gotten lost. Is there any way to check if I missed a hearing?
0 coins
Connor Byrne
That status typically means one of three things: 1. They reviewed your documentation and determined a hearing isn't necessary (this happens in about 30% of appeals where the paperwork clearly shows the determination was incorrect) 2. You already had a hearing and are waiting for the referee's written decision 3. They're preparing to schedule a hearing and the system status is showing incorrectly I'd recommend calling the UC Appeal Office directly at the number on your appeal acknowledgment letter. Don't call the regular UC number as they won't have this specific information.
0 coins
Ava Johnson
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I've been trying to call the appeal office for 2 days but keep getting a busy signal or it disconnects after being on hold. Is there any other way to reach them?
0 coins
Yara Abboud
I had the exact same experience trying to reach the appeals office last month. After wasting days with busy signals, I used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual PA UC agent in about 20 minutes. They explained my appeal status and confirmed I hadn't missed anything. Totally worth it for the peace of mind. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 or visit claimyr.com. Saved me so much stress when I was in your same situation!
0 coins
PixelPioneer
•Does that service actually work? seems sketchy that you have to pay to talk to unemployment when its supposed to be a free government service... no offense
0 coins
Keisha Williams
GUYS PA UC SYSTEM IS SO BROKEN!! I waited 11 WEEKS before my appeal was even acknowledged!!! Then another 3 before hearing!!! The status updates are NEVER accurate and half the time they dont even update them!!! I wouldnt trust what the system says AT ALL!!!!
0 coins
Paolo Rizzo
•This exactly. I kept checking online and it never updated, then suddenly got a decision in the mail that was dated 2 weeks earlier. The online system is useless.
0 coins
Connor Byrne
To directly answer your original question: No, "waiting for decision to be written" does NOT automatically mean you won't get a hearing. However, PA UC referees can make determinations without hearings if: 1. The documentation clearly supports overturning the original determination 2. There are no disputed facts that would require testimony This is actually good news in many cases, as it means they may have enough evidence to rule in your favor without the delay of scheduling a hearing. But you should definitely confirm this by speaking with the Appeals office. Keep trying their direct line or use the contact method suggested above.
0 coins
Ava Johnson
•That makes me feel much better! I have really clear documentation showing I was laid off (including the company's official layoff notice) so maybe they're just reviewing that. I'll keep trying to reach them. Thank you!
0 coins
Paolo Rizzo
When I filed my appeal back in January the status was stuck on "processing" for weeks, then suddenly jumped to "waiting for decision" without any hearing. I panicked too but then got an approval letter a week later! Sometimes when its obvious from the paperwork they just fix it. Fingers crossed for you!
0 coins
Ava Johnson
•That's really encouraging! I hope that's what's happening in my case too. Did you get backpay for all the weeks during the appeal process?
0 coins
Paolo Rizzo
•Yep! Got all my backpay about 10 days after the decision. Make sure you've been filing your weekly claims this whole time though!
0 coins
PixelPioneer
this happened to my brother and he did end up having a hearing. the system just updated weird. dont trust the online status its almost never right. keep checking your mail and email everyday!!
0 coins
Ava Johnson
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the appeals office! The representative confirmed they're reviewing my documentation before deciding if a hearing is needed. She said my employer didn't contest the appeal and my documentation was very clear, so they might just overturn the denial without a hearing. She said I should keep an eye on my mail for either a hearing notice or a decision letter in the next 7-10 days. Thank you all for your help and advice!
0 coins
Connor Byrne
•That's great news! If your employer isn't contesting it and you have clear documentation, there's a very good chance they'll rule in your favor without needing a hearing. This is actually the best-case scenario as it typically means a faster resolution. Keep us updated on the final outcome!
0 coins
Paolo Rizzo
•Fingers crossed for you! Sounds promising!!
0 coins