PA UC: Do 3 job applications count as weekly work search requirements?
I'm now in my 4th week of filing for unemployment in PA and I'm paranoid about the work search requirements. I've been applying to 3 different jobs each week (usually on Indeed) but I'm worried this might not be enough? The website mentions "work search activities" and I'm not 100% sure if job applications are the only thing that counts. Should I be doing something else like going to job fairs or workshops? Don't want my benefits to get denied over a technicality!
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Zoe Papadopoulos
Yes, job applications absolutely count as work search activities for PA UC! You actually only need to complete 2 work search activities per week, so your 3 applications are more than enough. Just make sure you're keeping detailed records of each application (company name, position, date, contact info, etc.) in case you get selected for an audit later.
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Andre Laurent
•Oh thank goodness! I've been stressing about this. I am keeping track in a spreadsheet with all that info. Do I need to upload proof somewhere or just have it available if they ask?
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Jamal Washington
3 is plenty! u only need 2 per week. i just do 2 applications and call it a day lol
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Mei Wong
•While 2 is the minimum, I wouldn't recommend taking this approach. UC can and does audit work search activities. Job applications are definitely fine but make sure you're applying for jobs you're qualified for. If you apply for random positions clearly outside your qualifications, PA UC might question if those were legitimate work search activities.
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Liam Fitzgerald
Job applications are definitely work search activities, but there are actually several other things that count too if you want to mix it up: - Attending job fairs - Creating profiles on job search websites - Taking a civil service test - Participating in job search workshops - Networking events I personally like to do different types each week. Makes the whole process less soul-crushing than just sending applications into the void.
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Andre Laurent
•This is super helpful, thank you! I didn't realize creating profiles counts - I've actually been doing that on multiple sites too. Does posting my resume on sites like ZipRecruiter count as a separate activity from the initial profile creation?
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PixelWarrior
The WHOLE PA UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM is designed to trip people up!!! I did 3 applications every week for MONTHS and then they still tried to say I wasn't doing enough because I didn't have the EXACT ADDRESS of one employer!!! It's all a GAME to them!!! They WANT to deny you!!!
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Zoe Papadopoulos
•While it can definitely feel frustrating, the work search requirements are actually pretty straightforward. The key is documentation - keeping good records with all the details they might ask for during an audit. Most people don't have issues as long as they're genuinely looking for work and documenting properly.
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Amara Adebayo
When I was on unemployment last year I had this same question! Job applications definitely count. Actually I think the PA Work Search form specifically lists them as the first type of qualifying activity. As long as you keep track of who you applied with, when, and how (online, in person, etc) you should be good.
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Mei Wong
To add some clarity: PA UC requires a minimum of 2 qualified work search activities each week. Job applications absolutely count, and your 3 applications exceed the minimum requirement. Here's the full list of what counts: 1. Applications for positions 2. Interviews 3. Career fairs or job search workshops 4. Creating profiles on job search websites 5. Taking civil service exams 6. Using PA CareerLink services You don't need to upload proof weekly, but keep detailed records for at least 2 years after filing. UC randomly audits claims and will request this documentation.
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Andre Laurent
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! This makes me feel much better about what I've been doing. I'll make sure my documentation is thorough just in case of an audit.
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Giovanni Rossi
my brother got hit with an overpayment notice because he only did networking events for his work search and they said that wasnt enough. he had to pay back like 4 weeks of benefits. be careful!!!
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Mei Wong
•This doesn't sound quite right. Networking events are valid work search activities. However, you need a variety - the same exact activity (like attending the same recurring networking event) might not count as multiple separate activities. Without knowing the specifics of your brother's case, it's hard to say what happened, but legitimate networking events should count.
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Liam Fitzgerald
If you're having trouble getting through to PA UC to ask questions about this or any other claim issues, I found a service called Claimyr that was super helpful. They got me connected to an actual UC rep in about 15 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 In my case, I needed to verify my work search activities were being recorded properly, and it saved me a ton of stress.
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Andre Laurent
•Thanks for the recommendation! I've been lucky so far and haven't needed to call, but I'm definitely saving this for later if I run into issues. Getting through to them seems impossible sometimes!
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Jamal Washington
Wait so are interviews also work search activities?? I had a interview last week but still did 2 applications bc i didn't know if it counted
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Zoe Papadopoulos
•Yes! Interviews absolutely count as work search activities. So that week you actually did 3 activities - the interview plus your 2 applications. It's always good to do more than the minimum anyway, but interviews definitely count.
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