PA UC Extended Benefits after exhausting 26 weeks - Are they still available in 2025?

Unfortunately, your friend is correct. Extended Benefits (EB) are NOT currently available in Pennsylvania. EB only trigger on when Pennsylvania's unemployment rate reaches certain thresholds, and we're not at those levels right now in 2025. Once your regular 26 weeks of UC runs out, that's it - there are no automatic extensions unless Congress creates new emergency programs (which they haven't). You should receive a notice called a 'Financial Determination' that will specifically tell you your maximum benefit entitlement and how many weeks you're eligible for. Double-check that document to confirm your weeks.

THE SYSTEM IS COMPLETLEY BROKEN!! I went thru this last winter and was told the EXACT SAME LIES about "extended benefits" only to find out they've been gone for YEARS. UC staff dont even update their own info!!!! I called 57 TIMES before getting through just to be told "sorry nothing we can do" - the whole thing is designed to LOOK like they help but actually leave you hanging right when you need it most.

Here's the accurate information about UC extensions in PA right now: 1. Regular UC: 26 weeks maximum 2. Extended Benefits (EB): Currently NOT available in PA 3. Federal extensions: None currently authorized What you should do now: - Intensify your job search efforts before benefits end - Contact CareerLink for job search assistance - Check if you qualify for other assistance programs (SNAP, etc.) - If you have worked other jobs during your base year that weren't counted, you might be able to file a new claim after this one ends, but there are specific eligibility requirements Unfortunately, many people hear outdated information about extensions because during COVID there were multiple extension programs available.

I had trouble reaching someone at PA UC to explain all this to me when my benefits were about to run out last month. After getting busy signals for days, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent within 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The agent confirmed everything that @helpful_advisor said above - no EB in PA currently, once your 26 weeks are up, that's it. At least I didn't waste time waiting for something that wasn't coming.

It's totally legit. I was skeptical too but it worked exactly as advertised. The UC rep I spoke with explained there aren't any extensions right now, but she did help me understand I might qualify for SNAP benefits and gave me info about job training programs through CareerLink that I didn't know about.

To answer your question about whether to keep filing weekly claims after benefits exhaust - no, you don't need to continue filing once you've received all 26 weeks. The system will show you've exhausted benefits and won't accept additional weekly certifications. However, if your benefit year is still active and you haven't used all 26 weeks, but your balance shows $0 due to a calculation issue, then yes, continue filing. This sometimes happens if there was an adjustment or overpayment on your claim.

my brother works for pa unemployment and he told me they might be turning on extended benefits soon because of the factory closings in Erie and Allentown but its not official yet so don't count on it

when my benefits ran out last year i just applied for doordash and amazon flex to fill the gap its not great money but better than nothing while u keep looking for a real job