PA UC Overpayment Appeal - Fighting $14k repayment demand after employer lied about misconduct

omg I had the EXACT same thing happen to me last year!!! My employer said I was fired for being late repeatedly but I was actually laid off with everyone else when they downsized. My overpayment was around $11k and I almost had a panic attack when I got that notice!!

I've helped several people through UC appeals, and while it's challenging without documentation, it's not impossible. For the hearing, your friend should: 1. Create a detailed timeline of her employment including specific dates/shifts before the closure 2. Prepare to explain why she doesn't have documentation (many people don't keep paystubs) 3. Print out those social media posts - that's actually decent evidence that contradicts their firing claim 4. If any coworkers can verify she was working those days, get written statements As for what happens if she loses - PA UC can: - Intercept state/federal tax refunds - Set up a payment plan (they're usually reasonable about this) - Place a lien on property (rare for smaller amounts) - Offset future UC benefits They don't garnish wages in PA for UC overpayments, which is good news. Also, depending on the circumstances, she might qualify for a waiver if repayment would cause financial hardship.

just make sure she doesn't get tax refunds for a while. my cousin had this happen and they took his refunds for like 3 years until it was paid off. but thats it they cant really do much else

I successfully appealed an overpayment of $7,800 last year after my employer claimed I quit voluntarily when I was actually laid off due to lack of work. The key to winning was preparation and staying calm during the hearing. Bring those social media posts - that's concrete evidence that contradicts their termination date. Also, does she have any witnesses? Former coworkers who can testify she was working those days? Text messages about work schedules? Bank deposits showing regular paychecks until closure? One thing that helped me was using the Claimyr service (claimyr.com) to actually speak with a UC rep before my hearing to understand exactly what documentation would be most helpful. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. I spent days getting busy signals before discovering this, and the rep gave me crucial advice about what to emphasize in my hearing. Remember, the burden of proof is on the employer to prove misconduct. If they're claiming no-call/no-show, they should have documentation of scheduled shifts she missed, disciplinary actions, etc. If they can't produce those, it strengthens her case.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! I went through HELL with PA UC last year when they falsely accused me of fraud. Employers LIE ALL THE TIME and UC just believes them!!! I fought my case for 8 MONTHS before winning. Here's what your friend needs to know: 1. RECORD THE HEARING!!! PA is a two-party consent state but UC hearings can be recorded if you tell them at the start 2. Don't let the employer interrupt - if they do, point it out immediately 3. Ask for ALL evidence they have against her 4. Question EVERYTHING the employer claims And FYI - if she loses, they'll take tax refunds FOREVER until it's paid, plus 15% interest in some cases!!! They can also take lottery winnings and put liens on property. The UC system is BROKEN and designed to help employers, not workers!!!!!

I had something similar happen. My employer said I quit but I was laid off. Won my appeal though!

From an inside perspective (I used to work in HR), if your friend was truly still employed on the dates in question, the employer will have a hard time proving their case. Those social media posts are excellent evidence. UC referees look for factual inconsistencies, and if the employer claimed one termination date but can be proven wrong by their own social media, that severely damages their credibility for the entire case. Regarding potential repayment, PA UC typically offers these options if she loses: 1. Monthly payment plan (can be as low as $50/month depending on financial situation) 2. Tax refund intercept (both state and federal) 3. Future benefit offset (if she ever collects UC again) Wage garnishment is NOT allowed for UC overpayments in Pennsylvania, unlike some other states. Also, after 10 years, the debt can become uncollectible if no payment activity occurs, though this isn't something to rely on. Make sure she requests a "financial hardship waiver" if she loses. Many people don't know these exist, but UC can waive repayment if it would cause severe financial difficulty.

So I actually did win my appeal! What worked for me was I had some text messages with my supervisor about my last day and a coworker who testified for me. Also I wrote down a timeline of everything that happened with as many specific dates as I could remember. The judge said my testimony was more consistent than my employers. They kept changing their story about why I was fired and it made them look bad. Just tell your friend to be super prepared and answer questions honestly and directly.

my uncle works at the unemployment office lol and he says most employers don't even show up to these hearings. if they don't show up ur friend automaticly wins