PA UC RESEA program selection - what to expect at the web meeting?
So I just got that dreaded email saying I was randomly selected for the RESEA program through PA unemployment. I've already watched all the required pre-work videos (took forever!) and now I have this web meeting scheduled for next week. I'm honestly nervous about what they're going to ask or if this means something's wrong with my claim. Has anyone here gone through the RESEA program recently? What exactly happens during the web meeting? Do they grill you about your job search activities? Any tips on how to prepare or what documentation I should have ready? Really don't want to mess this up and lose my benefits!
18 comments
Sofia Torres
I went through RESEA back in February. It's not as scary as it sounds! The web meeting is basically a one-on-one with a career counselor who reviews your job search efforts and helps you create an employment plan. Have these things ready: 1. List of at least 6 recent work search activities with details 2. Your updated resume 3. Any job rejection letters or application confirmations 4. Questions about job search resources They'll also probably suggest some CareerLink workshops you'll need to complete. It's mostly just to make sure you're actively looking for work. As long as you've been doing your required work search activities each week, you'll be fine!
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Dylan Campbell
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I've been doing my work searches but haven't been keeping super detailed records. Do they really check every single job application? And what kind of employment plan do they make you create?
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Dmitry Sokolov
had mine last month its basically just checking ur complying with everything. make sure u have ur job search records!! they will absolutely ask for those and u need all the details like contact info and who u talked to etc
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Dylan Campbell
•Oh no, I don't have contact names for all my applications! Most were just through Indeed and company websites. Will that be a problem?
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Ava Martinez
I completed the RESEA program in March 2025. It's a mandatory reemployment assessment program that PA UC randomly selects people for. Here's what happens: - The meeting lasts about 45-60 minutes - They'll review your work search records (must have completed the required activities) - They'll evaluate your resume and offer suggestions - You'll discuss any barriers to employment you're facing - They'll create an individualized employment plan with you - They'll assign additional career workshops or training This is NOT an investigation of your claim. It's genuinely meant to help you find work faster. However, if you don't participate or can't show you've been doing your work searches, that could create an issue with your benefits. Just be honest and show you're making the effort.
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Dylan Campbell
•This is so helpful! I feel less anxious now. Do you know if there's any follow-up after the meeting? Or is it just a one-time thing?
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Miguel Ramos
THEY'RE JUST TRYING TO CUT PEOPLE OFF BENEFITS!!! I had my RESEA meeting and two weeks later got a letter saying I didn't complete some stupid workshop they wanted me to do and they stopped my payments!!! Had to file an appeal and everything. The whole program is designed to trap people and disqualify them. They'll find ANY reason to say you're not complying!!! System is RIGGED against us!!!
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Sofia Torres
•I'm sorry that happened to you, but that's not the typical experience. Most people complete the RESEA requirements without issues. It sounds like there might have been a miscommunication about the workshop deadlines. Did you try contacting them to explain the situation before filing an appeal?
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QuantumQuasar
I had my RESEA meeting too! The lady was actually super nice and helpful. She even found me some job leads in my field. Just make sure you show up on time for the video call. My neighbor missed his and got his benefits stopped for like 3 weeks while he tried to reschedule.
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Zainab Omar
If anyone is having trouble getting through to ask questions about RESEA or needs to reschedule, I used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a PA UC agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling for days. Saved me so much stress! You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - I needed to reschedule my RESEA appointment due to a job interview (ironic!) and couldn't get through on the regular line. The website is claimyr.com if anyone needs it. Totally worth it to actually talk to someone.
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Connor Gallagher
•does this actually work? been trying to call for 2 days about my resea appt
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Zainab Omar
•Yes, it definitely worked for me. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days. They connected me to a real PA UC agent who was able to help with my RESEA rescheduling.
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Dmitry Sokolov
btw they will follow up!! after my resea they gave me 2 workshops to do and i had to send proof i did them or theyd stop my benefits. dont forget to do whatever they tell u to do after!
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Connor Gallagher
I got selected for RESEA too but I'm actually starting a new job next week. Do I still need to do the meeting if I'm going to stop claiming?
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Ava Martinez
•Congratulations on the new job! If you're no longer claiming benefits, you should contact the RESEA department to inform them. Technically, once you stop filing weekly claims, you're no longer required to participate in RESEA, but it's best to notify them rather than just not showing up. This keeps your account in good standing in case you need benefits again in the future.
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Dylan Campbell
Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful responses! I feel much better about my meeting now. I'm going to spend the weekend organizing all my job search records and updating my resume. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!
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QuantumQuasar
One more thing! Make sure your camera and mic are working before the meeting starts! My internet went out right when my RESEA meeting was supposed to start and I freaked out. Had to use my phone instead. They're usually understanding about tech issues but better to test everything first!
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Dylan Campbell
•Good point! I'll definitely do a test run of all my equipment beforehand. Thanks for the tip!
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