PA UC agent called but I missed it - should I wait or call back?

same thing happened to me! waited 2 weeks they finally called when i was at the grocery store. i tried calling back right away using the number they called from but it just went to a general voicemail. ended up having to start all over with the waiting game 😩

Ugh that's what I was afraid of. Did they eventually call you back after you missed them?

NEVER wait for them to call back!!! The system is designed to clear cases when they

This is actually incorrect information. PA UC agents are required to make at least two contact attempts before closing a case. The second attempt typically happens within 48-72 hours of the first missed call. However, it is still a good idea to be proactive and try to reach them.

Maybe that's the RULE but it's definitely not what HAPPENS in reality. My case was marked resolved after ONE missed call and I had to file an appeal to get it reopened!

When a UC examiner calls and you miss it, they will typically try one more time within 2-3 business days. However, I'd recommend being proactive and calling back yourself. Make sure you have your claim number, SSN, and any correspondence reference numbers ready when you call.\n\nIf you call back, you'll likely get a different agent than the one who called you, but they can still help with your issue. The most important thing is documenting that you attempted to respond to their contact attempt.

Thank you! I tried calling the regular UC number but got the busy signal after waiting on hold for 45 minutes. Do you know if there's a better time of day to call?

I've been dealing with PA unemployment for over a year now and honestly the phone system is completely broken. After missing their call last month, I spent two weeks trying to get through - calling literally 50+ times a day and still couldn't get past the busy signals.\n\nI eventually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2\n\nIt basically automates the calling process and holds your place in line. Saved me HOURS of frustration. The agent I spoke with was able to see that I had missed their call and resolved my issue that same day.

does this really work? seems kinda sketchy to me having some website call unemployment for you...

It's not sketchy - they don't call *for* you. They just automate the process of getting through the busy signals and then connect you directly. You still talk to the agent yourself.

When I missed my call from PA UC last year I just waited cuz I figured they'd call back and my claim ended up getting denied and I had to start the WHOLE process over again with an appeal. Def try to reach them ASAP!!! Best time to call is right when they open at 8am but even then its hard to get thru

Here's what happens in the PA UC system when you miss a call:\n\n1. The examiner will note in your file that contact was attempted\n2. They'll typically schedule a second attempt within 48-72 hours\n3. If you miss both attempts, they'll make a determination based on the information they already have\n\nBest practice is to call back using the main UC number (888-313-7284) and let them know you missed a call from an examiner. Early morning (8:00-8:30am) or late afternoon (3:30-4:00pm) typically have slightly better odds of getting through.\n\nAlso, check your UC dashboard online - sometimes they'll post a message there with additional information about what they were calling about.

Thank you for the detailed information! I didn't know about checking the dashboard for messages. Just looked and there's nothing there yet, but I'll keep checking. I'll try calling tomorrow morning right at 8am.

anybody else notice they ALWAYS seem to call when ur in the bathroom or just stepped away from ur phone for like 2 min?? happened to me 3x now lol

OMG YES!! It's like they KNOW the exact moment you put your phone down! 🤣

Update: I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got through in about 30 minutes this morning. The agent said they would have attempted to call me one more time tomorrow, but she was able to clear the issue on my claim while I was on the phone. My status has already changed from 'pending' to 'payable' online! Such a relief. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Great to hear you got it resolved! For future reference, whenever your claim has an 'open issue' status that lasts more than 2 weeks, it's always best to be proactive and try to contact them. The system is unfortunately backlogged and sometimes cases can sit there without being assigned to an examiner for review.

Thanks for the tip! This is my first time on unemployment so I'm still learning how everything works. Hopefully I won't have any more issues, but at least now I know what to do if I do!

my cousin works for pa uc and she says they only call twice before they just decide on ur claim with whatever info they have. so if u miss both calls ur taking a big risk

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 2 weeks for a callback about an eligibility issue. Reading everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key is being proactive rather than just waiting around. The timing thing is so real too - they always seem to call at the worst possible moment! Going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning and if that doesn't work, might look into that Claimyr service. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get basic help with our claims.

Just want to echo what others have said about being proactive! I had a similar situation last month where I missed their call and then waited like an idiot for them to call back. After 10 days of nothing, I finally got through using the early morning strategy (called right at 8am) and the agent told me they had already made their second attempt the day after I missed the first call - I just never got it because I was at work and had my phone on silent. Luckily they hadn't made a decision yet and were able to resolve my issue, but it was a close call. The system is definitely not perfect but you really can't rely on them to keep trying. Glad you got it sorted out with Claimyr!

This is such valuable advice from everyone! I'm currently dealing with PA UC for the first time after being laid off last month, and reading through all these experiences is both terrifying and helpful. The fact that missing two calls can basically kill your claim is insane - especially when those calls can come at literally any time during business hours when most people are either working or dealing with life stuff. I'm definitely going to keep my phone volume up and try to answer ANY call from a PA number, even if it looks like spam. Also bookmarking that Claimyr service just in case. It's sad that we need workarounds for a system that's supposed to help us, but I'd rather pay a small fee than lose weeks of benefits because of a broken phone system. Thanks for all the real-world insights everyone!

I'm going through something similar right now - missed their call yesterday while I was in a meeting and now I'm stressed about what to do next. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the consensus is to be proactive and try calling back rather than waiting. The idea that they might only make two attempts before deciding on your claim is terrifying! I had no idea the system worked that way. Definitely going to try the 8am strategy tomorrow and keep my phone volume up for any PA numbers. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to strategize this much just to receive the benefits we're entitled to, but I appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences. At least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this broken system!