PA UC appeal acknowledgement received - realistic timeline for hearing decision?
Filed my appeal after getting denied for UC benefits last month (employer claimed misconduct but I was actually laid off). Just received an official acknowledgement letter from PA UC that my appeal has been received. The letter mentions it could take 'up to several weeks' before a hearing is scheduled. Has anyone gone through this recently? I'm trying to figure out if I should expect to wait the full 4 weeks they mentioned or if decisions are coming faster these days? Getting really anxious about finances while waiting.
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QuantumLeap
I went through this in January 2025. From acknowledgement to actual hearing was exactly 3 weeks, then another week for the decision letter. So pretty much the full 4 weeks they mention. Make sure you gather ALL documentation now - attendance records, performance reviews, termination notice, etc. You'll need everything ready when they schedule the hearing since they don't give much notice. Also keep filing your weekly claims during this time!
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Emma Wilson
•Thanks for the timeline! Did you need any witnesses at your hearing? My former coworker saw the whole layoff meeting and is willing to testify but not sure if that's necessary or helpful.
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Malik Johnson
mine took almost 7 weeks before i got a hearing date!!! they are SO backed up right now its ridiculous. keep calling them every few days to check on status or youll get forgotten in the system. the lady told me my appeal got stuck in some queue and wouldve been there forever if i hadnt called!!!
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Isabella Santos
•This is why I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent. Spent 3 days getting busy signals trying to check on my appeal status, then used their service and got through in 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Definitely worth it when you're dealing with something as important as an appeal.
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Ravi Sharma
•Not everyone's experience is the same. My appeal was processed within the 4 week timeframe they quoted. The system is unpredictable but they do eventually get to everyone.
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Freya Larsen
Appeals Referee here. The current average waiting time between acknowledgement and hearing is approximately 3-4 weeks, though some cases with simpler facts may be scheduled faster. Continue filing your weekly claims while waiting - if you win your appeal, you'll receive all back payments you're eligible for. A few important tips: 1. Submit any evidence at least 3 days before your hearing 2. If your hearing is by phone, answer from a quiet location with good reception 3. Organize your thoughts beforehand - specifically why you believe the separation wasn't due to misconduct 4. Witnesses who directly observed relevant events are extremely helpful
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Emma Wilson
•Thank you so much for this insider perspective! One more question - the acknowledgement letter mentions a 'fact-finding interview' before the actual hearing. Is that always required or just in some cases?
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Freya Larsen
•The fact-finding interview is separate from the appeal process. If you've already been denied and are now appealing, you've likely already completed the fact-finding portion. The appeal hearing is your opportunity to present your case to an Appeals Referee who will make an independent determination based on testimony and evidence presented.
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Omar Hassan
I'm in the EXACT same situation right now! Got my acknowledgement letter on Tuesday and they said 4-6 weeks for me. What's driving me crazy is there's no way to check the status online - the portal just shows "appeal pending" with no updates. Can't believe how archaic their system is in 2025!
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Chloe Taylor
•Yep the UC system is still operating like its 1995 lol. One thing they don't tell you is that they sometimes mail the hearing notice only 5-7 days before your actual hearing date so CHECK YOUR MAIL DAILY! I nearly missed mine because it went to my old address even though I updated everything in the system.
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Isabella Santos
Just wanted to share that I won my appeal after waiting about 5 weeks total. The hearing itself was only 20 minutes and the referee was very fair. Make sure you prepare a clear timeline of events and speak slowly and clearly during the hearing. My employer didn't even show up to contest my version of events! Got $4,700 in backpay a week after the decision.
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Emma Wilson
•That's really encouraging to hear! Did they deposit all the backpay at once to your Money Network card? And did you have to do anything special to get the backpay processed?
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Isabella Santos
•Yep, all came at once to my Money Network card! I didn't have to do anything extra - just kept filing weekly claims during the waiting period. About 3 days after I got the decision letter in the mail, I got a notification that a deposit was made. Such a relief after waiting so long!
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ShadowHunter
my neighbor went thru this and said that the appeal process was actually much faster when she had one in 2023. Said it took like 6 weeks back then but now her daughter just got thru one in 3 weeks flat! I think they hired more people after all the complaints. Just make sure ur responding to ALL mail they send u even if it seems redundant.
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Malik Johnson
•Depends on what county ur in too. My cousin in Allegheny got his hearing in 2 weeks but me in Bucks was waiting 7+ weeks!!! Its all about staffing in different regions.
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Ravi Sharma
Keep in mind that even after the hearing, the referee has 14 days to issue a decision, though many come sooner. The entire process from appeal to decision typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on current caseload. Document everything and be extremely prepared for your hearing. I'd recommend writing out your key points beforehand so you don't forget anything important when you're nervous during the hearing.
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Emma Wilson
•Thanks for this. I'm definitely nervous about the hearing itself. Does anyone know if these are formal proceedings? Should I dress up even if it's over the phone?
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Freya Larsen
•While hearings are legal proceedings, they're less formal than court. For phone hearings, professional attire isn't necessary, but I recommend having all your documents organized and being in a quiet place where you can focus. Speak clearly, answer questions directly, and don't interrupt others. Most importantly, stick to relevant facts about your separation from employment.
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