PA UC appeal board timeline after being denied with proof against shady employer?
Just got my denial notice today and I'm LIVID!! I worked for this small marketing company for 8 months and they fired me claiming "performance issues" when really it was because I reported safety violations in their warehouse space. I have TEXT MESSAGES from my manager admitting they were looking for a reason to let me go after I 'caused problems' with the inspection. I submitted all this with my initial claim, but PA UC still denied me saying I was terminated for misconduct?! So I immediately filed an appeal, but how long does the appeal to the Board of Review actually take? I have bills coming due and rent is already late. Has anyone gone through the board appeal process with a sketchy employer who was clearly lying? What should I expect timeline-wise?
18 comments


Isabella Ferreira
I went through a board appeal last year. After your referee hearing denial, the timeline to the Board of Review decision can vary, but typically takes 4-6 weeks. However, with the current backlog in PA's system, I've seen some take 8-10 weeks. Make sure you've included ALL your evidence in the appeal filing - those text messages are crucial. The good news is that if you win, you'll get all your back payments at once. In the meantime, make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even though you're not getting paid yet.
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Malik Thompson
•8-10 WEEKS?? That's insane! I can't wait that long! Does calling them help speed things up at all? And yes, I submitted screenshots of all the texts plus the email where they praised my performance just 2 weeks before firing me. Should I be looking for an attorney or something?
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CosmicVoyager
my cousin waited 7 weeks for board appeal last summer but his friend only waited like 3 weeks so who knows lol. good luck tho!
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Ravi Kapoor
The PA UC system is DESIGNED to make you give up!! They know most people can't wait 2-3 months without income so they hope you'll just stop fighting. I waited 11 WEEKS for my board appeal decision and then they STILL denied me even though I had proof my employer was lying. The whole system is corrupt and protects businesses, not workers. Your best bet is to file for welfare and food stamps while you wait because you'll starve before they make a decision!!
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Isabella Ferreira
•While I understand your frustration, the appeal process isn't actually designed to make people give up. The Board of Review has to examine all evidence carefully from both sides. That said, they are understaffed which does cause delays. I'd recommend OP continue filing weekly claims and follow up regularly on the appeal status.
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Freya Nielsen
I just went through this exact situation! I found a way to actually speak with someone at PA UC after being disconnected like 50+ times. Try Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an actual rep in about 30 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The rep told me my appeal was in the queue and gave me an estimated date. My Board appeal took about 6 weeks total, but at least I knew what was happening instead of being in the dark. In my case, I also had texts showing my boss was lying, and I eventually won.
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Omar Mahmoud
•Does this claimyr thing actually work?? i tried calling UC like 20 times last week and couldn't get thru at all
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Freya Nielsen
•Yeah it worked for me! Saved me from pulling my hair out after trying to call for 3 weeks straight. The rep I spoke with was able to check my appeal status and give me timeline expectations.
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Chloe Harris
my appeal took 5 weeks last winter and i won btw! make sure ur still filing every week even tho ur not getting paid yet
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Diego Vargas
I don't know how long the Board of Review takes but I just wanted to say that I totally get your situation with the shady employer! I got fired after reporting my manager for harassment and then they claimed I was "always late" even though I had perfect attendance. I lost my first appeal because they brought in fake witnesses. It's so frustrating when you know they're lying!!
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Malik Thompson
•Did you eventually win your case? I'm worried they'll bring in other managers to back up their story, even though I have the texts proving why they really fired me.
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Isabella Ferreira
Just wanted to add some important information: Make sure you're carefully documenting EVERYTHING while you wait. Keep a log of all communications with your former employer and with UC. If you get ANY new evidence that supports your case, you can submit it to the Board of Review before they make their decision. Also, if your appeal is based on employer retaliation for reporting safety violations, you might want to file a separate whistleblower complaint with PA Department of Labor & Industry's Bureau of Workers' Compensation. This won't speed up your unemployment appeal, but it could help strengthen your case.
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Malik Thompson
•I didn't even think about a whistleblower complaint! That's really good advice, thanks. I'm going to look into that right away. I've been keeping all emails and texts from them, and I recorded our final meeting (PA is a one-party consent state).
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CosmicVoyager
have u tried contacting ur state rep? my aunt did that when her claim was stuck and they helped speed things up or something
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Ravi Kapoor
The REAL problem is that PA UC just automatically sides with employers no matter what evidence you have!! I know dozens of people who had IRON-CLAD cases with PROOF their employers were lying and they STILL lost their appeals. The entire system is rigged against workers. Why do you think these shady companies keep doing this?? BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT!!
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Isabella Ferreira
•While the system isn't perfect, the Board of Review does overturn many referee decisions. In fact, about 35% of appeals result in a reversal. The key is having clear documentation and making sure you're addressing the specific reason for denial. Text messages showing retaliation for reporting safety issues could be very compelling evidence.
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Freya Nielsen
Quick update from my experience: One thing that helped me win my appeal was getting statements from former coworkers who witnessed what happened. If you have any colleagues who saw the situation unfold or know about the safety violations you reported, ask them to write a statement for your case. Also, double-check the PA UC appeal portal daily for any updates or requests for additional information. Sometimes they'll post questions there but won't notify you by email or mail, and if you miss responding, it can delay your case.
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Malik Thompson
•That's helpful, thanks. I've been checking the portal but didn't realize they might post questions there without notifying me. I'll ask my former teammate if she's willing to provide a statement - she heard the manager talking about wanting to get rid of me after the safety report.
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