PA UC appeal deadline TODAY - need urgent help filing last-minute appeal
I'm in a total panic right now. Just realized TODAY is the final day to file my appeal for my PA unemployment claim that was denied last month. I got the determination letter about 12 days ago saying I was ineligible because I supposedly quit (which is NOT true - I was laid off). The letter says I have 15 days to appeal and today is day 15! Can I file this appeal online somehow? Or do I absolutely NEED to talk to someone at UC? I've been calling the 888 number all morning but keep getting the busy signal. I'm at work right now and have to shut my phone off for an important meeting in about an hour, but I HAVE to get this appeal filed today. Has anyone successfully filed a last-minute appeal? Can I do it through the PA UC portal? Is there an email address? Please help!!
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Freya Christensen
good news - u can submit appeals online! log into ur UC portal, go to dashboard & look for something like "appeal a determination" or similar. i did mine all online last yr when they said i didnt report earnings (i did). just make sure u hit submit before midnight!
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Ravi Malhotra
•THANK YOU! I'm going to try this as soon as I get out of this meeting. So nervous I'm going to mess something up. Do you know if I'll get some kind of confirmation number or email after I submit it?
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Omar Farouk
The PA unemployment system is DESIGNED to deny people benefits!!! They HOPE you miss deadlines so they don't have to pay you! I had to appeal TWICE last year because they kept saying I didn't look for enough jobs even though I DID!! They make the appeal process complicated ON PURPOSE!!!!
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Chloe Davis
•While the system can certainly be frustrating, online appeals are actually fairly straightforward. The important thing is to submit before the deadline and include any supporting documentation you have about the layoff (like a separation notice or email from your employer). Make sure to clearly explain why you believe the determination was incorrect.
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AstroAlpha
Yes, you can file your appeal online today. Here's how: 1. Log into your PA UC dashboard at www.uc.pa.gov 2. Look for the "Appeals" section or "Determinations and Appeals" 3. Select the determination you want to appeal 4. Follow the prompts to explain why you're appealing 5. Upload any supporting documents that prove you were laid off (if you have them) 6. Submit before 11:59pm tonight The system will give you a confirmation number when complete. Save/screenshot this as proof you filed on time. If you absolutely can't access the portal or have technical issues, you can also fax an appeal letter to 717-346-8930 before midnight. Include your name, last 4 of SSN, the determination date, and why you're appealing.
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Ravi Malhotra
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'll try the online portal first. I think I have an email from my supervisor mentioning the layoff that I can upload. Do you know how long it typically takes to get a hearing date after filing the appeal?
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Diego Chavez
happened to me in january... filed appeal online at like 11:30pm on the last day lol. make sure u write a clear explanation about being laid off vs quitting. also check ur spam folder for emails about ur hearing date they sent mine there for some reason
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Anastasia Smirnova
If you're having trouble reaching someone at PA UC by phone (which is frustratingly common), I'd recommend trying Claimyr.com. They basically hold your place in line and call you back when they've got a UC agent on the line. I used it when I had a similar last-minute appeal situation a few months ago. Saved me hours of redialing. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 that shows how it works. Not saying you need it since online appeals are possible, but if you run into any issues and absolutely need to talk to someone today, it's worth knowing about.
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Freya Christensen
•i second this! used claimyr when my claim was stuck for 2 months. got thru same day instead of calling for weeks
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Sean O'Brien
Wait im confused do u have to appeal within 15 business days or just regular days? cause i got a letter last week and im not sure if weekends count?? also is the online appeal the same as the referee hearing or is that different? PA UC is so complicated!!
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AstroAlpha
•The 15-day appeal period is calendar days, not business days. So weekends and holidays do count in the 15 days. The online appeal is just your request for a hearing - after you submit it, you'll be scheduled for a referee hearing where you'll present your case. These are currently being done by phone in most cases.
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Ravi Malhotra
UPDATE: I just got out of my meeting and was able to submit my appeal online!!! The portal gave me a confirmation number and everything. I uploaded the email from my boss that clearly mentions the department layoffs. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help today. I was seriously panicking. Now I'm just hoping they schedule the hearing soon because I really need these benefits.
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Chloe Davis
•Great job getting it submitted in time! Make sure to watch your mail AND email closely over the next few weeks. Hearing notices can come either way, and they typically give about 7-10 days notice before the hearing date. Start gathering any additional evidence now - things like official termination paperwork, communications about the layoff, or contact information for witnesses who can verify you were laid off rather than quit. Good luck with your hearing!
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Diego Chavez
congrats! one more tip - when they schedule ur hearing make sure ur phone accepts calls from unknown/blocked numbers. missed my first hearing cuz i have spam filter on my phone and had to reschedule :
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Ravi Malhotra
•Ohhh I never would have thought of that. I do have spam filtering on my phone. I'll make sure to turn that off when I get the hearing date. Thanks for the heads up!
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