PA UC appeal hearing finished in 10 min with no employer - how long until decision?
Just finished my PA unemployment appeal hearing. The whole thing only lasted about 10 minutes and my former employer never showed up! The referee asked me a few questions about how my job ended and why I felt I should qualify for benefits. I explained everything as clearly as I could, but now I'm nervous about how long I'll have to wait for a decision. The referee said I'd get something in the mail but didn't give a timeframe. This is my first time going through an appeal and I've already been waiting 6 weeks since filing. Bills are piling up and I really need to know what to expect. Has anyone gone through an appeal where the employer didn't appear? How long did it take to get your decision letter after the hearing?
17 comments
Join the conversation
QuantumQuest
Generally a good sign when employer doesn't show! I had an appeal hearing in January and got my decision letter in exactly 8 days. The referee mailed it out the very next day after my hearing. When the employer doesn't show up, it usually means they're not contesting your claim anymore. Did the referee say anything about how they were leaning during the hearing?
0 coins
Zainab Khalil
•The referee didn't give any hints about which way they were leaning. They just listened, asked a few questions for clarification, and then said they'd send their decision in writing. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much just because my employer didn't show, but it does seem like it might be good news!
0 coins
Connor Murphy
i had exact same thing happen last month. boss no show and hearing was super quick. got my approval 5 days later but the $$ didn't hit my account for another week after that. the letter came from harrisburg. check ur mailbox everyday!!!
0 coins
Zainab Khalil
•Thanks! That's reassuring. Did you have to do anything else after getting the approval letter, or did the payments just start automatically?
0 coins
Yara Haddad
The employer not showing up is usually a VERY good sign for you. They technically can still submit evidence in writing even if they don't attend, but if they didn't mention having anything on file, that's positive. According to PA UC regulations, the referee is required to issue a decision within 14 days of your hearing date, though most come much sooner (5-7 business days is typical). If your decision is favorable, back payments should process within 3-5 business days after the decision date. Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims during this waiting period! Many people stop filing during appeals and lose weeks of eligibility.
0 coins
Zainab Khalil
•Thank you for the detailed information! I've been filing my weekly claims religiously, so at least I'm doing that right. Hopefully I'll get something in the mail by the end of next week then.
0 coins
Keisha Robinson
MY HEARING WAS 40 MINUTES WITH EMPLOYER THERE AND STILL TOOK 3 WEEKS TO GET A DECISION!!! The whole system is designed to DELAY DELAY DELAY hoping you give up!! They don't care if you can't pay bills. If you need to check on status you'll NEVER get through on the phone. I called 97 TIMES IN ONE DAY and got disconnected every single time.
0 coins
Paolo Conti
•If you're having trouble reaching someone at PA UC, I'd recommend checking out Claimyr. I was in the same boat, calling dozens of times with no luck. Claimyr got me through to an actual person in about 30 minutes. Their service holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. I was super skeptical but it worked - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Saved my sanity when I was trying to check on my appeal status.
0 coins
Amina Sow
i think it realy depends on the referee some are fast others are slow i waited 12 days for mine but my buddys came in 4 days its random sometimes. but no employer showing is good 4 u they cant argue anything so probably easy descision for the referee
0 coins
Keisha Robinson
•NOT TRUE!!! Even with no employer they can STILL deny you! Happened to my cousin. No employer at hearing but referee said she quit without cause. RIGGED SYSTEM!!!
0 coins
GalaxyGazer
My situation was a bit different from yours. My hearing was an hour long with my employer fighting hard, but I still won my appeal! It took exactly 7 business days to get my decision letter. The good news is that if you win, they'll pay you for all those weeks you've been waiting AND filing. I received a lump sum of over $4,500 when my 9 weeks of backpay hit! The most important thing right now is to make sure you're meeting your work search requirements (applying to at least 2 jobs per week) and filing your weekly claims. You don't want to win your appeal but then miss out on payments because you weren't keeping up with the weekly filing.
0 coins
Zainab Khalil
•Thanks for the advice! Yes, I've been applying to at least 3 jobs every week and keeping detailed records of all my applications. I'm definitely staying on top of the weekly claims - I can't afford to miss any potential payments at this point. Congrats on winning your appeal despite the employer fighting it!
0 coins
Oliver Wagner
When I had my appeal last year, it was actually for an entirely different issue about job search requirements, but I think the timeframes are similar. The referee told me at the end of the hearing that I should receive something within 10-14 days. I got my letter in 6 days and it was approved. I hope yours comes through fast! The waiting is the hardest part.
0 coins
QuantumQuest
By the way, since your employer didn't show up, did the referee explain to you what that means procedurally? Sometimes they'll put on the record that the employer's absence means they can't contest certain facts. Did anything like that happen?
0 coins
Zainab Khalil
•The referee did mention that since the employer wasn't present, they wouldn't be able to provide any testimony regarding the circumstances of my separation. He said he'd be making his decision based on my testimony and whatever documentation was already in the file. I'm not sure exactly what was in the file though - I guess that includes whatever my employer submitted when they initially contested my claim.
0 coins
Yara Haddad
Just checking back - has your decision arrived yet? Most people should hear something within 5-7 business days. If it's been more than 10 business days, you might want to try contacting the Referee Office directly.
0 coins
Zainab Khalil
•I actually just got my decision letter yesterday - APPROVED! The referee determined that I was laid off due to lack of work, which is exactly what happened. My employer tried to claim I was fired for performance, but since they didn't show up to provide evidence, the referee sided with me. My backpay should be processed within the next few days. Such a relief after almost 2 months of waiting! Thanks everyone for your help and encouragement.
0 coins