PA UC appeal hearing for separation issues in 2 days - what should I expect?
Got my hearing date for my PA unemployment appeal (separation issue with my former employer) and it's happening in just 2 days! I'm feeling a mix of nervous and hopeful. This is my first time going through an appeal hearing and I really need these benefits to come through. Has anyone here gone through a separation appeal hearing recently? What should I expect? Is there anything specific I should prepare or bring? Any tips on how to stay calm during the hearing? My former employer is claiming I quit, but I was actually laid off due to 'restructuring' which was basically just them replacing my position with a cheaper contractor. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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Ravi Choudhury
I went through an appeal hearing last month for a similar situation. Here's what to expect: 1. It's usually by phone, so find a quiet place with good reception 2. Have all your documents ready - termination letter, emails, text messages, anything that proves you were laid off rather than quit 3. The referee will swear you in and explain the process 4. Your employer will likely have an HR rep or manager present 5. Both sides will present their case and can question each other 6. Stay calm and stick to facts - dates, exact wording used during separation Most importantly, NEVER interrupt anyone, even if they're saying something false. Wait your turn to respond. The referee appreciates professionalism. Good luck!
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Isabella Silva
•Thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! This helps a lot. I'm gathering all my emails right now. One more question - how long did your hearing last? I'm trying to plan my day.
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Freya Andersen
my hearing was a JOKE!!! the employer didnt even show up and i still got denied!!!! the system is RIGGED against workers, dont get your hopes up. took 6 more weeks to get another hearing and finally got approved. pa uc is a mess
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Omar Farouk
•That's not typical. If the employer doesn't show up, the referee usually only has the claimant's testimony to consider. Most likely there was documentation in your file that contradicted your testimony. The system isn't rigged, but it does require following specific procedures. What matters is presenting a clear, factual case supported by documentation.
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CosmicCadet
good luck!! i had my seperation hearing back in January. just be honest and youll be fine. mine only took like 25 minutes total.
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Chloe Harris
•Really? Mine took over an hour last summer! I guess it depends on how complicated your case is and if your employer brings witnesses. My former manager brought two co-workers who had to give statements.
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Diego Mendoza
I recently went through this exact situation! Here's what helped me win my case: 1. Write out a timeline of events related to your separation - dates are crucial 2. Practice explaining your side calmly (I recorded myself on my phone) 3. Have your employment dates, salary info, and supervisor's name ready 4. Be prepared to explain exactly why you believe this was a layoff not a quit 5. If you have any performance reviews showing good work, have those ready The hearing will start with the referee explaining the process. Then you'll be sworn in. They'll likely ask your employer to speak first since they have the burden of proof in separation cases. Take notes during their testimony so you can address any false claims when it's your turn. Don't get emotional even if your employer says things that aren't true. The referee is looking at facts, not emotions. I was incredibly nervous but ended up winning my appeal. The whole thing took about 40 minutes. Good luck!
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Isabella Silva
•Thank you for these tips! I didn't think about practicing beforehand, but that's a really good idea. Did you have to submit any documents before the hearing, or can you just reference them during the call?
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Anastasia Popova
I had to wait on hold for 3 hours trying to reach PA UC last week about my claim status. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Might be worth using if you need to ask any questions before your hearing. They connected me directly to a UC rep who was able to explain exactly what I needed for my hearing.
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CosmicCadet
•thanks for this! i might try it cuz ive been trying to reach someone for weeks about my benefit year ending
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Isabella Silva
Update: I just realized I don't have any emails explicitly saying I was laid off - we had the conversation in person and then they just deactivated my accounts. Will this hurt my case? Starting to panic a bit...
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Ravi Choudhury
•Don't panic. This is common. Focus on what was said verbally and who was present. The referee will ask specific questions about the final conversation - who said what, exact words used, who else was present. Your testimony is evidence. If you filed for UC right away and consistently stated you were laid off, that works in your favor. Also, did your employer contest your UC claim immediately or only later? If they waited, that can help your case.
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Diego Mendoza
One more thing - when the referee asks if you have questions for your employer, ALWAYS ask something! This is your chance to get them to admit key facts. Good questions might be: "Did you advertise for my position after I left?" "Was anyone else laid off during the restructuring?" "Did you ever give me any written warnings about my performance?" These questions can help establish that this was truly a layoff. If they claim you quit, ask them why they didn't have you sign a resignation letter, which is standard HR practice.
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Isabella Silva
•These are excellent questions, thank you! I know for a fact they posted my job (with a slightly different title) just two weeks after telling me my position was eliminated. I'll definitely bring that up.
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Freya Andersen
dont forget to write down the refs badge number at the begining. my first ref was so biased i had to file a complaint. also if ur employer lies u can say 'objection' but not to much or they get annoyed lol
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Omar Farouk
•This isn't accurate. UC appeal hearings aren't like court - you don't make formal objections. If you disagree with something, make a note and address it when it's your turn to speak. Interrupting with objections will likely irritate the referee. And while referees do have ID numbers, they'll identify themselves at the beginning. Just note the date, time, and referee's name for your records.
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Chloe Harris
I went through this in February. Don't be surprised if your employer brings an attorney - mine did, and it was intimidating at first, but the referee made sure everyone had equal time to speak. If they ask why you didn't bring documents up earlier in the process, just explain you didn't know they were needed until the appeal stage. Stay hydrated and keep a glass of water nearby because your mouth might get dry from nerves (happened to me!). Wishing you the best outcome!
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Isabella Silva
•An attorney? Oh no, I hadn't considered that possibility. I hope they don't bring one, but I'll prepare myself mentally just in case. Thanks for the water tip - my mouth definitely gets dry when I'm nervous!
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Ravi Choudhury
After your hearing, you'll typically get a decision in 7-10 days by mail. If you win, payments usually start processing within a few days after that. If you lose, you have 15 calendar days to appeal to the UC Board of Review. Your determination letter will explain how to file that appeal if needed. One last piece of advice - log into your PA UC dashboard right after the hearing and check if your claim status changes. Sometimes you can see updates there before you receive the official determination in the mail.
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Isabella Silva
•Thank you for explaining what happens after! I've been so focused on preparing for the hearing that I hadn't thought about the timeline for getting a decision. I'll definitely keep an eye on my dashboard.
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