PA UC appeal hearing wait time for availability issue - can I self-represent?

I went through an appeal for a similar issue back in January. For me, it took about 6-8 weeks from when my appeal was accepted until I got a letter with my hearing date. The actual hearing was scheduled for 2 weeks after I received the notice. For a simple availability issue, you should be fine representing yourself. Just make sure you: - Have documentation ready showing you are able and available for work - Be prepared to explain exactly what happened with the mistake - Answer questions directly and honestly - Don't volunteer extra information unless asked My hearing was over the phone and lasted maybe 20 minutes. The referee was actually pretty understanding. Just make sure you're on time for the call and have all your paperwork in front of you.

omg the WAITING is the worst part!! i had an appeal last yr and waited 3 months!!! but my friend got hers in like 4 weeks so who knows 🤷‍♀️ system makes no sense

I represented myself for an appeal about missing a work search requirement and WON! The referee was actually super helpful and walked me through everything. Don't waste money on a lawyer for something simple. Just be honest about making a mistake. My timeline was: - Filed appeal: Feb 10 - Appeal accepted: Feb 28 - Hearing scheduled: April 5 - Actual hearing: April 19 So about 5-6 weeks between acceptance and getting the hearing date. Oh and you'll get a packet in the mail before your hearing with all the info you need to prepare!

my sister had a similar issue bcuz she clicked wrong thing on the availability question 2 but she waited like FOREVER for the appeal... 3 months I think??? the system is broken

After trying for TWO WEEKS to reach someone at PA UC about my appeal hearing date (constant busy signals, disconnects, and sitting on hold for hours), I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual human at UC in under 30 minutes! They basically call for you and then connect you when they reach a representative. Changed my life seriously. Check out their site at claimyr.com - they have a video of how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The UC agent I spoke with told me my hearing was already scheduled but the notice hadn't been mailed yet. She gave me the date over the phone so I could prepare. Would have never known without getting through!

Here's what you need to know about appeals for availability issues: 1. Current average wait time: 45-60 days from acceptance to hearing date (as of May 2025) 2. Self-representation is absolutely appropriate for availability issues. They're considered "simple appeals" in the UC system. Just make sure you: - Document what happened (screenshots of the UI if you have them) - Be prepared to explain your actual availability for work - Have your work search records ready (even though that's not the issue) 3. You WILL receive a packet about 7-10 days before your hearing with instructions 4. Keep filing your weekly claims while waiting! 5. The hearing itself is typically 15-30 minutes for availability issues 6. If you win, you'll receive all back payments within 7-14 days Availability issues have a high success rate on appeal when it was clearly a mistake rather than an actual availability problem.

Be careful with how you phrase things during your hearing. Don't say "I wasn't paying attention" or "I didn't read the question carefully." Instead, explain that you "misunderstood the question" or "accidentally selected the incorrect response." The distinction matters legally. Most availability issues are conducted via phone hearings now. You'll receive instructions to call in at a specific time. Have your claim number ready and be in a quiet place. The referee will swear you in and then ask specific questions about your availability for work. Documentation is helpful but verbal testimony is what they primarily rely on for these cases. Be prepared to clearly state your actual availability for work (days/hours/restrictions).

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you're by your phone ALL DAY on your hearing date! My hearing was scheduled for 1:15pm but they called at 10:30am instead. Luckily I answered! The referee said they work through their cases faster than expected sometimes and just start calling people early. If I had missed that call I would have automatically lost my appeal! Also, don't stress too much about these hearings. The referees aren't trying to trick you or anything. For simple mistakes they're pretty understanding as long as you're honest. And definitely self-represent for a simple availability issue - lawyers are expensive and unnecessary for straightforward cases.

i had an appeal last year and my hearing wasn't scheduled for like 10 weeks after it was accepted!!! its sooooo random how they do it

Yes, those "pending appeal decision" weeks will automatically process if you win your appeal. Keep filing! To answer your earlier question about written statements - while not required, it can be helpful to prepare a brief (1 paragraph) written statement explaining: 1. What happened with the error 2. Your actual availability for work 3. Why this was clearly a mistake You can reference this during your hearing to make sure you don't forget important points when nervous. The referee may also allow you to read it, though they'll still ask follow-up questions. Hearings for availability issues are almost always conducted by phone now. You'll call into a conference line at the appointed time, and the referee will manage the call. Be in a quiet place with good reception.