PA UC appeal hearings: Do I need to notify them if I lost my job right before phone hearing?

You should definitely notify UC about your job loss before the hearing. Call the appeals office (number should be on your hearing notice) and explain the situation. They probably won't change it back to in-person this close to the hearing date, but it's best to be transparent. As for filing a new claim, that's separate from your appeal. The appeal is about your eligibility for the previous benefit period. Since you worked since then, you should file a new claim for the current job loss. Just make sure to explain both situations clearly when you talk to a UC rep.

omg same thing hapened to me last yr! they kept the phone hearing for me even when i lost my job right b4 it. good luck with everything

You need to do two separate things: 1. Contact the Appeals office about your current employment status change. The hearing notice has contact information - call them immediately. Document the call (date, time, who you spoke with). They likely won't change the hearing format this close to the scheduled date. 2. File a new UC claim for your recent job loss. This is completely separate from your appeal situation. Your appeal is determining eligibility for your previous claim period, while a new claim would cover this current period of unemployment. Also, make sure to tell the Referee about your situation at the beginning of your appeal hearing. Be prepared to provide details about both employment situations during your testimony.

File the new claim right away. There's no reason to wait, and UC benefits aren't retroactive to before you file. The sooner you file, the sooner you can potentially receive benefits. Just be clear in your new application that you have a pending appeal for a previous claim period. The two processes will run separately.

your former employer filing their appeal 2 months late is crazy!! i thought they only had like 15 days??? how can they even be allowed to appeal after missing the deadline by THAT much???

Absolutely bring up the late appeal issue right away! The Referee will usually address timeliness first before even considering the merits of the case. Your former employer has to prove they had good cause for filing late - things like illness, natural disaster, or being given incorrect information by UC might qualify, but "we forgot" or "we were busy" don't cut it. As for your current situation, definitely notify the Appeals office about your job change, but focus on preparing for the hearing. Collect any documentation about your previous separation (emails, texts, termination notice, etc.) and be ready to explain why you should qualify for benefits.

CLASSIC PA UC nonsense!!!! They let employers file appeals MONTHS late but if we're 5 minutes late to call in for our weekly certification we're DENIED!!!! The system is 100% rigged against us regular working people. I've been fighting them for 4 months on my claim and still haven't gotten a PENNY. They keep saying "open issues" with no explanation. I keep calling but can never get through - busy signal ALL DAY EVERY DAY for WEEKS!!!! It's criminal what they're doing!!

Just wanted to add - when you go into your hearing, be very organized with your facts and dates. Have a timeline written out in front of you with: 1. Your original employment dates 2. When you were let go the first time 3. When you applied for benefits 4. When benefits were approved 5. When you received the employer's appeal 6. When your benefits ended 7. When you started the new job 8. When you lost the new job Referees appreciate organization, and it will help you stay focused during what can be a stressful hearing. Good luck!

Yes, definitely mention that. It shows you were actively seeking employment and took a job when available - which is exactly what UC wants to see. It strengthens your case that you weren't trying to game the system. Just stick to the facts, remain calm during the hearing, and only answer what's asked without volunteering extra information unless it directly supports your eligibility.

i won my appeal btw! but it took foreverrr to get the decision. like 6 weeks after the hearing. they backdated the payments tho

yeah u should keep filing ur weekly claims even while waiting for the decision!! i almost messed that up but luckily my friend told me