PA UC appeal in limbo - Do I need to reopen inactive claim while waiting for decision?

Don't let your claim stay inactive while waiting for your appeal decision! Here's what you should do: 1. Reopen your claim immediately through your PA UC dashboard 2. Start filing weekly claims again starting with the current week 3. Your appeal is processed separately from your claim status, so they won't forget about it, but having an active claim ensures you'll receive benefits faster if your appeal is approved Regarding the missed weeks: Unfortunately, unless you had "good cause" for missing those certifications (like hospitalization), you likely can't claim them retroactively. Focus on getting your claim active again and filing properly going forward. As for your appeal - the 2+ month wait is unfortunately normal right now. The decision will be based on the evidence presented at your hearing. If your employer didn't show up or provide documentation, that should actually work in your favor.

omg ur situation sounds EXACTLY like mine from last year!!! my boss totally made up reasons 2 fire me then UC denied me even tho the company didnt even fight it!! such bs. but dont worry about ur appeal - they WILL still process it even if ur claim is inactive rite now. but def reopen asap so u dont miss more weeks. the system is rigged against us single parents i swear 😡

Actualy your wrong about the backdate thing. You CAN request backdating for missed weeks if you have a good reason. Being confused about the process counts sometimes. Worth a try at least! The rest of the advice is good tho.

If you're serious about needing to reach someone at the UC office about this mess, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in appeal limbo for 3 months and couldn't get anyone on the phone until I used their service. They got me connected to a PA UC rep in about 30 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. The rep was able to tell me exactly what was happening with my appeal and gave me advice about keeping my claim active. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Definitely reopen your claim today though! Your appeal is still in the system, but you want to make sure everything is ready for when (hopefully) it gets approved.

AS A FORMER PA UC EMPLOYEE I can tell you with 100% CERTAINTY that your appeal IS STILL ACTIVE even if your claim is inactive!!! But you NEED to reopen your claim ASAP!!! The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and appeals are taking 2-4 MONTHS right now!!! When you reopen, DO NOT try to backdate - it will just delay everything even MORE!!! Start fresh from the current week! And BTW - if your employer didn't contest or provide evidence, you SHOULD win your appeal. The burden of proof is on THEM to prove misconduct! Don't give up!!!

I had a somewhat similar situation last year where I was waiting on an appeal decision for almost 3 months. Here's my experience: I kept my claim active and continued filing weekly claims even though I wasn't receiving payments. When my appeal was finally approved, they automatically processed all the back weeks I had correctly filed. For the couple weeks I missed filing, I lost those completely - couldn't get them back even with calling. The most important thing is to reopen your claim and start filing immediately, even while waiting for the appeal. The UC system isn't great at explaining this, but your appeal and claim status are handled by completely different departments. Your appeal is still being processed regardless of your claim status. Good luck with everything! The job market is really tough right now despite what they say on the news.

im back lol. forgot to mentiion my appeal DID get approved after like 11 weeks! but i missed some weekly filings too and never got that money. so def reopen and start filing again ASAP!!! and when u do get approved (fingerscrossed!) they might make u verify ur identity again with that stupid ID.me thing just fyi

Quick update on timelines - I've been tracking appeal processing times for PA UC, and currently appeals are taking 10-12 weeks on average. Since you're at 8+ weeks, you might hear something relatively soon. The pandemic backlog has improved, but they're still catching up. Also, when you reopen your claim, be prepared to complete new work search activities (applying to jobs, posting resumes, attending workshops, etc.). You need to complete and document at least two work search activities per week. This is required even while your appeal is pending. If your appeal is approved, they will issue payment for all properly filed weeks during your appeal waiting period, so don't give up on the process!

I went through almost the exact same situation last year - employer made false claims, didn't show up to contest, but UC still initially denied me. It's incredibly frustrating, especially as a single parent trying to make ends meet. Here's what saved me: I reopened my claim immediately (even though it felt pointless at the time) and kept filing weekly certifications religiously. When my appeal was finally approved after 14 weeks, I got backpay for every single week I had properly certified - but nothing for the weeks I missed filing. The appeals process is completely separate from your claim status, so don't worry about them "forgetting" your appeal. But you absolutely need that claim active to receive benefits once your appeal goes through. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed log of every job application, interview, and networking contact. Not only does this satisfy the work search requirements, but it also helped me stay motivated during those dark weeks of uncertainty. Hang in there - the system is broken and slow, but if your employer truly provided no evidence and didn't contest properly, you have a strong case. The waiting is the hardest part, but you've got this! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the PA UC system can be incredibly confusing and stressful, especially when you're already dealing with job loss and financial pressure. Everyone here has given you solid advice, but let me add a few practical tips from my own experience navigating this mess: 1. When you reopen your claim online, there should be an option to explain why your claim became inactive. Briefly mention you were waiting for appeal results and were unsure about filing - this creates a paper trail. 2. Take screenshots of EVERYTHING when you reopen - confirmation pages, your appeal status, weekly filing confirmations. The system glitches sometimes and having proof saves you headaches later. 3. If you haven't already, request a copy of your complete UC file through their records department. This will show you exactly what your employer submitted (or didn't submit) and can be helpful if you need to escalate your appeal. The fact that your employer didn't show up to contest is actually a huge advantage for your appeal. Most appeals officers take that as a strong indicator that the employer can't support their termination claims. Keep your head up - I know it's exhausting, but you're doing everything right by advocating for yourself and seeking advice. The financial relief will come once this gets resolved!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - been waiting on my appeal for about 6 weeks after being wrongfully terminated. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! Just wanted to add one thing I learned from calling the PA UC customer service line (after many attempts): they told me that even if your claim shows "inactive," your weekly filing history and appeal are completely preserved in the system. So when you reopen, all your previous filing data will still be there. Also, I've found that filing your weekly certifications online Sunday evenings or early Monday mornings tends to go smoother than during peak times. The system seems less glitchy then. @b0685d7bf605 - You've got a really strong case if your employer didn't show up with evidence. Stay consistent with your weekly filings once you reopen, and document everything like others have suggested. The waiting is brutal, but it sounds like you're doing everything right. Sending you good vibes that your appeal comes through soon! 🤞

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact nightmare about 8 months ago. The confusion and stress you're feeling is totally valid - the PA UC system does a terrible job of explaining how appeals and claim status interact. Here's what I wish someone had told me: Your appeal is 100% still being processed regardless of your claim being inactive. Think of them as two completely separate tracks - one handles eligibility decisions (appeals) and the other handles benefit payments (weekly certifications). Definitely reopen your claim TODAY and start filing weekly certifications immediately. Don't even think about trying to backdate those missed weeks - it'll just create more delays and complications. Focus on moving forward from this week. When your appeal gets approved (and based on what you've shared about your employer not showing up with evidence, it should be approved), you'll get backpay for every week you properly certified during the waiting period. But those weeks you missed? Gone forever, unfortunately. The single mom struggle is real, and I know how demoralizing this whole process can be when you're already dealing with job rejection after job rejection. But hang in there - you're advocating for yourself the right way, and this community has your back. Keep documenting those job applications and stay consistent with your weekly filings once you reopen. You've got this! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this stressful situation! As someone who works with unemployment cases, I want to emphasize what others have said - definitely reopen your claim immediately and start filing weekly certifications again. Your appeal is absolutely still being processed even with an inactive claim status. One thing I'd add that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when your appeal decision finally comes through (and it sounds like you have a strong case given your employer's no-show), make sure you're ready to act quickly. Sometimes there are additional steps required after a favorable appeal decision, like identity verification or updating your banking information. Having everything current will help you get your benefits flowing as soon as possible. Also, don't let the "hiring now" signs fool you - the job market is incredibly competitive right now despite what employers advertise. Keep applying broadly and don't take the lack of callbacks personally. Many companies are getting hundreds of applications for each opening. Stay strong and keep fighting for what you're entitled to. The system is frustrating and slow, but you're doing everything right by seeking advice and staying persistent. You've got an entire community here rooting for you! 💙