PA UC appeal process after denial - need step-by-step instructions

I successfully appealed a denial last year. Here's exactly what you need to do: 1. File your appeal ASAP - don't wait until day 15! You can file online through your PA UC dashboard under the 'Appeals' section or mail the form that came with your determination letter. 2. When filing, clearly explain why you disagree with the decision. In your case, emphasize that the dramatic reduction in hours (40 to 12) made the position financially unsustainable and was effectively a constructive discharge. 3. Gather evidence: pay stubs showing the reduction in hours, any communications with your employer about the hour reduction, financial records showing you couldn't survive on reduced income. 4. After filing, you'll receive a hearing notice with the date/time (usually about 2-3 weeks out). 5. During the hearing, be professional and stick to facts. The referee will ask questions - answer honestly but keep focused on the hour reduction. No lawyer needed for most cases. I represented myself and won when I had a similar situation.

i got denied twice for stupid reasons and gave up cuz the whole system is RIGGED against workers!!!! they always side with the employers no matter what. good luck but don't get ur hopes up the appeal people are just as bad

When you say they cut your hours from 40 to 12, do you have this in writing anywhere? Like emails or texts from your manager? That's going to be super important for your appeal. Also did you tell them specifically that you were quitting because of the reduced hours? If not, they might argue you quit for other reasons. Make sure you have all documentation ready for the hearing date.

have you tried calling the UC service center to ask them about the appeal process? sometimes they can give u good advice about what to include in ur appeal

Make sure u understanding the difference between the appeal form and the actual hearing!!!! The appeal form just gets u a hearing date. At the ACTUAL HEARING is where u present all ur evidence and tell ur side. I made the mistake of writing a 3 page letter with my appeal and the referee never even read it, they said I should have saved it for the hearing. Just FYI so u dont waste time like me. BTW a reduction from 40 to 12 hours should definitely qualify as good cause to quit. Thats a 70% reduction in pay which any reasonable person would quit over!!!

One more tip about the hearing - it will most likely be over the phone due to the backlog they're still working through. Make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception. Have ALL your documents in front of you and organized. The referee will ask you specific questions about dates and events, so having a timeline written down is helpful. Also, your former employer will likely be on the call too. Don't interrupt them even if they say things you disagree with. Write it down and wait for your turn to respond. Being professional goes a long way with the referees.

PA UC regulations specifically recognize substantial reduction in hours as potentially good cause for voluntary quit. The key legal standard is whether the reduction created a "real and substantial pressure" to leave employment. A 70% reduction meets this threshold, especially if you can document that it made the job financially unsustainable. For your appeal, cite Section 402(b) of the PA UC Law and emphasize the "necessitous and compelling" nature of the hours reduction. Document how the reduced income couldn't cover basic living expenses. The referee will be looking for evidence that: 1) You exhausted alternatives before quitting, 2) The reduction created real hardship, and 3) You communicated your concerns to your employer before resigning.

Im dealing with almost the EXACT same situation!!! My hours got cut from 35 to 15 and I quit because I couldnt pay my rent. Got denied for the same reason. My appeal hearing is next week and Im freaking out. Please update here after your appeal so I know what to expect!!!!

Update us after you file the appeal on how long it takes to get a hearing date. In 2024 they've been scheduling them faster than last year - my friend just had her appeal hearing scheduled only 10 days after filing. Much better than the 4-6 week waits people were experiencing in 2023.

Don't panic - you have a strong case! A 70% reduction in hours (40 to 12) absolutely constitutes good cause for quitting in PA. I work as a paralegal and see these cases regularly. Here's what you need to know: File your appeal TODAY online through your UC dashboard. Don't wait! The 15-day deadline is firm and there's no extension. For the appeal form, keep it brief: "I disagree with the determination because the substantial reduction in my work hours from 40 to 12 per week created a necessitous and compelling reason to leave employment." Start organizing your evidence NOW: - Pay stubs showing your regular 40-hour weeks before the cut - The new schedule showing 12 hours - Your resignation email mentioning the hours as the reason - Any communications with your employer about the reduction - Documentation of your attempts to find alternatives (like that 90-mile position they offered) The hearing will likely be by phone within 2-3 weeks. During the hearing, emphasize that you tried to work with your employer before quitting and that the income reduction made the job financially unsustainable. You've got this! The key is being prepared and professional during the hearing.