PA UC appeal process taking 4+ months with no response - normal wait time?
Filed my appeal back in November after getting denied benefits because my employer claimed I quit (I was actually laid off). It's now March and I've heard NOTHING from the appeal office. No hearing date, no mail, nothing. My dashboard just says 'appeal filed' since 11/15. Is this normal for PA appeals? How long did yours take to get scheduled? Bills are piling up and I'm getting desperate here. Called the UC service center twice but they just say 'it's in process' and can't tell me anything else.
20 comments
Anastasia Fedorov
mine took almost 5 months! the system is SO backed up right now its ridiculous. keep checking your mail daily because when they finally schedule the hearing they only give you like 10 days notice.
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Diego Vargas
•5 MONTHS?? Omg that's insane. Did you get backpay for all that time once they finally approved you?
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StarStrider
The current appeal backlog is significant. Appeals are typically resolved within 2-3 months during normal periods, but we're seeing 4-6 month timeframes now. Make sure your mailing address is updated in the system, as they primarily communicate hearing dates through mail. Also, check your UC dashboard and spam folder daily as sometimes electronic notifications get filtered out. Important: You should still be filing your weekly claims during this entire waiting period. If you win your appeal, you'll only receive payment for weeks you properly certified.
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Diego Vargas
•Thank you for this info. Yes I've been filing every week even though it feels pointless. Good to know the timeframe is somewhat normal (though still terrible). I'll double check my mailing address.
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Sean Doyle
I got denied twice and waited 6 months for my appel hearing!!!! Then another 3 weeks after the hearing for the decision. This system is a JOKE
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Anastasia Fedorov
•Thats exactly what happened to me too! And they scheduled my hearing for 8:30am and I almost missed it because the letter came 2 days before!
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Zara Rashid
The appeal process is definitely taking longer than normal. Have you tried contacting the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review directly? Their number is separate from the regular UC service center. Also, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual PA UC representative who might be able to give you more information than the generic "it's in process" response. They have a service that helps you bypass the busy signals and actually connect with UC agents. Helped me resolve my issue after weeks of trying to get through. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2
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Diego Vargas
•Thanks for the suggestion! I've never heard of the Board of Review having a separate number. I'll try that first, and if I can't get through I might try that Claimyr service. At this point I'd pay anything just to talk to someone who can tell me what's going on.
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Luca Romano
ive been thru 2 appeals in PA and both took like 3-4 months to get a hearing date... then another month for the decision... then they denied me AGAIN and i had to file a 2nd level appeal which took ANOTHER 2 months!!! uchhh
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Diego Vargas
•This is my nightmare scenario. Did you win on the second appeal? What made the difference?
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Nia Jackson
I was in a similar situation last year. My appeal took 4.5 months to be scheduled, then the referee ruled in my favor. The key is to be fully prepared for your hearing when it finally happens: 1. Gather all documentation showing you were laid off (emails, termination notice, witness statements) 2. Create a timeline of events 3. Practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely 4. Have your former employer's statements so you can refute specific points I know it's frustrating waiting, but use this time to build your case. And yes, as others mentioned, KEEP FILING WEEKLY CLAIMS the entire time!
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Diego Vargas
•This is really helpful advice. I have a folder with everything already but hadn't thought about practicing what I'll say. The waiting is killing me but at least I can use the time to prepare.
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Mateo Hernandez
did u try contacting ur state rep? they helped me w/ my UC stuff when it was taking 4ever
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Luca Romano
•this actually works!! my cousin told me about this and i didnt believe it but then i emailed my state rep and they got things moving in like a WEEK
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Anastasia Fedorov
Whatever u do DON'T stop filing ur weekly claims during the wait!!! My friend forgot to keep filing while waiting for appeal and when she won they only paid her for the weeks she filed even tho she was eligible for all of them!!!!
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Diego Vargas
•Thanks for this reminder! I've been filing every week but it's getting so discouraging when they all just say "pending" week after week.
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StarStrider
If your appeal has been pending for over 4 months, I'd recommend these additional steps: 1. Contact the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review at 717-787-5122 (different from regular UC) 2. Request help from your state representative's office as mentioned above 3. Send a written inquiry via certified mail to the UC Board of Review 4. Continue checking your mail and UC dashboard daily Appeals are processed in the order received, but these steps may help identify if there's an administrative issue with your specific case.
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Sean Doyle
•The state rep thing WORKS!! I was waiting for months and nothing happened, then I called my state rep and suddenly my hearing got scheduled within 2 weeks. Its because they have special contacts inside the dept that regular people dont have
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Nia Jackson
After reading through all the comments, I wanted to mention that when my hearing was finally scheduled, it was by telephone due to the backlog. Make sure your phone number is correct in the system, and be prepared to answer when they call - even if it shows as an unknown or blocked number. They're very strict about being available at the scheduled time, and if you miss the call, it can further delay your case.
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Diego Vargas
•That's a good tip about answering unknown calls. I've been ignoring those lately because of all the spam calls I get. I'll make sure my phone number is updated in the system too.
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