PA UC appeal stuck in limbo since February - anyone else waiting this long?
Hey everyone, I'm literally at my wits' end with this appeal process. Filed my initial PA unemployment claim back in October 2024, only to get slapped with a denial letter in January 2025. I immediately filed an appeal on February 5th and it's like my paperwork vanished into thin air. The online portal just shows 'appeal pending' with ZERO updates for months now. I've called probably 45+ times but either get a busy signal or the automated system hangs up on me. Has anyone else experienced these ridiculous wait times for appeal hearings? Did you do anything that actually helped move things along? My savings are almost completely wiped out at this point and I'm starting to panic...
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Mia Alvarez
I hate to say it, but my appeal took almost 4 months to get scheduled. PA's appeal system is completely backlogged right now. Make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims during this wait period - if you win your appeal, they'll pay all those weeks retroactively. Also, double-check that they have your correct mailing address because sometimes they only send hearing notices through postal mail, not electronically.
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Zachary Hughes
•4 MONTHS??? That's insane! I am filing my weekly claims but it feels pointless since everything just says $0. Did you eventually win your appeal? And yes, I've triple checked my address is correct in the system.
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Carter Holmes
same boat here waiting since mid-january for my hearing date still nothing they dont care about us at all
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Sophia Long
•The system is totally broken! I waited 3.5 months for my appeal hearing, then they CANCELED it the day before because the examiner "wasn't available" and rescheduled for ANOTHER month later. Meanwhile my landlord doesn't care about UC delays and still expects rent on time!!
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Angelica Smith
The current average wait time for PA UC appeals is approximately 11-16 weeks, though some are taking longer due to the volume of cases. Here are some important things to understand: 1. Continue filing your weekly claims even while appealing 2. The referee's office (not the regular UC service center) handles appeals 3. Appeal hearings are being scheduled based on the date received 4. You should receive a hearing notice 7-10 days before your scheduled date 5. Most hearings are still being conducted by phone rather than in-person While waiting, gather all your supporting documentation including pay stubs, separation letters, communications with your employer, and any medical documentation if relevant to your case. Being organized with this information will help significantly during your hearing.
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Zachary Hughes
•Thank you for this detailed info. It's frustrating that there's nothing I can do to speed things up, but at least now I know what to expect. I've been collecting everything related to my separation - emails, performance reviews, etc. Hoping that will help my case when it finally gets heard.
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Logan Greenburg
Hang in there! Got denied initially too but won my appeal after waiting forever. Just make sure u have all ur docs ready for when they finally call!
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Charlotte Jones
After weeks of getting nowhere with the appeals office, I finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual UC representative. They connected me to a real person at PA UC within about 25 minutes when I had been trying for literally weeks on my own. The agent confirmed my appeal was in the system and gave me an estimated timeframe. They have a video demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 They can't speed up the appeal process itself, but at least I got confirmation everything was properly filed and I wasn't missing any paperwork. Gave me some peace of mind instead of being completely in the dark.
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Carter Holmes
•does that service really work? seems sketchy to me but im desperate at this point
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Lucas Bey
I had my appeal back in november and let me tell you something the system is RIGGED!!! The referee wouldn't even let me finish explaining my side and kept interrupting me. Then 2 weeks later I got a letter saying I was denied AGAIN!!! Now I'm on my second appeal to the board which has been "pending" for 5 months!!! This whole system is designed to wear you down until you give up!!!
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Angelica Smith
•I understand your frustration, but I want to clarify a few things about the appeals process. The first appeal is with a Referee who conducts a hearing. If you're dissatisfied with their decision, the second appeal goes to the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review (UCBR), which typically takes 3-6 months to review. If denied at that level, the third step would be appealing to the Commonwealth Court within 30 days of the UCBR decision. One tip for hearings: it helps to prepare a concise timeline of events and focus specifically on the reason for separation. Referees are handling many cases and appreciate when claimants stay focused on the legal eligibility factors rather than broader workplace issues.
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Zachary Hughes
Update: Just got my hearing notice in the mail today!! Scheduled for June 12th (next Thursday). That's almost exactly 18 weeks after I filed my appeal. Ridiculous wait time but at least it's finally happening. Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about having documentation ready. I've organized everything chronologically and have bullet points ready for my main arguments. Will update after the hearing!
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Mia Alvarez
•Great news! Quick advice for your hearing: 1) Be ready 15 minutes early, 2) Have all your documents in front of you, 3) Take notes during the hearing, 4) Answer questions directly without going off-topic, 5) If your employer doesn't show up, that usually works in your favor. Good luck!
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Angelica Smith
•Addressing the referee as "Sir" or "Ma'am" is appropriate - no need for "Your Honor." And yes, absolutely bring up the discrepancy between the reason your employer gave you versus what they told UC. That inconsistency often weighs heavily in favor of the claimant. Make sure you have any documentation that supports what you were actually told when separated.
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Harper Thompson
my cousin waited 5 months for her appeal and still got denied anyway. the whole thing is just a way for them to avoid paying us what we deserve. good luck but dont get your hopes up
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Mia Alvarez
•That's not entirely accurate. While the system is frustratingly slow, appeals statistics show that approximately 30-40% of initial denials are overturned on appeal. The outcome really depends on the specific circumstances of separation and how well you can document your case.
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Zachary Hughes
FINAL UPDATE: Had my hearing this morning and I WON MY APPEAL!!! The referee immediately ruled in my favor when my former employer couldn't explain why they gave different reasons for my termination. Now they're saying it will take 2-3 weeks for payments to start processing, but at least I'll be getting all the back payments from October! Thanks everyone for your help and support during this incredibly stressful time. For anyone else going through appeals - document EVERYTHING and don't give up!
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Logan Greenburg
•Congrats!!! So happy for u! 🎉
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Mia Alvarez
•Great news! Just be aware that the back payments might come in separate chunks rather than all at once. Also, your former employer still has 15 days to appeal this decision to the Board of Review, though it sounds like they don't have a strong case. Congratulations!
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