PA UC appeal system not working online - anyone else stuck?
I've been trying to file an appeal for my PA unemployment claim for the last 3 days and the online system keeps crashing! Every time I get to the page where I upload my supporting documents, it freezes and kicks me back to the login screen. I called the UC service center about 27 times today but can't get through to anyone. Is this happening to anyone else? My appeal deadline is next Friday and I'm getting really worried I'll miss it. Has anyone successfully filed an appeal online recently? Is there another way to submit it besides the website?
17 comments
Zainab Mahmoud
same thing happened to me last week, try using Chrome instead of Safari or edge. that worked for me after like 5 tries
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Carlos Mendoza
•Thanks, I'll try Chrome. Did your documents actually save when it finally worked? I'm worried even if I get through, the system might not save everything properly.
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Ava Williams
The online appeal system has been having issues since they upgraded in January. Here's what you should do: 1. Try a different browser as mentioned above 2. Clear your cache and cookies before attempting 3. Make sure all your documents are PDFs under 4MB each 4. If the system still fails, you can submit your appeal by fax to 717-772-0378 or mail to the address on your determination letter Most importantly, DOCUMENT everything. Take screenshots of the errors, note the dates/times you tried to submit, and save copies of all your documents. If you end up having to file late, you'll need to show it wasn't your fault. Also, the appeal deadline is based on the postmark date if you mail it, so that's a reliable backup option.
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Carlos Mendoza
•Thank you so much for this detailed help! I didn't know about the fax option. I'll try Chrome first, but it's good to know I have backup options. Do you know if they send any kind of confirmation if I fax or mail it?
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Raj Gupta
omg i had the EXACT same issue!!!! so frustrating!!! I ended up going to the CareerLink office and they let me use their computer to file the appeal and it worked there. Maybe something with the home internet? idk but worth a try
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Lena Müller
•This is actually good advice. The PA CareerLink computers often have direct connections to the UC systems that work more reliably. Some offices even have staff who can help with filing appeals.
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TechNinja
After spending TWO WEEKS trying to submit my appeal online and calling 50+ times, I finally used Claimyr to get through to a real person at UC. It's this service that connects you with an agent without waiting on hold for hours. I found their demo video super helpful: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent confirmed they're having system issues with the appeal portal and took my appeal over the phone. They gave me a confirmation number so I had proof I appealed before the deadline. Totally worth it to finally get some answers instead of fighting with that broken website. Check out claimyr.com if you're still stuck.
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Keisha Thompson
•is this a real thing? sounds sketchy tbh
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TechNinja
•It's legit. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after not being able to reach anyone for two weeks. They just help you skip the phone queue. The UC agent I spoke with was definitely a real PA unemployment person who had access to my claim and everything.
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Paolo Bianchi
The whole PA unemployment system is GARBAGE. They don't care if their website works or not because it just means fewer people can file appeals and they save money. I bet they designed it to crash on purpose!!! I had to drive 45 minutes to the nearest UC office and file my appeal in person because nothing else worked. Such BS.
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Zainab Mahmoud
•wait you can file appeals in person??? where? i thought all the UC offices were closed to the public after covid
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Paolo Bianchi
•There's a UC service center in Allentown that takes walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Limited hours tho. Had to wait 3 hours but at least I got it done.
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Lena Müller
Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: 1. While the online appeal system is having issues, you absolutely CAN submit appeals by mail or fax and they're completely valid. 2. The UC service centers are NOT open for walk-ins - the commenter might be confusing CareerLink offices (which can help with some issues) with actual UC service centers. 3. If you submit by mail, keep proof of mailing (certified mail receipt is best) and send it with enough time to be postmarked by your deadline. 4. If you miss your appeal deadline due to system issues, you can still appeal and request a good cause extension explaining the technical issues prevented timely filing. If you're still having trouble, you can also email uchelp@pa.gov with "APPEAL SUBMISSION ISSUE" in the subject line. Include your name, last 4 of SSN, and determination ID you're appealing. They sometimes respond within 2-3 business days.
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Carlos Mendoza
•This is super helpful, thank you! I'll try the online system once more with the browser suggestions, but I'll mail a paper copy tomorrow as backup. Better safe than sorry with that deadline coming up.
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Zainab Mahmoud
i had this exact problem when i tried to appeal my overpayment notice last month! ended up faxing it from a UPS store and it went through fine. got my appeal hearing date in the mail about 10 days later
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Ava Williams
One more thing to try - the PA UC website works better during off-hours. Try submitting your appeal online between 7-8am or after 8pm when fewer people are using the system. That's when I've had the most success with uploads working properly.
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Carlos Mendoza
•That's a great tip, thanks! I'll try early tomorrow morning. I appreciate everyone's help with this!
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