PA UC application timing for mass layoff on May 26 - When can I start filing?
Just found out our whole facility is closing down on May 26 and all of us are getting laid off (about 180 workers). Manager handed out the WARN notices yesterday. This is my first time facing unemployment and I'm not sure when I should actually start the application process. Can I apply before my last day or do I need to wait until after May 26? I'd like to get everything set up so there's no gap in income if possible. Also, does anyone know if mass layoffs are processed differently by PA UC? Thanks for any advice.
20 comments
Join the conversation
Freya Christensen
Sorry to hear about ur job! I got laid off last year and you CAN'T apply until after your last day of work. If u try before, they'll make u reapply anyway. Wait til May 27 and then do it. The system asks for your last day worked.
0 coins
Ravi Malhotra
•Thanks for the quick response. So there's no way to get things set up ahead of time? I was hoping to avoid any delay in benefits.
0 coins
Omar Farouk
Actually, while you can't file your initial claim until after your last day worked, you CAN create your account on the PA UC website before your last day. I recommend setting up your account on the PA UC portal a week before your layoff date so you're familiar with the system. Then file your actual claim the day after your last day worked (May 27). With mass layoffs, your employer should provide a separation packet with information about filing for UC. Ask HR if they're planning to submit a mass layoff notice to the state, as this can sometimes help streamline the process.
0 coins
Ravi Malhotra
•This is super helpful, thank you! I'll ask HR tomorrow about the separation packet. I didn't know I could at least create the account early.
0 coins
Chloe Davis
Got laid off last winter and waited 2 days to file and that was a mistake!!! File THE DAY AFTER your last day. Not 2 days, not a week. The very next day. They backdate to your application date not your layoff date!
0 coins
AstroAlpha
•This is partially correct but needs clarification. When you file for PA UC, you'll indicate your last day worked, and your claim will be effective the Sunday of the week you file. You won't lose benefits if you file within the same week as your last day, but waiting until the following week could delay your claim's effective date by a week. So while filing the very next day is good advice, filing anytime during that same week is fine too.
0 coins
Diego Chavez
With a mass layoff like that, you might run into trouble reaching someone at UC if you have questions or issues with your claim. The system gets overwhelmed when lots of people from the same company file at once. When my factory closed in January, I couldn't get through to anyone for THREE WEEKS. I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a UC rep in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. Saved me a ton of headaches: claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2
0 coins
Anastasia Smirnova
•is that service legit? sounds too good to be true tbh
0 coins
Diego Chavez
•It worked for me! I was skeptical too but after trying to call the UC office for days with no luck I was desperate. Got through to someone who fixed my claim issue right away.
0 coins
Sean O'Brien
THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO FILE PART OF IT FOR YOU!!! If its a true WARN Act closure (over 100 employees) your employer MUST submit info to the state. They should be giving you special forms. My company closed in 2025 and they had workshops to help everyone file. Ask your HR!!!!!
0 coins
Omar Farouk
•This is correct about the WARN notice, but it doesn't mean the employees don't need to file their own claims. The employer submits information to the state about the mass layoff, but each employee still needs to submit their individual UC application. The OP mentioned they received WARN notices, so it sounds like the company is following the legal requirements. Sometimes the state will set up rapid response services for large layoffs, which might include unemployment filing assistance.
0 coins
Freya Christensen
Oh and make sure u have all ur pay stubs from the last 18 months ready when u file! They need ur quarterly wages to calculate ur benefit amount. And u need ID to verify ur identity with ID.me - that part was confusing for me.
0 coins
Ravi Malhotra
•Good to know about the ID.me verification. I've heard that can be a headache. Did you need to upload your pay stubs or just enter the amounts?
0 coins
Freya Christensen
•Just entered the amounts but if they audit u later u might need them. The ID.me thing took me like 3 tries to get right, its annoying but required
0 coins
AstroAlpha
To summarize the correct information for PA UC with a mass layoff: 1. You can create your account on the PA UC system before your last day, but cannot actually file your claim until after your last day worked. 2. File your claim during the same week as your last day of work to avoid potential benefit delays. Claims are effective the Sunday of the week you file. 3. You'll need your employment information for the last 18 months, including employer names, addresses, and quarterly wages. 4. Prepare for the ID.me identity verification, which requires uploading identification documents. 5. After filing, you'll receive a financial determination in 2-3 weeks showing your weekly benefit amount (WBA). 6. You must begin completing weekly certifications as soon as you file, even if your claim isn't approved yet. 7. Be prepared for the work search requirements - you'll need to complete and document at least two work search activities per week. With a WARN Act closure, your employer should be coordinating with PA's Rapid Response services, which might offer additional guidance specific to your situation.
0 coins
Ravi Malhotra
•Thank you for such a thorough response! This is exactly what I needed to know. I didn't realize I'd need to start weekly certifications right away or that there were work search requirements from the beginning. I'll make sure to have all my employment information ready too.
0 coins
Chloe Davis
my cousin works at a place that closed and they all got denied cause the employer said they were fired not laid off even tho the whole place shut down!!! make SURE they put the right reason for separation or you'll have to appeal
0 coins
AstroAlpha
•This is an important point. When you file, make sure your separation reason is correctly listed as "Lack of Work" or "Layoff" rather than termination. If your employer contests this or provides incorrect information, you may need to appeal, which can delay benefits. The good news is that with a documented WARN Act closure, it's fairly straightforward to prove it was a layoff if you need to appeal.
0 coins
Freya Christensen
oh yeah and get ready for the waiting week! your first week u don't get paid!! that really sucked for me cause I didn't know
0 coins
Omar Farouk
•Pennsylvania actually eliminated the waiting week requirement permanently after the pandemic. There's no longer a waiting week in PA - you can receive benefits for your first week of unemployment if you're eligible. This change was made permanent in state law.
0 coins