PA UC approval waiting times when 'employer verification pending' - how long for everyone?

took me about 3 weeks total, employer dragged their feet responding

My approval took 5 WEEKS!! The employer verification part is the WORST because you have zero control over it. PA UC system is completely broken and they don't care at all about people waiting for money they EARNED and DESERVE!! I had to borrow money from family just to pay rent while waiting.

The employer has 7 calendar days to respond once PA UC sends them the request for information. If they don't respond within that timeframe, UC is supposed to make a determination based on the information available to them. However, in practice, this often takes longer due to backlog issues. In my experience helping claimants navigate this process, most employer verification cases are resolved within 2-4 weeks, though some can take up to 6 weeks in rare cases. Make sure you're still filing your weekly certifications during this waiting period. If your claim is ultimately approved, you'll receive back payments for all properly filed weeks.

I was in the exact same situation last month and was pulling my hair out trying to get through to someone at PA UC. I started using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a total game-changer for reaching an actual human at unemployment. Their system calls for you and holds your place in line, then calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial frustration. They have a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 When I finally got through, I learned my employer had actually responded already but my claim was stuck in a queue waiting for a examiner review. The agent was able to flag it for priority review and I got approved 4 days later. Sometimes just talking to the right person makes all the difference.

In my experience working with many PA UC claimants, the timeline varies significantly depending on several factors: 1. How quickly your employer responds 2. Whether there are any discrepancies between your information and employer's information 3. Current backlog of claims (which fluctuates throughout the year) 4. Whether your claim has any other issues requiring investigation The official timeframe is 2-3 weeks, but in 2025 we're seeing average wait times of 3-5 weeks for claims with employer verification pending. Continue filing your weekly certifications without fail. Also document all your job search activities carefully - you need 2 per week at minimum (PA requires weekly work search activities). If you're in financial hardship while waiting, consider applying for emergency assistance through your county assistance office or local community action agency.

mine took 31 days exactly from initial filing to approval. my employer contested it initially then withdrew their objection. keep doing ur weekly claims!!! when they finally approve it youll get all the back payments at once

i waited almost 7 weeks last fall, was nightmare. ended up having to move back with parents temporarily. system is broken

One thing worth mentioning is that employer verification issues can sometimes be expedited if you're experiencing severe financial hardship. If you're facing potential eviction, utility shutoff, or inability to afford medications, make sure to mention this when you speak with a UC representative. In certain cases, they can flag your claim for priority processing. Also, while waiting, be sure you understand the job search requirements fully. You must complete at least two work search activities each week and be able to document them if asked. This includes applying for positions, attending job fairs, creating profiles on job search websites, etc. Failing to meet these requirements could affect your eligibility even after the employer verification issue is resolved.

I'm on week 4 waiting for a decision. Every time I call they just say "it's still pending" and can't tell me anything more. My landlord is getting impatient and I don't know what to tell him. Has anyone had any luck getting an advance payment or partial payment while waiting?

I'm currently on day 12 of waiting for employer verification and this thread is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time. It's helpful to know I'm not alone in this situation, but seeing people wait 5-7 weeks is making me panic. I've been calling every day but can never get through - the system just hangs up on me after being on hold for 2+ hours. Has anyone tried reaching out to their state representative for help? I've heard mixed things about whether that actually works or just adds more bureaucracy to the process. At this point I'm willing to try anything because I can't afford to wait another month for a decision. Also keeping detailed records of everything and filing weekly certifications religiously, so hopefully that will help when they finally get to my case.

I'm in the exact same boat - filed 18 days ago and still waiting on employer verification. The uncertainty is the worst part because you can't plan anything or know if you should be applying for emergency assistance. Reading everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful though, even if the timelines are all over the place. One thing I've been doing is keeping a detailed log of every time I call, who I speak with (if anyone), and what they tell me. I figure if this drags on much longer, having that documentation might be useful if I need to escalate or get my state rep involved. @Dylan Baskin - I'm definitely going to try the state rep route based on what Louisa said. At this point what do we have to lose? The regular UC phone system is clearly not working for any of us. Stay strong everyone, we'll get through this mess eventually!