PA UC benefit extension after regular 26 weeks expire? Struggling to find jobs without degree

Unfortunately, the extended benefits programs that were available during COVID (like PEUC and EB) have ended. Pennsylvania currently doesn't offer any automatic extensions once you exhaust your regular 26 weeks of UC benefits. Your options at this point are limited to: 1. Continue your job search but maybe expand to different industries 2. Look into PA CareerLink services for job placement assistance 3. Check if you might qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP or LIHEAP If you've worked any jobs during your benefit year that you haven't claimed UC for, you might be able to establish a new claim after your current one expires, but that depends on if you've earned enough qualifying wages.

look into trade schools maybe? i was in ur exact situation in 2023, ended up getting a 6 month certification in medical coding and now make decent $. some programs even give u $ while ur in training.

While regular extensions aren't available anymore, you should check if you qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). It's for people who lost jobs due to foreign competition. Also, sometimes PA activates a separate Extended Benefits program during periods of high unemployment, but it's not currently active. Another option - if you worked any other jobs during your benefit year that weren't part of your original UC claim calculation, you might be able to file a new claim based on those wages after your current benefit year ends.

I feel your pain! The whole system is designed to fail us who don't have fancy degrees. When my benefits ran out last month, I couldn't get ANYONE on the phone at PA UC to answer questions. I kept getting busy signals for DAYS. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in like 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent confirmed no extensions exist right now but gave me info on other assistance programs I qualified for. Might be worth checking if you need specific answers about your situation.

have you tried amazon warehouses? they hire anybody with a pulse and the pay isnt terrible. no degree needed and they have benefits. just saying its better than nothing until u find something better

This is EXACTLY why I've been saying we need to extend unemployment benefits permanently!!! The system is BROKEN and designed to throw people into poverty after 26 weeks! And don't get me started on the ridiculous job search requirements they make us do when there ARE NO JOBS that pay living wages without degrees!!!

Have you considered remote work? I was in a similar situation last year (no degree, UC running out). I found an entry-level customer service job that's fully remote with a healthcare company. Pay isn't amazing but it's steady and has growth potential. Sites like FlexJobs and Remote.co have legitimate listings that often don't require degrees, just decent computer skills. Worth checking out!

One thing to note - if you do find employment but it's part-time or lower-paying than your previous job, you might qualify for Partial UC benefits. Many people don't realize you can still receive some UC while working part-time, as long as you report your earnings accurately. This could help bridge the gap while you continue looking for something better.