PA UC benefit extension question - Is DOL adding 13 weeks when unemployment rates are high?

The 13-week extension you're referring to is likely the Extended Benefits (EB) program. This only kicks in when Pennsylvania's unemployment rate hits specific thresholds set by federal law. As of right now in 2025, PA hasn't triggered the EB program because our unemployment rate hasn't been high enough for long enough. Regular UC benefits in PA are still capped at 26 weeks. Those pandemic-era extensions like PEUC ended years ago. You should start preparing for your benefits to end after your 26 weeks unless something changes with the state unemployment rate.

my cousin said they were bringing back those extra weeks but i think he might be confusing it with something from the pandemic time. the job center told me last week nothing extra is available rn

The Extended Benefits (EB) program requires PA's insured unemployment rate to be at least 5% AND 120% higher than the average of the corresponding period in the two previous years. Alternatively, it can trigger if the 3-month total unemployment rate exceeds 6.5% AND is 110% of the rate for the corresponding period in either of the previous two years. The last official EB period in PA ended back in 2021. Currently, PA hasn't met these thresholds. If EB does trigger on, the PA UC system would update their website, and you'd likely receive notification through your UC dashboard. However, I'd recommend checking the PA UC website periodically just to be sure. In the meantime, make sure you're fulfilling all your work search requirements (applying to at least 2 jobs per week) and documenting everything carefully.

I just went through this EXACT same situation!!! My benefits were about to run out last month and I was FREAKING OUT!! I called PA UC every day for a WEEK trying to ask about extensions and couldn't get through to ANYONE!!!! I kept getting busy signals or it would just disconnect me after waiting for 2 hours!!!! THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!

When I couldn't get through to PA UC about my extended benefits question last month, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They confirmed what others are saying - no EB program is active in PA right now. If you need to speak with someone directly about your specific situation, you might want to check out their service. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Saved me days of busy signals and disconnects.

ive been on unemployment 3 times over the past 10 years and every time theres different rules. during covid there was like 3 different extensions but now theres nothing. its so confusing how they keep changing everything. one time i thought i got approved for some extension but it was just regular benefits that i didnt use up yet lol

To directly answer your original question - no, the DOL is not currently extending benefits in Pennsylvania. The 13-week EB program exists as a possibility, but it's not active right now. For everyone on UC, it's always best to plan as if you'll only receive the standard 26 weeks. If extensions become available, the PA UC website will be updated, and you'll likely receive a notification in your dashboard. I'd recommend focusing on your job search and possibly considering career services through PA CareerLink. They offer free resume help, interview preparation, and sometimes even training programs that could help you transition to industries with more openings.

Wait so is this different from Trade Adjustment Assistance? My brother got some kind of extension but I think it was because his job went overseas? Anyone know if that's still available?

Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I guess I need to accept that the 26 weeks is all I'll get and plan accordingly. I'll focus more on my job search and maybe look into some training programs through CareerLink as suggested. Definitely disappointing, but at least now I know not to count on any extensions.

I'm in a similar situation and have been researching this extensively. Just wanted to add that even if Pennsylvania's unemployment rate does eventually trigger Extended Benefits, there's usually a waiting period before it takes effect. The state has to meet the threshold requirements for a certain number of consecutive weeks before EB kicks in. Also, if you're getting close to exhausting your benefits, make sure you're signed up for job alerts on multiple platforms - Indeed, LinkedIn, PA CareerLink, etc. I've found that casting a wider net has helped me get more interviews even in this tough market. The uncertainty about extensions makes it even more important to be aggressive with the job search. Good luck with everything - this whole process is stressful enough without having to worry about whether benefits will continue!

Just wanted to share my experience from when I went through this same situation about 8 months ago. I was in week 24 of my benefits and panicking about what would happen when they ran out. I spent hours researching extensions and calling the UC office (which was a nightmare). What I learned is that you really do need to plan for just the 26 weeks. I ended up having to take a temporary job that wasn't ideal, but it helped bridge the gap while I continued looking for something better in my field. It actually worked out because that temp job led to a permanent position that I'm happy with now. My advice would be to start applying for anything that could work as a bridge job - even if it's not perfect. Part-time work, temporary positions, gig work, whatever keeps some income coming in. You can always keep looking for your ideal job while you're working. The stress of potentially having no income made it much harder for me to interview well, so having some kind of backup plan really helped with my mental state during the job search.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - week 22 of benefits and starting to really worry about what happens next. Reading through everyone's responses has been really eye-opening, especially learning that the Extended Benefits program has such specific requirements that aren't currently being met in PA. I think I've been holding onto false hope about extensions based on what I remembered from the pandemic era. It's tough to accept that those 26 weeks are really it, but I'd rather plan realistically than be caught off guard. The suggestion about PA CareerLink services sounds promising - I hadn't realized they offered free resume help and training programs. I'm also going to take the advice about considering bridge jobs seriously. I've been so focused on finding something in my exact field that I might be limiting myself unnecessarily. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge. It's stressful not knowing what to expect, but at least now I can make informed decisions about my next steps.