PA UC benefit funds almost exhausted - Do I need to file new claim before year ends?

same boat last year!! when ur balance hits zero thats it until benefit year ends, then u gotta file new claim

This is a common concern for many claimants. When your balance reaches zero, you've exhausted your regular UC benefits for this benefit year. Unfortunately, there are currently no federal extensions available like there were during the pandemic. You'll need to wait until your current benefit year ends before filing a new claim. The system won't let you file a new claim until after your benefit year end date. In the meantime, consider applying for other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or LIHEAP (heating assistance) if eligible. Also, PA CareerLink offers free job search assistance that might help with your job search.

wait hold up - is ur benefit YEAR ending or just ur FUNDS? these r 2 totally diff things!! my brother thought same thing but was soooo confused

I just went through this EXACT scenario back in November!!! So frustrating!!! They don't tell you ANY of this when you start claiming! I had like $1500 left and it ran out WAY before my benefit year ended. I called and called and CALLED and couldn't get through to anyone to explain my options. Just busy signals for DAYS!!!

To directly answer your question: No, you cannot file a new UC claim until your current benefit year ends, even if your funds are exhausted. This is a common situation that many claimants face. Here's what you should know: 1. Once your balance reaches $0, your weekly payments will stop 2. You must continue to file your weekly certifications even with $0 balance to maintain your claim status 3. After your benefit year officially ends (the full 12 months), you can file a new claim if you meet the eligibility requirements 4. The eligibility for a new claim requires you to have earned qualifying wages during your base period, which would include the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters If you haven't worked since starting your current claim, you may not have enough qualifying wages for a new claim when your benefit year ends. I would recommend speaking with a PA UC representative to understand your specific situation and explore all available options.

You should continue weekly certifications even with a $0 balance for several important reasons: 1. It maintains your claim in active status 2. It fulfills the legal requirement to be seeking work 3. It creates an official record of your continued eligibility 4. IF any additional funds or programs become available, you'd be automatically considered without gaps 5. It provides documentation of your ongoing unemployment situation for other assistance programs Skipping certifications, even when not receiving payments, can create complications if your situation changes or if you need to file a new claim later.

I'm in healthcare and got laid off last spring, had same issue. After my benefits ran out I picked up some part-time gig work through an app just to make ends meet until my benefit year ended. Not ideal but better than nothing! When my benefit year finally ended I had enough qualifying wages from that part-time work to open a new claim (smaller than my first one but still helped).

I did food delivery mostly! Flexible hours so I could still go to interviews. Also did some online survey stuff but that barely paid anything. The delivery apps were decent though - could work whenever I wanted and cash out same day when I really needed it.

One thing to consider is that PA has different requirements now for establishing a new benefit year compared to during the pandemic. You'll need to have earned at least 6x your weekly benefit rate in covered employment since the beginning of your previous benefit year. So if your weekly benefit amount is $300, you'd need to have earned at least $1,800 in W-2 wages since your current benefit year began in order to qualify for a new claim. Without that, you might get denied when you apply for a new benefit year even after waiting the full 12 months. That's why many people try to find even part-time work during their benefit year.

You're right to be concerned. Only W-2 wages from an employer who pays into the UC system count toward the 6x rule. Self-employment income doesn't qualify for regular UC purposes. This is why finding even temporary W-2 employment can be important while on unemployment. If you can't qualify for a new regular UC claim when your benefit year ends, you may need to explore other assistance programs. PA 211 is a good resource that can connect you with various support services in your area.

To give you some hope, the job market in PA has actually improved in several sectors since last year. What field are you looking in? Sometimes a slight pivot in your job search strategy can make a difference. PA CareerLink offers free resume reviews and interview coaching that might help. They can also connect you with employers who are actively hiring.

Just to clarify one important point - make sure you're completing the required work search activities each week (applying to jobs, attending interviews, career fairs, etc.) and documenting them. Even during the period when your balance is $0 but your benefit year is still active, you need to maintain these activities if you plan to file a new claim later. The UC office sometimes conducts audits of work search activities even months after the fact.