PA UC benefit weeks ending but maximum benefit amount not exhausted - can I reapply mid-year?

no way to get the rest of the $$$... once ur 26 weeks are up ur DONE even if theres money left in ur account. i learned this the hard way last year. they dont care that YOU paid into the system, once ur time is up the money just sits there and u cant touch it. the system is rigged!!!

Hi there. The previous commenter is partially correct but let me clarify how the PA UC system actually works. The 26-week maximum and your maximum benefit amount (MBA) are two separate limitations, and whichever you hit first is what ends your regular UC benefits. Unfortunately, there's no way to access the remaining balance after hitting your week limit. However, you might have options: 1. If you've had qualifying work since starting your current benefit year, you could potentially qualify for a new claim after your current eligibility ends, but you'd need to have earned enough in wages during that period. 2. Check if you qualify for any extension programs that might be currently active (though most of the pandemic extensions have ended). 3. Consider Pennsylvania's Training Benefits (TRA) if you're interested in retraining for a high-demand field. Your best bet is to speak directly with a UC representative about your specific situation.

This happened to me too!! Its so annyoing that they show you the money but wont let you have it. I tried everything to get it but they said no no no. My friend said since you worked some during your benefit year you might be able to reapply? But idk if thats true.

I've been trying to reach the PA UC office for THREE DAYS about a similar issue and just keep getting busy signals or disconnected. If anyone needs to actually speak to a representative without the endless busy signals, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me finally get through. They have this automated system that keeps dialing until it gets through, then calls you when it connects. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 I was skeptical but it actually worked and I got my questions answered within an hour instead of days of trying.

When I hit my 26 weeks, I called and begged them to let me get the remaining balance and they said absolutely not. The PA system is designed to either hit the money limit OR the time limit, whichever comes first. It's actually part of how the state budgets for unemployment - they know a certain percentage of people won't use their full benefit amount because they'll hit the week limit first. You're just out of luck on this, unfortunately. Focus on intensifying your job search before benefits end completely.

Thanks everyone for your help! I finally got through to someone at the UC office (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it actually worked!). The rep confirmed what most of you said - once I hit 26 weeks, that's it for this benefit year regardless of remaining balance. However, she did say that since I worked for those 6 weeks during my current benefit year, I can file a new application after my benefits end next week. Whether I qualify will depend on if I earned enough during those 6 weeks (about 6x my weekly benefit rate across at least 6 credit weeks). She ran some preliminary numbers and thinks I might just barely qualify, but she said I need to wait until after my current benefits officially exhaust before applying. So fingers crossed that works out! I have an interview next week too, so hopefully something comes through. Thanks again for all your help and advice!

Wow, this is exactly the situation I'm worried about facing in a few months! I'm currently on week 18 of my benefits and still have about $3,200 left in my maximum benefit amount. It's so frustrating to think that money might just disappear if I can't find work in the next 8 weeks. @CosmicCrusader - really glad you were able to get through to someone and that you might qualify for a new claim! That gives me some hope. I've been doing some freelance work here and there during my benefit year, so maybe I'll be in a similar boat. Has anyone else here successfully filed a new claim after exhausting their weeks but not their dollar amount? I'd love to hear about your experience with the process and what documentation they needed.