PA UC benefit year ending after 26 weeks - How do extensions work in 2025?

Unfortunately, there aren't any automatic extensions available right now in Pennsylvania. The pandemic-era extensions (PEUC, EB, etc.) all ended back in 2021. Once you exhaust your 26 weeks, that's it until your benefit year ends and you have enough new work history to qualify again. Your only options would be: 1. Continue job searching (obviously) 2. Check if you qualify for any other assistance programs like SNAP benefits 3. If you have any partial work, make sure you're reporting it correctly as that can sometimes extend how long your benefits last 4. Wait until your benefit year ends, then if you've had some work during this period, you might qualify for a new claim (but you need enough earnings in your base period) Sorry I don't have better news!

i think theres something called TRA but only if ur job went overseas or something. my cousin got it when his factory closed

THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! They cut all the extensions after covid but inflation is STILL high and jobs are paying garbage wages. I ran out of benefits last month and can't pay rent. Called UC office 57 TIMES and never got through. They don't care about regular people AT ALL!!!!

Have you tried reaching out directly to PA CareerLink? When my benefits were ending, my CareerLink counselor helped me find some short-term training programs that were free and led to a certification. That might help you get an edge in healthcare admin. Also, double check that you're receiving the max benefit amount you're entitled to - sometimes they calculate wrong and you can appeal.

When I had trouble getting answers about my extension options last year, I used Claimyr to get through to an actual person at UC. Was on hold for under 10 minutes instead of calling for days. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 that shows how it works. The agent confirmed exactly what others are saying - no extensions currently available unless your job loss qualifies for something special like TRA. But at least I got a definitive answer from an actual UC rep instead of wondering.

i ran out of benifits too its the worst. check if u can get partiall benefits if u find part time work. thats what im doing now. if u earn less then ur weekly benefit rate u can still get some money but its less obviusly. keeps me afloat till i find something full time

To answer your follow-up question - yes, it still counts as using a full week of eligibility even if you receive partial benefits. However, your benefit payment is reduced based on your earnings, which means you're still getting some support while working part-time. After your benefit year ends (the full 12 months from when you first applied), you can apply for a new claim IF you have enough qualifying wages in your new base period. You need to have worked and earned enough during your benefit year to qualify again. If you find temporary work that doesn't last, you may be able to reopen your existing claim if you're still within the same benefit year and haven't used all 26 weeks. If you've used all 26 weeks already, then yes, you'd need to wait until your benefit year ends before potentially qualifying for a new claim.

I went through this same exact thing in January! The 26 weeks goes by so fast. I called PA UC to ask about extensions and the rep told me there's nothing available now, but to keep an eye on the PA UC website because sometimes they add emergency extensions if unemployment rates get really high. Hasn't happened yet though.

One more thing to consider - if you have any medical conditions that might qualify, you could look into disability benefits. Different program entirely, but worth mentioning if applicable. Also, definitely connect with your county assistance office to see what other safety net programs might be available. The PA COMPASS website lets you check eligibility for multiple programs at once.

Thanks everyone for the advice and information. Sounds like I need to: 1) Keep job searching aggressively, 2) Look into PA CareerLink for potential training, 3) Consider part-time work even if it's below my previous wage, 4) Check out other assistance programs like SNAP, and 5) Start preparing for what happens after the benefit year ends. Not the news I wanted but at least I understand the situation better now. This system really doesn't provide much of a safety net once you hit that 26-week mark.

If you decide to try Claimyr to reach a UC rep directly (like I mentioned above), do it sooner rather than later. I waited until my very last week of benefits before getting answers, and by then it was too late to explore some options. The rep I spoke with gave me specific info about my individual case that I couldn't find online. Worth the time saved from endless busy signals.