PA UC benefit year ending soon but still have balance - what happens next?

same thing happened to me. u DO need to file a new claim when ur benefit year ends even if u still have $$ left. its stupid but thats how PA UC works

When your benefit year ends, you MUST file a new application even if you have a balance remaining. This is PA law. Your remaining balance doesn't carry over - it essentially disappears. The system will evaluate if you've worked enough during your base period to qualify for a new claim. If you haven't worked since your last claim began, you likely won't qualify for a new claim. My advice: File the new application exactly on your benefit year end date (not before). Continue filing your weekly certifications during this transition to avoid issues. If approved, PA will establish a new benefit amount based on any work during your base period.

I went through this in January. You definitely need to file a new application when your benefit year ends. The remaining balance doesn't matter - it's basically forfeited. Here's what you need to understand: To qualify for a new claim, you need to have earned at least 6x your weekly benefit amount since filing your original claim. So if your weekly benefit was $400, you need at least $2,400 in earnings during your benefit year. If you haven't worked at all, you probably won't qualify for a new claim. Keep filing your weekly claims during the transition though, even if you're not sure you'll qualify. It keeps your claim active and if you are approved, they'll pay you retroactively for those weeks.

I work part-time but still claim partial benefits. Have the same issue coming up next month. I called 72 times yesterday and couldn't get through to ask questions. Then I found Claimyr.com which got me through to an agent in 25 minutes! They have this system that calls UC for you and gets in line, then calls you when an agent is about to pick up. Totally worth it. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent told me exactly what others are saying - you must file a new application, and you need to have worked enough during your benefit year to qualify again. The remaining balance just disappears.

my cousin had this happen last year and he said he was able to get the money extended i think its called TRA benifets or something but u have to ask for it they wont tell u about it

I managed to speak with someone at PA UC today! I finally got through after using that calling service someone mentioned. For anyone with the same question - yes, I need to file a new application at my benefit year end date. My remaining balance will be lost. The rep confirmed I need to have earned 6x my weekly benefit amount during my benefit year to qualify for a new claim. I did work for about 3 months last summer, so they said I might qualify but at a lower weekly amount. They also said to make sure I file the application on my actual end date (not before) and to keep submitting my weekly claims during the transition period. Thanks everyone for your help! This makes much more sense now, even if it's not the answer I was hoping for.

Glad you got through to someone! Just to add - make sure you're meeting your weekly work search requirements (apply to at least 2 jobs and do 1 work search activity). With a benefit year ending, they sometimes review your compliance more carefully. Good luck with your new application!