PA UC benefit year ends in June but funds exhausted in January - what's the next step?

You're facing what's called 'benefit exhaustion' which is separate from your benefit year ending. When your benefits exhaust in January, you'll get a notice that says you've received the maximum amount for your benefit year. You should still continue to file your weekly claims during those months because: 1) It keeps your claim active, 2) If there are any extensions that become available, you'll already be in the system, and 3) It creates a documented record of your continuing unemployment. When June comes around, then you can file a new application for a new benefit year if you're still unemployed.

I went thru this EXACT thing last year!!! My benefit year was till September but my money ran out in April. I stopped filing weekly claims because I thought what's the point??? BIG MISTAKE!!!! When I finally refiled in September they questioned why I hadn't been filing and it caused a huge delay. DEF keep filing every week even with $0!!!

I know it seems counterintuitive to file claims when there's no money coming, but the system uses those continued claims to verify you're still unemployed. Just make sure you're still doing your work search activities and documenting them properly - those requirements don't stop just because your benefits are exhausted. You need to log your work search efforts in the system even during the $0 benefit period.

Yeah they approved it but took like 6 extra weeks cause I had to prove I was still looking for work during those months I wasn't filing!!! It was a huge headache and I nearly lost my apartment waiting. They backdated some payments but not all of them.

BTW if you absolutely need to speak to someone at UC about this situation but can't get through on the phone (which is likely), I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to a PA UC agent in under an hour. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 showing how it works. I was in your exact situation and needed clarification on what happens after benefit exhaustion - the agent was able to explain everything and note my account so there were no issues later. Much better than guessing or relying on potentially outdated info.

when i exhausted benefits in 2023 i didnt bother filing anymore, just focussed on job hunting. nobody told me i was supposed to keep filing! now i know lol

This reminds me of when I was on unemployment back in 2020-2021 during COVID, the whole system was different then with all those extensions and extra pandemic money. But I still had to file every single week no matter what. The system hasn't changed in that respect - always file your weekly claims! Sorry you're dealing with this stress, the gap between exhaustion and refiling is tough financially.

One more critical thing: when you do reach your benefit year end in June, you must file a completely new application - not just continue with weekly claims. The system might not prompt you clearly about this. Mark the date on your calendar and make sure to file a new initial claim the week after your benefit year officially ends.

You can file your new application the Sunday after your benefit year end date. Just be aware that eligibility for a new benefit year requires that you've had some work and earnings since the beginning of your previous benefit year. Without new work/earnings, you likely won't qualify for a new claim in June.

the whole system is designed to be confusing on purpose! they hope people mess up so they dont have to pay, smh