PA UC benefit year expired but still have weeks to claim - what to do about released lump sum?

yup this happens. your benefit year is only good for 12 months from when u first applied. doesnt matter if u didnt use all ur weeks. u gotta file a new claim now

The previous comment isn't completely accurate. When your benefit year expires, you do need to file a new application, but you may be eligible for what's called a "transitional claim" if you haven't used all your available credit weeks. Call the UC service center ASAP and explain your situation specifically mentioning you just received a lump sum payment and haven't been able to claim all eligible weeks due to delays. They can guide you through the correct process for your situation. I went through something similar last year when my claim was held up with an employer dispute. Had to file a new claim at my BYE date, but they were able to process it as a transitional claim that preserved my higher weekly benefit amount.

Whn my BYE date hit in February, I lost 9 WEEKS of benefits!!!! The system is DELIBERATELY confusing. They WANT us to miss deadlines and lose benefits. I filed an appeal but they denied it saying "benefit year expiration is set by law" blah blah blah. Fight for your money!!! Demand to speak to a supervisor when you call!!!

Since you've received a lump sum payment after a long delay, your situation is a bit unique. Here's what you need to do: 1. File a new UC application immediately (today if possible) 2. In the new application, make sure to note that you had a delayed initial payment and still have unclaimed weeks from your previous benefit year 3. Contact the UC service center to explain your situation - they can often create what's called a "transitional claim" as mentioned above 4. Document everything - payment dates, claim numbers, and representative names The key issue is that PA law strictly limits benefit years to 12 months regardless of payment delays. However, in cases where administrative delays caused the issue (not your fault), they sometimes have procedures to address it. By the way, if you're struggling to reach a representative, I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to PA UC when my claim had issues. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - saved me days of frustration with busy signals.

Make sure when you file the new claim, you list any work you did during your previous benefit year. That's really important for them to accurately determine your eligibility for a new claim or transitional benefits. Did you work at all during the past year while waiting for your benefits?

this happnd to my cousin and he lost all his weeks!!! the system is rigged man they make it impossible to get what ur owed. he called for 3 weeks straight and when he finally got someone they told him nothing they could do. total bs

Quick update for you - I checked the PA UC handbook and found the exact section about this. When your benefit year ends but you have remaining eligible weeks, you need to file what's called a "Renewal Application" (different from a regular new application). This preserves your original financial determination while starting a new benefit year. Look specifically for this option when you file.

ya thats normal u still gotta go thru all the same stuff but make sure u mention in the comments section about ur situation and that ur doing a renewal because of BYE but still have weeks left

I finally got my claim fixed after my BYE date! Took 2 weeks and like 100 calls but I got through. They backdated my new claim to my BYE date and I didn't lose any weeks! Don't give up!!!

i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned and it actually worked lol got through in like 20 min after trying for days on my own

UPDATE: I tried that Claimyr service and finally got through to someone at UC! The rep explained that I need to file a renewal claim (which I already did) AND they can backdate it so I don't lose my remaining weeks from the previous benefit year. They said my lump sum payment was for the weeks I had already filed before my BYE date, but I need to speak with a specialist about claiming my remaining weeks. They're supposed to call me back within 48 hours. Will update again when I hear something!

FINAL UPDATE: Got the call back and it's all sorted! They're processing my renewal claim and will allow me to file for all my remaining weeks from the previous benefit year. The specialist explained that because my payment delays were due to system issues on their end (the identity verification that took forever), I qualify for special handling. Just wanted to thank everyone for the help and advice - would have been completely lost without it!