PA UC benefits during unpaid training period - can I claim while doing mandatory exams?

Yes, you can continue claiming during unpaid training if it's mandatory for the job but you're not getting paid. PA UC considers you still unemployed until you start receiving wages. Just make sure to report the training accurately on your weekly certification - there's a question about whether you attended school or training. Answer yes and explain it's unpaid mandatory training for upcoming employment. The key is you're not earning wages yet.

Idk for sure but my cousin had something similar for nursing and she kept claiming until she got her first paycheck. just answer the weekly questions honestly

When I got hired at my security job last year, I had to do a week of unpaid training and certification. I called PA UC to ask about this exact situation and the rep told me that you should report that you have received a job offer but explain that you are in an unpaid training period. They will evaluate your specific situation. DON'T just keep claiming without reporting the change in status - that could lead to an overpayment issue later!!!

I had to deal with this exact situation when I started my real estate career in 2023. Here's what I learned: 1. Report the job offer on your weekly claim 2. Clearly indicate it involves unpaid training/licensing period 3. Continue filing weekly claims until you actually start paid work PA UC rules state that you're still eligible during UNPAID training periods because you're not earning wages. However, once you start earning any money (even if it's just commission-based or training stipends), you need to report those earnings. Be 100% honest on your weekly certifications - there's specific questions about training programs. This is actually a common situation and UC has procedures for it.

Have you tried calling the PA UC helpline to ask about this? I know it can be frustrating to get through, but I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person at UC. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 This is exactly the kind of specific question where you need an official answer from UC directly, not just advice from people on forums. When I was in a weird situation with my partial employment, getting a definitive answer from UC saved me from potentially having to repay benefits later.

The official PA UC policy on this is clear. Unpaid training for a prospective job is NOT considered employment. You must report the job offer but specify that you're in an unpaid training/exam period. As long as you're meeting all other eligibility requirements (able/available for work, completing work search activities), you remain eligible. Be aware that once you start the actual paid position, you must report it immediately, even if your first paycheck comes later. The question isn't about PAYMENT but about EMPLOYMENT STATUS. Pro tip: Keep detailed records of your training schedule and when the official employment begins. If there's ever an audit, you'll need this documentation.

Wait I'm confused do I need to keep doing the work search requirements during unpaid training??? I thought once you secure a job you don't have to do that anymore?

the whole UC system is broken anyway. my claim has been on hold for 2 months with no explanation. good luck getting a straight answer from them lol

One more important point: if your unpaid training takes more than 4 weeks, you may need to apply for Training Benefits (TRA) instead of regular UC. TRA is specifically designed for longer training programs that prepare you for a job. However, since yours sounds like it's just a few weeks, regular UC should cover you as long as you're properly reporting everything.

I went through something very similar when I started my insurance career in PA back in 2022. The key thing to remember is that during the unpaid training/exam period, you're not technically employed yet - you're in a conditional job offer situation. Here's what worked for me: - Report the job offer on your weekly claim but clearly state it's contingent on completing unpaid training/licensing - Continue filing weekly claims during the training period - Answer all questions honestly - when asked about training, specify it's unpaid and mandatory for future employment - Keep detailed records of your training schedule and exam dates The important distinction is that you haven't started "work" yet - you're preparing to work. Once you pass your licensing exam and officially start your first day of paid employment, THAT'S when you stop claiming benefits, even if your first paycheck comes later. I was able to claim for the full 3 weeks of my training period without any issues. Just be completely transparent on your weekly certifications and you should be fine. Good luck with your licensing exam!

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who went through this exact situation last year with a different type of licensing job. I was in limbo for about 4 weeks doing unpaid training and certification for a financial advisor position. The most important thing is documentation - I kept a daily log of my training activities, hours, and progress toward licensing. When I had to explain my situation during a later phone interview with UC (unrelated issue), having those detailed records made everything much clearer. Also, don't stress too much about the "job offer" question. The UC system is actually designed to handle these transitional situations. As long as you're honest about being in unpaid training that's required before employment officially begins, you're following the rules correctly. One practical tip: when you do start getting paid, make sure you understand exactly when your employment officially begins versus when you receive your first paycheck. For my job, I officially started work on a Monday but didn't get paid until the following Friday. I stopped claiming benefits starting that Monday, not when I got the paycheck. You've got this! The fact that you're asking these questions shows you're being responsible about following the process correctly.