PA UC can't verify my military income - stuck as monetarily ineligible for 13 weeks

You need to file form UCF-18/19, specifically for federal military service! I had the EXACT same issue after leaving the Coast Guard in 2023. The regular UC system can't process military wages correctly because they're considered federal wages, not state wages. Go to the PA UC website, download the UCF-18 Military Wages form, and the UCF-19 Statement of Service. Fill them out with your service information and submit them along with a copy of your DD-214 (make sure it's the Member-4 copy with your character of service). Once they have these forms, a special military claims examiner will review your case. It still might take 2-3 weeks, but it WILL get resolved. I went through this nightmare myself and eventually got backpay for all the weeks I was waiting. If you're struggling financially right now, check out Claimyr.com - they helped me actually get through to a live person at PA UC who specialized in military claims. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Worth every penny when you're desperate to get this fixed.

same thing hapened to me last year!!!! but I was navy not army. took forever to get my $$$. the issue is the federal system and state system dont talk to each other right. kinda makes me mad tho cause like u said our pay is PUBLIC knowledge lol. hang in there shipmate youll get it eventually

The problem is that PA UC uses a different system for processing federal wages than regular PA employment wages. Military income is reported through the Federal Wages program, and there's often a disconnect between these systems. I would recommend three things: 1. As someone mentioned, file forms UCF-18 and UCF-19 specifically for military service 2. Submit a copy of your LES statements from your last 18 months of service 3. Request an "Affidavit of Wages" hearing where you can testify under oath about your earnings Pursuant to PA UC code §65.63, federal military wages must be verified through the Federal Claims Control Center, not through the regular wage verification process. This is why your state rep wasn't helpful - it's a specialized area of unemployment law.

THE UC SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!!! I had the same problem but with federal civilian employment (USPS). Took TWENTY-TWO WEEKS to get my money and I nearly lost my house!!! The ONLY thing that worked was CALLING MY CONGRESSMANS OFFICE (not state rep). Federal employees and military have to go through extra hoops for NO GOOD REASON! The state reps are USELESS for federal employment issues - go straight to your US Congressperson's office and demand help!!!!!

have u tried going to the career link office in person? sometimes they can help w unemployment stuff too. my brother had a problem w his claim and the lady at the desk helped him call some special number

This is a common issue with UCX (Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers) claims. Here's what you need to know: 1. PA UC has to verify your military wages through the Federal Claims Center, not through the regular state system 2. By law, they use your DD-214 to determine your base period wages based on your rank and time in service 3. You need to make sure you've provided your DD-214 Member 4 copy (this has your character of discharge) 4. Check your "Monetary Determination" letter carefully - it should show $0 in regular PA wages but should have a section for Federal Military wages If you've already submitted your DD-214 multiple times and they're still having issues, ask specifically for a "Federal Claims Specialist" when you call. Regular UC reps often don't understand the military claims process. Also, make sure you weren't discharged under other than honorable conditions, as this would make you ineligible for UCX benefits entirely.

btw they backdated my payments when I finally got approved so you should get all the money they owe you for the weeks you waited

Update on my earlier comment - forgot to mention something important. When you submit those UCF forms, call them 3-5 days later to confirm they've been received. I made the mistake of assuming they got my forms, but they hadn't been properly attached to my claim. That wasted another 2 weeks of my time.

did you get the 6 month extension on tricare when u got out? might help with medical costs while u waiting for uc to fix this mess

I'd like to update everyone on this thread since I've seen several similar questions recently. PA UC has been experiencing technical issues with federal wage verification since they updated their system in January 2025. There is a workaround that seems to be helping claimants: 1. Submit your UCF-18/19 forms AND a signed letter requesting your claim be "manually adjudicated under the UCX program due to system limitations" 2. In the letter, cite PA UC Policy Letter 2025-03 (which addresses the known system issue with federal wages) 3. Provide a detailed wage calculation based on your military rank and time in service This approach has been successful for about 70% of the military claimants I've worked with in the past month. The other 30% still required intervention from a congressional office.