PA UC claim expired mid-week - system forcing new claim before filing final week
I'm having a weird issue with my PA unemployment claim and don't know what to do! My benefit year was set to expire on March 2nd, 2025. I was supposed to file my last weekly claim today for the week ending March 2nd, but when I logged in, the system immediately redirected me to open a new claim instead of letting me file for that final week. I tried backing out and going through the weekly filing section again, but it's completely skipping my last week. Has anyone dealt with this before? Will I lose that final week's payment? I really need every dollar right now and didn't expect this to happen.
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Yuki Yamamoto
That's actually normal with the PA UC system. Your benefit year ends on the date shown in your portal, which means any weeks that include that date need to be filed under a new claim. The system won't let you file for a week that crosses your BYE (benefit year end) date under your old claim. You should go ahead and file the new claim, then once approved, you can file for that week.
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Ethan Brown
•But the week ended exactly ON my benefit year end date (March 2nd). It didn't cross over past that date. Shouldn't I still be able to claim it under my old claim since it was fully within my benefit year?
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Carmen Ruiz
This is definitely confusing! The PA UC system treats your BYE date as the official end, and even though logically you should be able to claim that final week, the system is programmed to cut off exactly on that date. You do need to file a new claim first, but don't worry - you won't lose that week. After your new claim is approved, you'll be able to file for all eligible weeks, including the one that just ended. Just make sure your new claim is submitted ASAP so there's no gap in your benefits.
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Ethan Brown
•Thank you! That makes me feel better. I'll submit the new claim today. Do you know approximately how long it takes for a new claim to be approved these days? My first one took almost 3 weeks last year.
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Andre Lefebvre
same thing happened 2 me last month!! so frustrating, the online system is terrible. but yeah you gotta do the new claim first then wait.
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Ethan Brown
•How long did it take for your new claim to get approved? I'm worried about a gap in payments.
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Andre Lefebvre
took like 10 days for me but i think it depends. some ppl in my situation got approved faster
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Zoe Dimitriou
The PA UC system is GARBAGE with these benefit year transitions!!! I went through this exact situation in January and not only could I not file my last week, but then after filing my new claim I got stuck with an "open issue" for THREE WEEKS with no explanation! Called hundreds of times and never got through. The website said nothing useful, just "open issue - no action required" but obviously action WAS required because nothing was happening!!!
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QuantumQuest
•Have you tried using Claimyr to reach the UC office? That's what finally worked for me after trying to call for days. It got me through to a rep in about 15 minutes when I was dealing with my BYE issue. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2
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Jamal Anderson
Just wondering but why are you filing a new claim? Don't you need to look for work now instead of collecting unemployment? Not judging just asking because I thought benefits only last 26 weeks tops? Seems like you've been on a while if your benefit year is ending.
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Ethan Brown
•I've been working part-time (20-25 hours a week) for the past 4 months and reporting my earnings, which reduces my weekly benefit amount. I'm still eligible for partial benefits while I search for full-time work. I've been going on interviews but haven't found the right full-time position yet. And yes, I'm doing my required work search activities every week.
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Carmen Ruiz
Just to clarify a common misunderstanding - a benefit year is a full 52-week period that your claim remains open, but the maximum weeks of full benefits is typically 26 weeks within that year (unless there are extensions). You can receive benefits intermittently throughout that year if you have periods of unemployment or reduced hours. That's why someone's benefit year might end even if they haven't exhausted their maximum benefit amount.
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Mei Zhang
i thought if u had a new job even part time u couldnt get benefits anymore? the whole system is so confusing. every time i think i understand how it works theres some new rule
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Yuki Yamamoto
•PA allows partial benefits if you work part-time. You report your gross earnings each week when you file, and if you earn less than your weekly benefit rate plus 40% (called the Partial Benefit Credit), you can still receive a reduced benefit payment. Example: If your weekly benefit rate is $300, you can earn up to $420 (300 + 120) and still receive some unemployment. Anything you earn reduces your payment dollar-for-dollar after the first 30% of your WBR.
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Ethan Brown
Update: I filed my new claim yesterday and got an email confirmation. The system still isn't letting me file for that last week though. I guess I'll just have to wait until the new claim is processed? Really hope I don't lose that week's payment.
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Carmen Ruiz
•That's correct - you'll need to wait for the new claim to be approved first. The system won't let you file for any weeks until your new claim is active in the system. Once it's approved, you should be able to file for all eligible weeks, including the one that just ended. If you have any issues after approval or if it takes more than 2-3 weeks to process, that's when you might want to contact them directly.
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