PA UC claim filed in November but still pending in January - only one caseworker handling files?

Unfortunately, this is happening to a lot of people right now. The UC system is severely understaffed and there are massive backlogs. When I filed last month, I waited 6 weeks before my claim was approved. You should keep filing your weekly certifications even though you haven't been approved yet - once they approve your initial claim, they'll release all those back payments at once. Make sure you're completing your work search activities too (apply to at least 2 jobs per week and complete 1 work search activity), because they'll verify that before releasing funds.

omg im going thru the exact same thing!!! filed nov 12, still nothing. cant pay my car payment and they threatening to repo it next week 😭

I work as an employment counselor, and while I don't work for UC directly, I can tell you that there is definitely more than ONE person processing claims. That rep was likely exaggerating to explain the backlog. However, there IS a significant staffing shortage at PA UC right now, especially with the seasonal increase in claims during winter months. The current average processing time for initial claims is running 5-7 weeks, which puts you right in that window. I recommend these steps: 1. Continue filing your weekly certifications 2. Document all your work search activities meticulously 3. Check your dashboard for any "open issues" that might be flagged 4. If you're approaching a financial crisis, contact PA 211 for emergency assistance resources Many claims are held up by verification issues. Double-check that your identity verification through ID.me is complete and that all your employment information matches your employer's records.

The PA UC system is a COMPLETE DISASTER!!! I had the exact same problem last winter. Filed in December, didn't get a penny until February 18th. Meanwhile my utilities got shut off and I had to borrow money from everyone I know just to survive. They don't care AT ALL about people suffering while they take their sweet time. And btw, NEVER trust what the phone reps tell you - half the time they just make stuff up to get you off the phone. One told me my claim was "just a few days away from processing" but then it took 3 more weeks!!!

I've been dealing with PA UC for years (seasonal construction worker) and I've never seen it this bad. After trying for weeks to get through on the phone, I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a UC rep in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. When I finally got through, I found out there was a simple verification issue that was holding up my claim, and they fixed it right away. Might be worth trying - their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2

has anyone tried going to the local careerlink office? i heard sometimes they can help with unemployment stuff too

Wow i filed on Nov 18 and got my first payment Dec 29!!! took forever but it finally came through. hang in there

Update from my earlier comment - I just want to add that for anyone struggling financially while waiting for UC payments, you should also apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps) if you haven't already. The process is much faster than UC and can help with food costs while you wait. Also, most utility companies have hardship programs if you contact them and explain your situation.

I got so tired of waiting that I emailed my state representative's office and explained my situation. They have liaisons that work directly with the UC office and can sometimes expedite claims. Within a week of contacting my rep, I suddenly got a call from UC and my claim was processed the next day. HIGHLY recommend trying this!!!

UPDATE: So I finally got through to UC yesterday after trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned below (it actually worked!). The agent told me my claim had an "open issue" related to my separation reason that wasn't showing up on my dashboard for some reason. My employer had coded me as a voluntary quit when I was actually laid off! The agent sent a fact-finding form to both me and my former employer, and said once they get both responses, they can make a determination. At least now I know what's happening instead of being completely in the dark. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!