PA UC claim going on 16 weeks with no payments - tried state rep, still waiting

same thing happnd to my daughter last year. took 21 wks b4 she got paid!!! system is completly rigged to make ppl give up.

I work with PA unemployment cases frequently, and what I'm seeing this year is unprecedented delays, even for claims with no issues. While contacting your state rep was a good first step, there are a few other options you might try: 1. Request an "escalation" specifically when calling - this puts the claim into a different queue 2. Have your son check if his identity verification was properly processed through ID.me (many claims get stuck there) 3. Make sure all weekly claims are still being filed despite not receiving payment 4. Check if there's an unresolved wage investigation (this happens when employers don't properly report wages) The "backlog" excuse is frustrating, but sometimes claims get stuck in processing limbo without any official "issue" being marked in the system.

I was in a similar position (stuck for 12 weeks with no payment) and finally got through by using Claimyr. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you and then calls you when they have a PA UC agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 and their website is claimyr.com. When I finally got through, I found out my claim was stuck in some verification queue that wasn't showing as an "issue" - took the agent about 10 minutes to fix it once I actually got to talk to someone.

There's actually a specific protocol when claims exceed 8 weeks without resolution. Your son should request a "Director Review" of his claim. This is different from an appeal - it's an internal escalation process where a department director reviews claims that have exceeded standard processing timeframes. Here's exactly what to do: 1. Have him call the UC service center first thing when they open (7:30am) 2. When prompted by the automated system, press the option for "Payment Information" 3. When he gets an agent, he should specifically request a "Director Review" based on the claim exceeding standard processing timeframes 4. He should mention the 16-week delay and that a state representative inquiry confirmed no issues exist This approach bypasses the standard queue. Director Reviews typically result in resolution within 7-10 business days. If they refuse to initiate this process, get the agent's ID number and call back until you find someone who will help.

UGH this makes me FURIOUS!!! I went through the exact same garbage last year and ended up having to take out a LOAN just to pay my bills while PA sat on my claim for 14 weeks!!! The system is DELIBERATELY designed to make people give up. They're counting on people getting desperate and taking any job just to survive instead of waiting for their LEGALLY ENTITLED benefits! When I finally got paid it was because I threatened legal action in an email to the UC office AND cc'd my state rep AND the PA labor secretary. Magically my claim was "resolved" three days later. FIGHT THEM!!!

Has your son checked his dashboard on the PA UC portal? Sometimes there are documents or questionnaires that need to be completed that don't generate notifications. My claim was stuck for 9 weeks because of a "fact-finding questionnaire" I never knew existed until I clicked through every tab on the dashboard. Also, make sure he's doing and documenting his work search activities (minimum of 3 per week). Even if a claim is approved, it can be retroactively denied if those work search requirements aren't met for each week.

my neibor waited 12 weeks then just gave up and took a job at mcdonalds thats what they want us to do just take any job even if its way less money its so wrong

UPDATE: I used some of the advice here and we FINALLY have progress! We tried calling right at 7:30am for three days in a row with no luck. We were about to try the Claimyr service when I had my son email the UC office with "DIRECTOR REVIEW REQUEST - 16 WEEKS NO PAYMENT" in the subject line and included all his info. We got a call back today from a supervisor who said his claim got stuck in some weird loop where it was marked as "pending wage verification" but no one was actually reviewing it. She fixed it on the spot and said he should receive all back payments within 3-5 business days. I'm cautiously optimistic but at least we finally talked to someone who could help! Thank you all for your suggestions!