PA UC claim on hold after employer dispute - how long until decision after interview?
I just had my PA UC interview yesterday about a disputed separation reason. My employer told the claims examiner I was terminated for misconduct (excessive tardiness), but that's completely untrue! I was never given any reason when they let me go, and I had documented proof of the ongoing harassment I was experiencing at work. During the interview, I was able to show screenshots of inappropriate workplace messages and the lack of any tardiness warnings in my personnel file. The interviewer seemed to understand my side, but now my claim says 'under review.' Does anyone know how long this decision process typically takes after the fact-finding interview? I'm getting anxious since I've already waited 3 weeks for this interview and my savings are getting really low.
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Carmen Ruiz
Expect to wait at least 10-14 days but could be longer tbh. The system is backed up like crazy right now. I had a similar situation back in January where my boss claimed I quit when I was actually laid off. Took them almost 3 weeks after my interview to make a decision. Just keep filing your weekly claims while you wait!!
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Yuki Yamamoto
•3 MORE weeks?? Ugh I was hoping it would be faster since I had clear evidence. Did you get approved in the end?
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Andre Lefebvre
The official timeline is 7-10 business days for a determination after a fact-finding interview, but right now the PA UC system is experiencing higher volume. When you had your interview, did the examiner specifically say they were going to contact your employer again after seeing your evidence? If they need to gather more information, that can add another week or two to the process. The good news is that if you're approved, you'll receive all back payments from your initial filing date (minus the waiting week).
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Yuki Yamamoto
•The examiner did say she was going to 'follow up' with HR after seeing my evidence, but didn't give specifics. I guess that means more waiting... This is so stressful. At least I'll get backpay if approved.
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Zoe Dimitriou
my boss tried the same thing!!! claimed I was fired for attendnace but I had PROOF it was because I reported safety violations. showed them emails and everything. took about 12 days to get my determination letter and I was approved! keep ur head up
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Yuki Yamamoto
•That's encouraging! Thanks for sharing. Did they mail your determination or was it just posted on your dashboard?
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Zoe Dimitriou
•both! got the letter in mail but saw it online first
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QuantumQuest
DON'T JUST SIT AROUND WAITING!! Call them EVERY DAY to check on the status! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these people. I waited 5 WEEKS after my interview because my claim was just sitting there and nobody was looking at it. As soon as I got through to someone, magically my determination was done within 24 hours. The system is BROKEN!!!!!
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Jamal Anderson
•This is good advice, but calling PA UC every day is easier said than done. I spent 3 days trying to get through last month - constant busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting on hold. I eventually used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Worth it when you're dealing with time-sensitive issues like disputed claims.
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Mei Zhang
While you're waiting for a determination, make sure you're still doing your work search activities and documenting them properly. I've seen cases where people are so focused on waiting for the employer dispute to be resolved that they forget to keep up with their weekly requirements. Then if they do get approved, they end up with payment delays because they didn't complete work search activities. You need at least one application and one work search activity each week.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•I've been applying to jobs and logging everything, but wasn't sure if I should keep filing weekly claims while waiting. I'll definitely keep doing both, thanks for the reminder!
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Liam McGuire
My sister works for the unemployment office (not in PA tho) and she says employer misconduct cases take longer because they have to investigate both sides. The fact that you had actual evidence should help a lot!!! Most people don't have proof when it's a he-said-she-said situation. I bet you'll hear back in the next 7-10 days. Good luck!!!!
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Zoe Dimitriou
Anyone else notice how employers ALWAYS make up BS reasons after the fact?? my friend just had the same thing happen. boss fired her then told UC she had "performance issues" but never gave her any warnings or wrote her up ever. its like they just dont want to pay into the system. so annoying.
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QuantumQuest
•EXACTLY!!! Employers lie ALL THE TIME to avoid their UI tax rates going up! That's why it's SO IMPORTANT to document EVERYTHING at work - emails, texts, performance reviews, EVERYTHING. PA UC is supposed to side with the employee if the employer can't produce documentation of warnings or a policy you violated. The system is designed to protect workers but employers know how to game it!
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Andre Lefebvre
One last thing to keep in mind - after you receive your determination, either side (you or your employer) has 15 calendar days to appeal if they disagree with the decision. If your employer appeals, you'll need to attend an appeal hearing, which adds more time to the process. Just be prepared for that possibility. Based on what you've described, with your documentation of harassment and no evidence of tardiness warnings from your employer, you have a strong case.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•I didn't even think about them appealing. That would be so frustrating. Would I still get payments during an appeal if my initial determination is approved?
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Andre Lefebvre
•Yes, if you're initially approved, you'll receive benefits during the appeal process. However, if the decision is later reversed in the employer's favor, you might have to repay those benefits. That's why documentation is so crucial - it protects you throughout the entire process.
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Natalie Khan
I went through something similar last year - employer claimed I was fired for "poor performance" when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. The whole process is nerve-wracking but it sounds like you have solid evidence on your side! In my case, it took about 2 weeks after the interview to get a determination. The key thing that helped me was having everything organized - screenshots, emails, any documentation that contradicted their claims. Since you have proof of harassment and no tardiness warnings in your file, that's huge in your favor. Keep filing your weekly claims and try to stay patient (easier said than done, I know). The waiting is the worst part but once you get that approval letter, the backpay will come through. Hang in there!
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NeonNomad
•Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing. Two weeks doesn't sound too bad compared to what others are saying. I'm definitely trying to stay organized with all my documentation - I have everything in a folder on my phone and printed copies too. The waiting really is the worst part, especially when money is getting tight. Did your employer try to appeal after you were approved, or did they just accept the decision?
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