PA UC claim showing 'previous job issues' - why aren't my benefits paying out like others?

omg the PA UC system is literally THE WORST. they always flag claims for the dumbest reasons. if u left ur previous job voluntarily that's probably why ur stuck in limbo - even tho u were laid off from ur most recent job! the system is completely broken and designed to deny ppl benefits. good luck getting anyone on the phone too... i tried for 3 weeks straight and never got through before giving up. ugh.

This is unfortunately common with PA UC claims. The system automatically flags previous employment separations for review, even when your most recent job loss qualifies you for benefits. Since you voluntarily quit your previous job to take this position, they need to verify that it was for a necessitous and compelling reason (like taking a better job, which usually qualifies). Your friend's situation was different because they likely didn't have any previous voluntary separations in their base year period, so there was nothing to flag for review.

I went threw something similar last year. My claim had issues for 2 weeks then got denied becuz they said i quit my old job without good cause. Had to do an appeal hearing which took another 6 weeks!!! But eventually won and got backpay. Just make sure you respond to any letters they send you and check your dashboard for messages everyday.

After dealing with PA unemployment for years (both personally and helping family), I can tell you that leaving a previous job voluntarily will almost always trigger a review, even when your most recent separation qualifies you for benefits. Here's what you need to do: 1. Submit documentation showing you left your previous job for a better opportunity (offer letter from the job that just ended) 2. Make sure to clearly explain in any questionnaires that your most recent separation was due to outsourcing/layoff 3. Continue filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the issues to clear The 8-12 week timeframe they're giving is unfortunately realistic right now. They're severely backlogged in 2025 just like they were in previous years.

I had an identical situation in February. Got laid off but my claim had 'issues' because I'd voluntarily left a job about 8 months prior. I waited 5 weeks with no movement, then discovered Claimyr.com which got me connected to a real PA UC representative in about 20 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. The rep was able to look at my file and expedite the review of those issues. Got my determination 3 days later and backpay the following week. They have a video demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Definitely worth it versus waiting months, especially since they don't charge if they can't get you through.

have u tried calling ur state rep? my cousin had a similar issue and called our local state rep's office. they have special contacts at uc and got his claim fixed in like a week

One important thing to add: even though you had good cause for leaving your previous job (taking a better position), PA UC doesn't automatically know that. You'll likely need to provide a statement explaining why you left that previous job. In the meantime, make sure you're fulfilling all your work search requirements (applying to at least 2 jobs per week and completing 1 work search activity). Document everything carefully. And yes, absolutely keep filing those weekly claims even while waiting for a determination on your eligibility.

anyone who says there 8-12 weeks is normal is WRONG! the law says they have to make a determination within 21 days! they're just understaffed and dont care about us!! my neighbor waited 4 months last year and almost got evicted while waiting. this is why everyone hates PA unemployment!

Quick update I forgot to mention - when I used that service the first commenter mentioned (Claimyr) the UC rep told me they dont even look at claims with issues until they've been sitting for at least 3-4 weeks. So if your only a month in they probly havent even assigned it to anyone yet. So frustrating!!!