PA UC claim shows wrong employer after hospital merger - can I edit my submitted claim?
I'm totally freaking out about my unemployment claim I just filed yesterday. When I entered my work history, the system only showed a tiny fraction of my actual earnings for the past three quarters from my primary employer (like $2,800 per quarter when I make way more). I think these might just be expense reimbursements showing up? I uploaded my W2 as proof of my full salary, but I just realized the problem might be that our hospital merged with a larger healthcare system about 9 months ago. Even though my paycheck still shows Memorial Regional Hospital (my original employer), the parent company (Keystone Healthcare Partners) has actually been paying us since the merger. My claim immediately went into review status because of the income discrepancy. Is there any way to edit my claim now to add the parent company as my employer? Or do I need to withdraw and start over? Has anyone dealt with employer confusion after a merger?
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Ev Luca
You can't edit a claim once it's submitted, but don't panic. Since your claim is already in review, the examiner will likely contact you for clarification. When they do, explain exactly what happened with the merger. Make sure you have documentation showing both employers are connected - maybe an email announcing the merger or something from HR explaining the payroll transition. They deal with corporate mergers all the time.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Thank you! That makes me feel a little better. Do you think I should proactively upload anything to my portal about the merger, or just wait for them to contact me?
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Avery Davis
omg the EXACT thing happened to me last year!!! different industry but same problem with merged companies. waited 6 weeks with no movement on my claim, finally got through to someone who fixed it in like 5 minutes. so frustrating!!!!
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•6 WEEKS?? I can't wait that long! Did you just keep calling until you got through?
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Collins Angel
You should call the UC service center immediately to explain the situation. Call right when they open at 8am for best chance to get through. They need to link your wages from both employer accounts in their system, and the sooner you explain the situation, the faster they can resolve it. The review process could take weeks otherwise, and you might miss out on payments you're eligible for. Make sure you have your W2, last paystub from before the merger, and a recent paystub to help explain the situation.
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Marcelle Drum
•This is exactly right. The UC examiner needs to do what's called a "wage investigation" to combine earnings from both employer tax ID numbers. Technically these are considered two different employers in the system even though it's the same job for you. Corporate mergers happen all the time and UC has a process for this, but you DO need to talk to someone.
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Tate Jensen
Try using Claimyr to get through to a PA UC agent - that's what I did when I had a similar issue with missing wages. It's a service that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me days of frustration. Just go to claimyr.com and watch their demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Made a huge difference for me!
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Avery Davis
•does this actually work? seems sketchy
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Adaline Wong
MY SISTER works for PA UC and she says you should ALWAYS call about employer issues!!! She says the system is TERRIBLE with corporate mergers and acquisitions!!! Don't wait for them to figure it out because they WON'T!!!
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Gabriel Ruiz
•Your sister is right. Let me add some clarity here: The problem is that PA UC's system relies on quarterly wage reports filed under specific employer tax ID numbers. When companies merge, they often continue reporting wages under separate tax IDs for months or even years for administrative reasons. The system won't automatically connect these for your benefit calculation. You need to speak with an examiner who can initiate a "combined wage claim" investigation that will pull together all your wages under both entities. It's a standard procedure, but it must be done manually by staff. Keep filing your weekly certifications while this is being sorted out.
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Collins Angel
Also, don't forget to continue filing your weekly claims while this gets sorted out! You can still certify each week even if your initial claim is under review. This way you won't miss out on any payments once they fix the employer issue.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Good reminder, thanks! I wasn't sure if I should keep filing while the base-year issue was being looked at.
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Avery Davis
did u check ur PAPER w2 to see which employeer tax ID is on it? sometimes that helps figuring out which company they see u under
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•That's a good idea! Just checked and it has Keystone Healthcare Partners' EIN, not Memorial Regional's. I'll make sure to mention this when they call me.
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Gabriel Ruiz
For anyone dealing with similar employer merger issues, here's a guide to help: 1. Continue filing weekly claims while the base-year wage issue is resolved 2. Have documentation ready: W2s, paystubs from before and after merger, any merger announcement emails 3. When you speak with UC, specifically request a "wage investigation" and explain the corporate merger 4. If they say you're ineligible due to insufficient wages, immediately request a "wage protest" and explain the merger situation 5. Know that this is a common issue and is completely fixable, but requires speaking to UC staff The system is set up to handle these situations, but only when properly flagged by staff.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Thank you for breaking it down like this! I saved this list and had it ready when I talked to the UC rep today. They immediately understood the issue and have escalated it to their wage investigation team. They said it should be resolved within 7-10 business days and my payments will be backdated to my initial filing date. Such a relief!
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Tony Brooks
That's awesome news that they got it sorted out so quickly! For anyone else reading this thread who might face a similar merger situation - Gabriel's step-by-step guide is spot on. I went through something similar when my company was acquired by a larger firm last year. The key really is using the right terminology when you call UC. Don't just say "my employer changed" - specifically mention "corporate merger" and ask for a "wage investigation" to combine earnings from both tax ID numbers. Also, calling right at 8am made a huge difference in getting through. Glad you got it resolved and will get your backpay!
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