PA UC claim stuck after layoff + CareerLink confusion - can't access documents or backdate benefits

PA UC system is complete garbage. I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Having a recall letter doesn't exempt you from CareerLink registration - they changed that rule after COVID. You still need to register even with a return date. Those attachments are probably disqualification notices for the weeks you didn't complete work search activities. The site is ALWAYS broken when trying to open docs. Try clearing your cache, using a different browser, or downloading the UC app which sometimes works better. As for backdating, GOOD LUCK. They're making it nearly impossible these days. You'll need to file appeals for each denied week, which means MORE waiting.

Let me help clarify what might be happening here: 1. Even with a recall date, you still need to register with PA CareerLink within 30 days of filing your initial claim. This requirement wasn't waived. 2. For your attachment issue - try logging in between 7-8am when the system has less traffic. Also, if you're using Chrome, switch to Firefox or Edge. The UC system is notoriously incompatible with certain browsers. 3. For backdating: You can request backdating by submitting the "Request for Backdating" form through your dashboard. You'll need to prove "good cause" for why you didn't file earlier - confusion about requirements might qualify, especially if you can document attempts to understand the correct procedure. 4. For the Jan 8th claim issue: There's often a system delay of 2-3 business days after the benefit year begins before you can file weekly claims. If it's still not working, you might have an unresolved issue on your account.

quick tip for the attachments - instead of clicking directly on them sometimes if u right click and do "save as" they will download instead of trying to open in browser. worked for me when nothing else did

i was laid of in october and had same probelm with the website, its always broken! have you tried calling the service center? i know its hard to get thru but sometimes thats the only way

After dealing with similar issues, I finally got through to an actual person at UC by using Claimyr. It's a service that basically calls for you and gets you in the queue without you having to redial 500 times. Costs money but saved me weeks of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Their website is claimyr.com - I was skeptical but it worked for me. The agent I spoke with was able to help me identify which documents were blocking my claim and what I needed to submit. Regarding the CareerLink registration - there's a specific exemption form for people with recall dates, but you have to request it BEFORE you get disqualified. Since you already got disqualification notices, you'll need to appeal each one and provide your recall letter as evidence.

Have u filed an appeal yet? U only have 15 days from the notice date to appeal the disqualifications!!! COUNT CALENDAR DAYS NOT BUSINESS DAYS!!! I missed my appeal window by 2 days last year and lost over $2800 in benefits. Don't make my mistake!!!!!

One more thing to keep in mind - even if your appeals for the past weeks are successful, make sure you're registered with CareerLink NOW and doing your weekly work search activities (applying to jobs, attending workshops, etc). You need to do these even while waiting for appeal decisions or you'll just keep getting disqualified for new weeks.

does anyone know if the recall letter has to have a specific date or can it just say "spring 2025" or something vague? my company sent me something but it doesn't have an exact date

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone on the phone! They told me my claim had multiple issues - not just the CareerLink thing but also an employer separation issue. Apparently my employer initially reported I quit (which is absolutely false). The rep helped clear up both issues and said my payments should be processed within 7-10 days including backdated weeks! For those asking how I got through - I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got connected in about 25 minutes. Would have NEVER gotten through otherwise, been trying for weeks.

So glad you finally got through and got it sorted out! That employer separation issue is a huge red flag - definitely keep documentation of your layoff notice and any communication with your employer in case that comes up again. For anyone else reading this thread, this is exactly why it's so important to check what your employer reports to UC. Sometimes there are honest mistakes in their reporting, but sometimes employers try to avoid paying into the UC fund by claiming you quit or were fired for cause. Always contest these if they're wrong! @ad4e60893f83 - curious, did the rep mention anything about interest or penalties for the delayed payments? PA is supposed to pay interest on backdated benefits in some cases.