PA UC claims taking 5 months even after approval? Can't speak to supervisors despite long hold times

this happened to me too!!!! waited 6 MONTHS before getting my first payment. the system is completely broken and they dont care at all. the agents u talk to on the phone have zero power to do anything. its just a job to them and they go home at 5 while we cant pay our bills

There's a specific reason your payments are being held even though you've been approved. The most common causes are: 1. Identity verification issues with IDme that weren't fully completed 2. Missing weekly certifications (you have to file EVERY week even while waiting) 3. Job search requirements not being properly documented 4. A fraud hold that wasn't properly cleared When you spoke with the representative, did they tell you specifically what's causing the hold? They should be able to see that in their system and tell you exactly what needs to be resolved.

Omg literally dealing with this RIGHT NOW. been approved since February and its almsot August?? Ridiculous. My neighbor said her sister waited 7 months so I guess were lucky lololol

I was in a similar situation last month and finally found a solution that worked. After weeks of busy signals and disconnections, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual PA UC agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent I spoke with was able to immediately see that there was a payment authorization flag on my account that needed supervisor override. They put in an expedited request while I was on the phone, and I received my backpay within 10 days. Sometimes you just need to get through to the right person who can actually see what's happening on your claim.

The PA unemployment system is deliberately set up to make it hard to get benefits. They WANT you to give up. I worked for the state (not UC office) for 12 years, and it's an open secret that the system is designed with artificial hurdles. The best thing to do is contact your state rep's office! They have special contacts at UC who can actually get things fixed.

Have you tried uploading any additional documentation they might need through the portal? Sometimes there are "hidden" requirements not clearly communicated. For my claim, they needed additional proof of income even though I'd already submitted my W-2s. Also, double-check that your Money Network card was properly issued - sometimes they approve the payments but the card itself has issues.

I had same issue!!! waited 4 months after approval. I called every single day for 2 weeks straight. finally got someone who said "oh yeah I see the problem, let me fix that for you" and my money was direct deposited 3 days later! Just keep calling. The system is terrible but eventually you'll get the right person who actually knows what they're doing.

its so annoying that ppl will judge u for being on unemployment but then the system makes it IMPOSSIBLE to actually get the money even when ur APPROVED. like they want us to suffer on purpose

Update on my previous comment - if your claim shows as approved but payments aren't processing, it could be what's called a "secondary review flag." These aren't visible to claimants in the portal but require a supervisor to manually release. Two specific things to try: 1. Ask specifically if there's a "payment authorization hold" or "secondary review flag" on your account when you call 2. Request an "escalation for hardship" due to potential eviction - this can move you up in the supervisor callback queue Also, continue filing your weekly claims WITHOUT FAIL during this waiting period. Missing even one week can create additional delays.

Just an update - I contacted both my state rep AND used Claimyr to get through to an agent. The combination worked - got my backpay last week. OP, don't give up - just keep pushing from multiple angles. The system is designed to be difficult but not impossible.