PA UC confusion with per diem job - can I stop filing while in training?

This is one of those frustrating grey areas in the PA UC system. The short answer is: Yes, you should continue filing weekly claims and doing job searches until you're consistently working full-time hours (32+ hours per week). Being per diem means your hours aren't guaranteed, so technically you're still 'partially unemployed' in weeks you don't get full-time hours. The CareerLink person was correct that if you stop doing job searches while collecting partial benefits, you could face an overpayment issue. However, regarding turning down job offers - you only need to report job offers you actually reject, and you can have valid reasons for rejection (like schedule conflicts with your current job). My advice: keep doing the required job search activities but focus on positions that wouldn't interfere with your current job (different shifts, etc.). Document everything in case you need to explain later.

The whole UC system is SUCH A JOKE when it comes to per diem workers!!! I went through this EXACT nightmare last year and ended up with a $2,100 overpayment because I didn't do enough "job searches" while working my per diem hospital job. I told them repeatedly I WANTED to keep my job but sometimes only got 10-12 hours a week. They didn't care!!! The rules basically force you to look for jobs you don't want or risk losing benefits. It's completely BACKWARDS and punishes healthcare workers who accept per diem positions! The PA UC system is designed for traditional 9-5 jobs, not modern flexible work arrangements. GOOD LUCK trying to get anyone at UC to understand your situation - I called 92 TIMES over 3 weeks and never got through.

I help people navigate these situations all the time. Here's what you need to understand: Pennsylvania UC rules require you to be able, available, and actively seeking work while receiving ANY benefits - even partial benefits. Until you have a full-time permanent position (consistently working 32+ hours weekly), you must continue meeting the work search requirements. For your situation, I recommend: 1) Keep filing weekly claims accurately reporting all hours/earnings 2) Complete your work search activities each week (PA requires 2 job applications and 1 work search activity) 3) Document everything - keep records of all your job applications and work search activities 4) Consider applying for positions similar to your current one but with guaranteed hours If you want to stop dealing with UC entirely, you would need to simply stop filing weekly claims, but then you'd receive no benefits during weeks with reduced hours. Have you tried calling the UC office directly to get clarification? Many people have luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 showing how it works. Getting official guidance for your specific situation might give you more peace of mind.

just wonderin but what field are u in? healthcare? i'm in a similar boat with restaurant work. some weeks i get like 38 hrs and others i get like 15 hrs and its so confusing with uc. i just keep filing and hoping i dont mess up somewhere

The guidelines for PA UC are very specific regarding per diem work. You are considered partially unemployed and eligible for partial benefits when working less than full-time (under 32 hours). You must continue performing and documenting your work search requirements (applying to 2 jobs and completing 1 work search activity each week) as long as you're filing for ANY benefits. Regarding your concern about turning down job offers: You have a valid reason to decline offers that conflict with your current employment schedule. This is acceptable under UC guidelines and wouldn't disqualify you. One important point: If you anticipate your hours increasing soon, you might consider whether the hassle of continued filing is worth the partial benefit amount. Some claimants in your situation choose to stop filing once they secure regular employment, even if part-time, to avoid potential complications. You can't technically "close" your claim - you would simply stop filing weekly certifications. Your benefit year remains open for 52 weeks from when you applied, and you can resume filing if your hours decrease significantly. For definitive answers, speaking directly with a UC representative would be most beneficial.

Quick update - I just remembered something important about my situation that might help you. When I was dealing with per diem work, I found out you can actually list your job search activities as looking for ADDITIONAL work that wouldn't interfere with your current job. So instead of applying to full-time positions that would conflict, I applied to weekend-only or evening positions at other facilities that could supplement my existing job. The UC rep I finally reached said this was perfectly acceptable since I was still looking for ways to become fully employed. Might be a way to thread the needle in your situation!

has anyone else noticed that the pa uc website has literally NO guidance about per diem work?? i spent like an hour searching for info when i was working as a substitute teacher and couldnt find ANYTHING about what to do in situations where your hours change week to week. its like they want us to mess up or something

Just to clarify one important point from my earlier comment: According to PA UC regulations, you need to consistently work 30+ hours per week (not 32 as I incorrectly stated) for three consecutive weeks to be considered "full-time employed" and no longer eligible for benefits. At that point, you would naturally stop filing. During training or periods of inconsistent scheduling, you're considered partially unemployed and eligible for partial benefits, which is why you need to continue the job search requirements.