PA UC delayed payment after missing phone interview - desperately need help by Jan 31
I'm at my wits end trying to help my elderly mother (79) with her unemployment benefits. She missed her scheduled phone interview last week and now her payments are on hold. She desperately needs to reschedule a new interview before January 31, 2025 or she'll lose all benefits for this quarter according to the letter she got. Every number I call just rings forever or disconnects. I've tried the main PA UC number 50+ times today alone. Has anyone successfully rescheduled a missed interview? Is there a direct number or better time to call? Any advice appreciated as her bills are piling up.
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Sofia Torres
Hey there, I went through something similar with my dad's claim last month. The PA unemployment phone system is BROKEN! The best way to reschedule is actually to send a message through your mom's online portal under 'Contact Us' and select 'Missed Interview' as the reason. Make sure to include her claim number and at least 3 preferred dates/times. They usually respond within 48 hours to confirm a new interview slot. If you need faster help, check out Claimyr.com - they helped me get through to an actual PA UC agent after trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2
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Dylan Wright
•Thank you so much! She doesn't have access to her online account right now because she forgot her PIN, but I'll try to get that reset first. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely check out that service. Just worried about the January 31 deadline coming up so fast.
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GalacticGuardian
ur gonna HATE this but they dont actually have a seprate # for missed interviews. its ALL the same system and NOBODY answers!!!! my husband waited 3 WEEKS to get somone on phone. ridiclous they expect old ppl to use computers!!
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Dmitry Smirnov
•That's not entirely accurate. There is a priority line for claimants who have missed interviews, but you need to access it through the IVR system by pressing option 1, then 4, then 2 when prompted. The wait is still long (30-45 minutes typically), but they do prioritize missed interviews because of the time-sensitive nature. Just make sure you have the claim confirmation number ready when you call.
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Ava Rodriguez
I think you might be confusing SNAP benefits with Unemployment Compensation. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services handles SNAP (food stamps), not the UC office. If your mother missed a SNAP interview, you need to call the County Assistance Office, not the Unemployment office. The number should be on her SNAP paperwork. That might be why you're having trouble getting through?
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Dylan Wright
•Oh my god you're right. I've been calling the wrong place this whole time. The letter does say DHS not UC. I feel so stupid now but THANK YOU for pointing this out. I'll try her County Assistance Office right away.
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Miguel Diaz
Just to clarify for anyone reading this thread later - here's how to handle missed interviews for different PA benefit programs: 1. For UC (unemployment): Use your dashboard messaging system or call 1-888-313-7284 2. For SNAP/food stamps: Contact your County Assistance Office (each county has its own) 3. For Medical Assistance: Call 1-866-550-4355 Missed interviews generally need to be rescheduled within 30 days, though some programs like SNAP have shorter deadlines. Always check your specific notice for the exact timeframe.
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Zainab Ahmed
•This is so helpful! My wife's been dealing with PA benefits after her work accident and it's a maze of different departments. Bookmarking this.
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Dylan Wright
UPDATE: Got through to the County Assistance Office! They rescheduled my mom's SNAP interview for next Tuesday. They said there was a backup in processing applications due to their new system update. Thank you all for your help - especially for pointing out I was calling the wrong department entirely. Would have never figured that out on my own.
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Connor Gallagher
•So glad it worked out! It's easy to get confused with all these different government systems. When my unemployment was delayed last year it took me a week to realize I was filling out the wrong weekly certification form. These systems aren't designed very well for regular people to understand.
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