PA UC denied after quitting - can I still submit text messages proving unsafe work conditions?

You absolutely need to submit those text messages ASAP! This is exactly the kind of evidence that can support a 'good cause' claim for quitting. Call the PA UC office directly and explain you have additional evidence to submit for your claim that's under review. They should give you instructions on how to send it in - usually through your dashboard or by fax/mail with your claim number clearly marked. For your specific situation, the bounced paychecks alone could qualify as good cause for quitting. Add in the safety threats, and you've got an even stronger case. Make sure you organize the texts chronologically and highlight specific dates of bounced checks and threats. The more specific your evidence, the better your chances.

The UC system is DESIGNED to frustrate you into giving up!!! I had to fight for 3 months last year after I was fired for 'poor performance' which was actually retaliation for reporting safety violations. The state doesn't want to pay you and they'll drag this out hoping you'll just find another job and forget about it. Don't give up though! Those text messages are GOLD especially anything about the bounced checks. PA law says not being paid is absolutely good cause to quit. Just expect them to fight you every step of the way because that's how the system works.

You should try using Claimyr to get through to an actual UC agent. I was in a similar situation last month - kept getting busy signals for weeks. Found this service at claimyr.com and they got me connected to a PA UC rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Once I actually spoke to someone, I was able to update my claim with additional evidence (in my case it was emails from HR). The rep told me exactly where to upload the documents and then made notes on my account. My claim was approved the following week after being stuck for over a month.

hi there i had kind of same problem last yr. my boss was paying us under the table sometimes and when i quit they tried to say i wasnt eligble for uc. what i did was i wrote a letter explaining everything and sent copies of text msgs and even got a statement from a coworker. i faxed it all to the uc office with my claim # on every page. took about 3 weeks but i did get approved. you definately need to send those texts ASAP!!! good luck!!

Wait can I ask about how many texts we're talking? Because if it's like 2-3 messages that might not be enough. When I had my UC hearing last year (different situation, I was laid off but employer claimed misconduct), the referee wanted to see a PATTERN of issues, not just one-off incidents. If you have texts spanning several months showing you repeatedly bringing up the paycheck issues and safety concerns, that's much stronger than just a couple messages. Also make sure you're submitting the full conversation threads, not just pieces. UC examiners get suspicious if it looks like you're only showing selective parts of conversations.

To properly submit additional evidence for a UC claim under review in PA, follow these exact steps: 1. Log into your PA UC dashboard 2. Go to the 'Messages' section 3. Select 'Send a Message' 4. Choose the topic 'I want to provide additional information for my claim' 5. In your message, explain briefly what the evidence shows and why it's relevant 6. Use the file upload option to attach your text message screenshots (make sure they're clear and show the dates) 7. Include a cover page numbering and explaining each piece of evidence You should also attempt to speak with a UC representative by phone. When you do connect, ask them to flag your account noting that you've submitted additional evidence that needs review. This sometimes helps expedite the process. Regarding your specific situation - PA UC regulations (Section 402(b)) specifically recognize failure to receive pay as valid cause for voluntary quit. The safety issues strengthen your case further under workplace safety provisions.

Has anyone else noticed how PA UC is basically IMPOSSIBLE to reach these days??? I spent 14 HOURS last month trying to get through about my claim. This whole system is designed to wear you down until you give up! They know exactly what they're doing!!!

Update: I finally got through to PA UC this morning! I used the Claimyr service that was suggested and got connected after about 25 minutes. The rep was actually really helpful and told me exactly how to upload my evidence. She also added detailed notes to my claim explaining that additional documentation was coming. I've uploaded all the text messages showing the bounced checks and safety issues, plus my bank statements showing the returned checks. The rep said they should review everything within 2 weeks. She also mentioned that pay issues are definitely considered good cause for quitting in PA, so I'm feeling more hopeful now. Thanks everyone for your advice! I'll update again when I hear something.

That's awesome news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and submit your evidence. Your situation sounds exactly like what "good cause" was designed to protect - nobody should have to work without reliable pay or in unsafe conditions. The fact that you documented everything with those text messages was really smart. I went through something similar a few years back (different state though) and having that paper trail made all the difference. It sounds like you've got a solid case, especially with the bounced checks since that's pretty black and white. Keep us posted on how it turns out - stories like yours give hope to others dealing with the same frustrating system!