PA UC denied me for 'non-fraud disqualification' after 10 weeks of waiting - what does this mean?

Non-fraud' disqualification means'they ve determined you'don t qualify for benefits, but they'don t think you were trying to commit fraud. Common reasons include: not having enough base year wages, quitting without cause, being fired for willful misconduct, or not being able/available for work. Check your determination letter carefully - it should list a specific section of the PA UC law'they re (citing like Section(402) b or something)similar . That will tell you exactly why they denied you. You absolutely have the right to appeal within 15 days of the determination date, so'don tdelay!

same thing happened to me lol. turned out they mixed up my paperwork with someone else's. definitely appeal it!!

Section 402(h) is the self-employment disqualification. This is actually a common error when restaurant workers receive tips. If you reported your tips on your taxes (which you should), sometimes the UC system misinterprets this as self-employment income rather than as part of your W-2 wages. You need to appeal and clearly explain you were a W-2 employee receiving tips as part of your compensation, not a self-employed individual. Bring copies of your W-2, pay stubs showing your tips were processed through your employer, and any tax documents that show your proper employment status. You have 15 calendar days from the date on the determination notice to file your appeal.

They did the exsact same thing to me but mine was a 401(d) or something? Took 4 MONTHS to get resolved the PA UC is just terrible terrible terrible. no 1 answers phones no explanations just a letter that makes no sense. it's like they WANT us to give up and go away

You'll definitely need to appeal this. After filing your appeal, you'll need to attend a hearing with a referee who will make a new decision on your case. Make sure you gather all your evidence beforehand - pay stubs, W2s, anything that proves you were an employee and not self-employed. I was in a similar situation and couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with a UC representative. They got me through to someone in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The rep explained exactly what I needed for my hearing and it made a huge difference. My appeal was approved and I got all my back payments.

My cousin worked at Applebees and they did this to him to. Something about the tips making him "self employed" which is RIDICULOUS!!! He had to do the appeal thing and it took forEVER but he got his money eventually. Like 3 months later tho.

i think your talking about regular UC not PUA? PUA ended in 2021... UC and PUA are totally different programs. PUA was for the pandemic only

Just to follow up on this thread - appeals are usually successful in cases like yours. About 75% of self-employment disqualification appeals are overturned when the person was actually a W-2 employee with tips. Make sure you have these documents for your hearing: 1. Your W-2 from the restaurant 2. Recent pay stubs showing your reduced hours 3. A letter from your employer confirming your employment status (if possible) 4. Any documentation showing that tips were processed through your employer If you haven't already, check your UCMS dashboard for the appeal form, or call the UC service center to request the appeal form be mailed to you.

Hey Lauren, I went through almost the exact same thing last year! Got denied for Section 402(h) even though I was clearly a W-2 employee at a local diner. The problem is PA's system automatically flags anyone with significant tip income as potentially self-employed. Here's what worked for me: when you file your appeal, be very specific that you were an employee receiving tips as part of your wages, not operating as an independent contractor. I also included a copy of my employee handbook that showed the tip reporting policy. The hearing referee was actually really understanding once I explained the situation clearly. One tip - if you have any old schedules or time clock records, bring those too. They help prove you were working set shifts as an employee rather than coming and going as you please like a contractor would. Good luck with your appeal!