PA UC denied my claim because I missed appeal deadline - system errors prevented me from filing on time

yep, happened to me last winter. appeal deadline was Jan 15 but the portal was down for maintenance on the 14th and 15th. i took screenshots of the error messages which helped my case. did u take any?

This is definitely something you can fight! When you file your appeal (even late), there's a section where you can explain why it's late. You need to write a detailed explanation about the system errors, the dates you tried to access the system, and all the times you attempted to call. Be very specific - dates, times, what errors you saw, etc. The referee will make a determination about whether you had "good cause" for the late appeal before deciding on the actual eligibility issue. If they accept your reason for filing late, they'll then look at the actual case details.

sorry ur dealing with this... the system is RIGGED againts us regular ppl. they WANT us to miss deadlines so they can deny benefits!!

I had similar issue last yr but with my weekly claims. System kept timing out. Tried for 3 days then gave up. When I finally got thru on ph after using Claimyr (claimyr.com), they fixed it and backdated my claims. Saved my sanity! Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - much better than waiting days to reach someone.

File your late appeal but include a detailed explanation requesting "good cause" for the timing issue. Under PA UC regulations, system errors that prevent timely filing can constitute good cause. Include all dates you attempted to file and call. If your appeal of the late filing is approved, they'll then review the actual case merits regarding the employer dispute. Keep in mind that PA typically enforces appeal deadlines strictly, so your evidence of system problems will be critical. If you have ANY documentation (call logs from your phone, emails to UC, etc.), include copies with your appeal.

this happend to my brother in law last month. he wrote a letter explaining everything and they accepted his late appeal. just make sure you write down EXACTLY what dates you tried to file and all the times you called. be super detailed!

ALWAYS SCREENSHOT EVERYTHING when dealing with PA UC!!! their system is full of glitches and they will NEVER take responsibility unless you have proof

I had a similar situation last year but my appeal was late because I never received the determination letter (they sent it to an old address). I had to prove I didn't get the letter which was nearly impossible. The fact that you're dealing with system errors might actually be easier to prove since the UC office should have records of system outages or maintenance periods. Make sure to ask them to check their system logs for the dates you tried to file!

Update: For anyone reading this thread in the future, PA UC has specific rules about what constitutes "good cause" for a late appeal. According to the PA Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, technical difficulties with the filing system can qualify as good cause if properly documented. Here's what they typically look for: 1. Evidence of attempts to file (dates, times) 2. Evidence of system errors or outages 3. Prompt action once the filing system became available 4. Consistency in your explanation If you prevail on the timeliness issue, the referee will then schedule a separate hearing on the merits of your case (the employer dispute).