PA UC denied my continuance request despite doctor's note - missed appeal hearing today

OMG the same EXACT thing happened to me last year!!! I had a migrane and couldn't even look at my phone screen let alone talk to a ref. I sent in my doctor's note TWO DAYS before my hearing and they still denied it. The PA UC system is RIGGED against workers!!!! They just want reasons to deny you.

You need to file something called a Petition to Reopen immediately. Don't wait for their decision. PA regulations allow you to request to reopen the record if you had good cause for missing the hearing. Having a doctor's note documenting illness is typically considered good cause. The fact that you requested a continuance beforehand and have documentation strengthens your case. You only have 15 days from the hearing date to file this petition, so don't delay. You can do this through your dashboard or by calling (though good luck getting through).

Thanks for the advice about the Petition to Reopen! I'll look for that option on my dashboard right now. Really hoping this works because I can't afford to lose these benefits while I'm still job searching.

i missed my hearing last month but it was becuz i wrote down the wrong date lol. they totally ruled against me but then i appealed to the board of review and explained what happened. still waiting to hear back. the whole thing is confusing af tho.

Here's what you need to understand about PA UC appeals: 1. Missing a hearing without being granted a continuance generally results in a decision against the absent party 2. You should file a Petition to Reopen ASAP (within 15 days) - this is different from appealing the decision 3. Document everything - keep a copy of your doctor's note, the continuance request, and the denial 4. If they deny the Petition to Reopen, you'll need to appeal to the UC Board of Review after you receive the Referee's decision The fact that you requested a continuance with medical documentation before the hearing will help your case. Be prepared to explain exactly why you couldn't participate by phone even after the continuance was denied.

Having trouble getting through to PA UC to file your Petition to Reopen? I was in a similar situation last month and kept getting busy signals for days. I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Made the whole process so much less stressful since I was able to explain my situation directly to someone who could help with my petition.

I work in HR and see this all the time. Just to clarify something important: being denied a continuance doesn't automatically mean you lose your appeal. It just means the hearing proceeded without you. The referee still has to review all evidence before making a decision. That said, it's definitely harder to win when you're not there to present your side and rebut the employer's statements. The Petition to Reopen is your best option now. Have you checked your dashboard to see if the referee has issued a decision yet?

Update on your situation? Did you file the Petition to Reopen?

hey btw my cousins friend got denied for UC but then won on appeal. he said the whole system is designed to deny people hoping they wont fight it. dont give up!!