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PA UC denied my medical quit claim saying I'm disabled - but I can work other jobs!

Just got my determination letter and I'm so confused! I had to quit my warehouse job (lifting 50+ lbs all day) because of severe back issues that developed. Before quitting, I told my supervisor about my condition and asked for lighter duty work. They said nothing was available. Now PA UC denied me saying I'm 'unable to work due to disability.' But that's not true! I can work plenty of jobs that don't require heavy lifting. I thought PA UC rules say if you inform employer of health limitations BEFORE quitting, and they can't accommodate, you can get benefits? I'm able and available for many types of work - just not warehouse lifting anymore. Has anyone else dealt with this? Should I appeal? I'm freaking out because I really need these benefits while I job hunt for something that won't destroy my back.

Mohammed Khan

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You should definitely appeal this decision. There's a big difference between being completely unable to work (which would make you ineligible for UC) versus being unable to do ONE SPECIFIC JOB due to medical reasons. Based on what you've described, it sounds like the adjudicator misunderstood your situation. When you appeal, make sure to emphasize that you informed your employer before quitting, they couldn't accommodate your restrictions, AND that you're able and available for other types of work that don't require heavy lifting. Include any doctor's notes that specify your restrictions but also clearly state you can do other types of work. The appeal deadline is 15 calendar days from the date on your determination letter, so don't delay!

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Ella Russell

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Thank you so much! Yes, my doctor specifically wrote that I can't lift more than 15 pounds repeatedly but am cleared for other types of work. I'll definitely include that in my appeal. Do you know if I need to use a specific form for the appeal or just write a letter explaining everything?

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Gavin King

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same thing happened 2 me last yr!! they denied me saying i couldn't work but thats not wat my dr said. i was a nurse and couldn't lift patients anymore but could do other jobs. u need to appeal and be very clear that ur not disabled from ALL work just that specific job. make sure ur dr note is super clear on that point!!

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Ella Russell

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Did you win your appeal? I'm so nervous about this whole process. Did you have to actually go to a hearing?

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Nathan Kim

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This is a common misunderstanding by UC examiners. They sometimes assume a medical condition that prevents you from performing your previous job means you're not able to work at all. Here's what you need to do for your appeal: 1. Get written documentation from your doctor clearly stating your work restrictions AND that you're capable of other types of work 2. Fill out the official appeal form (UC-46A) which should have come with your determination letter 3. Clearly explain that you meet all eligibility requirements: you informed employer before quitting, they couldn't accommodate, and you're able and available for suitable work 4. Submit your appeal before the deadline (15 days from determination date) About 40% of appeals are successful, especially in cases like yours where there appears to be a misinterpretation of your situation.

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Eleanor Foster

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The system is completely broken!!! I had almost the exact situation last year - couldn't do my construction job anymore due to knee injury but could easily do desk work. They denied me and EVEN AFTER APPEALING with a doctor's note they denied me again!!! The whole system is rigged against workers!

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Lucas Turner

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I had issues reaching PA UC when I needed to explain my situation better. Kept getting busy signals for days. Finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person in under an hour. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Definitely worth it when you need to actually talk to someone about complex situations like medical quits.

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Ella Russell

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I've been trying to get through on the phone for 2 days with no luck! Thanks for the tip, I'll check this out because I definitely need to talk to a real person about my situation.

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Kai Rivera

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make sure u appeal right away dont miss the deadline thats the most important thing. i waited too long once and lost my chance completely.

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Ella Russell

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Thanks for the reminder - I just double-checked and my deadline is next Friday so I still have time to gather my documentation!

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Anna Stewart

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I'm actually an employment attorney (though this isn't legal advice). Let me clarify the PA UC rules on medical quits: 1. The key test is whether you're able and available for suitable work 2. Having medical restrictions doesn't make you ineligible as long as you can still work some jobs 3. You must have informed your employer of your limitations before quitting 4. The employer must have been unable/unwilling to provide accommodations Your case definitely merits an appeal. Be very specific in your appeal about what jobs you CAN do despite your medical condition. Make it clear you're actively seeking suitable work within your restrictions. About 30-40% of initial denials are overturned on appeal.

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Ella Russell

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Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! I've started writing my appeal letter focusing on those exact points. I'm also keeping detailed records of my job searches for jobs that would work with my restrictions.

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Gavin King

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one more thing!! when u file ur weekly claims while waiting for appeal decision make sure u still say YES to being able & available for work!! if u say no they'll use that against u in the appeal

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Ella Russell

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Oh! I didn't realize I should keep filing weekly claims during the appeal. Thanks for that tip - I definitely would have messed that up.

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Nathan Kim

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Good news is that if you win your appeal, you'll get all the back payments you're entitled to. Make sure you're answering the weekly certification questions correctly - 'Are you able to work?' should be YES (because you can work many jobs, just not your previous one). Also document all your job search activities carefully during this time.

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Ella Russell

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Update: I submitted my appeal yesterday with my doctor's note that clearly states I can work with restrictions (no heavy lifting). Also included information about the conversation with my supervisor where I requested accommodation before quitting. Fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your help.

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