PA UC eligibility after being fired for not meeting sales quota - can employer block my claim?

Yes, absolutely apply for unemployment. Your employer CANNOT block you from applying and they don't make the final decision - PA UC does. Being fired for not meeting quotas is often NOT considered willful misconduct, especially if you were trying your best. This usually falls under "performance issues" which is generally not disqualification from benefits. As for the PTO, Pennsylvania law requires employers to follow their own written policies. If their handbook says earned PTO must be paid out, they legally have to do it. If their policy says they don't pay it out upon termination, then unfortunately they can withhold it.

apply anyway!!!! my sister got fired for "performance" from a sales job last yr and still got approved. your company is just trying 2 scare u. they always say that stuff but UC makes the actual decision not them!!!!

Not meeting a sales quota is NOT willful misconduct in most PA UC cases! I've been through this. The key is that willful misconduct requires you deliberately violated a policy or rule - not just that you weren't good enough at something despite trying. Apply immediately after you're let go. Be 100% honest on the application about why you were terminated. When they ask if you were fired for willful misconduct, say NO. Your employer will likely challenge, but then both sides get to present their case. Also, your prior benefit year may not be expired since you filed in January. So you might be reopening an existing claim rather than filing a new one. Check your benefit year on your original paperwork.

Just to add a bit more info - PA uses what's called the "base year" for calculating benefits, which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you apply. Since you've worked at multiple places this year, those wages can potentially be combined to determine your benefit amount. Also, if you're trying to reach someone at UC to discuss your specific situation (which I recommend), good luck getting through on the phone lines. I had to call over 75 times before connecting last month. Some people have had good results with this service called Claimyr that gets you through to a UC rep without the endless redialing. Their site is claimyr.com and you can see how it works at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - it actually worked for my cousin when she needed to sort out her complicated claim situation.

im sorry but ur all giving BAD advice!!! if u get fired for not doing ur job thats 100% misconduct and u WONT get benefits. my brother tried and got DENIED. these companys know all the loopholes to block ur benefits. don't waste ur time applying!!!

Don't listen to the doom and gloom. I've adjudicated many UC claims (retired from the department) and can tell you that not meeting a sales quota is generally NOT considered willful misconduct as long as you were making a good faith effort to meet expectations. The burden of proof is on the employer to show that you intentionally disregarded their interests. Document everything about your termination. Ask for the reason in writing if possible. In your application, stick to facts and avoid emotional language. When you separate, request a copy of your personnel file immediately (you have a legal right to this in PA). Also, since you had multiple employers this year, your claim may be more complex. Your best bet is to speak directly with a UC representative who can look at your specific situation. Be persistent about getting through on the phone lines.

By the way, regarding your PTO question - Pennsylvania doesn't actually have any laws requiring PTO payout. It all depends on your company's written policy. Check your employee handbook or employment contract. If it says earned PTO will be paid out, then they legally have to honor that. If there's no written policy or it specifically says they don't pay it out upon termination, you might be out of luck on that part.

btw i think ur benefit amount mite be different this time cuz they look at how much u earned in the base period. since u worked more since january that might actually help ur weekly benefit amount be higher! my sisters went up when she had to refile.

One more tip: Since your claim history is a bit complex (partial benefit year from January, multiple employers since then), I strongly recommend applying online first, then immediately trying to speak with a representative by phone. The online system isn't great at handling complicated situations like yours, and you don't want delays because the system got confused. A live rep can review everything and make notes on your file to help prevent issues. Make sure you have all employment dates, contact information, and separation reasons for each job ready when you apply. Good luck!

Hey Connor, I went through something really similar last year - got fired from a sales job for not hitting targets and was terrified my employer would block my claim. They made all the same threats yours is making! But here's the thing - I got approved anyway because PA UC looks at whether you were willfully doing something wrong, not just whether you were good enough at the job. The key is being completely honest on your application. Don't say you quit or anything like that - just state you were terminated for not meeting sales quotas despite your efforts. Keep any documentation showing you were trying (emails about your progress, training records, etc.). Your employer will probably contest it, but that's normal and doesn't mean you'll lose. You'll get a chance to tell your side of the story. The fact that you've only been there 3 months actually might work in your favor - shows you didn't have much time to learn the role. Definitely apply as soon as you're terminated. Don't let their intimidation tactics scare you out of benefits you may be entitled to!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I just wanted to add that I work in HR (not in PA but familiar with unemployment law) and your employer's threats are really common intimidation tactics. They know most people don't understand the difference between performance issues and willful misconduct, so they try to scare employees out of applying. The fact that you were terminated for not meeting quotas after only 3 months actually strengthens your case - it suggests you didn't have adequate time to fully learn the role and develop the necessary skills. Most reasonable people would agree that's a performance/capability issue, not deliberate misconduct. Also, document everything about tomorrow's termination meeting if possible. If they make any statements about the reasons, try to get them in writing or at least take notes immediately afterward. This can be helpful if they try to change their story later during the UC process. You've gotten great advice here - definitely apply right away and don't let their threats stop you. The worst they can do is contest your claim, which just means both sides get to present evidence. You have nothing to lose by applying and potentially benefits to gain!

Connor, I just went through a very similar situation in PA last month! Got fired from my sales job for missing targets and my manager also threatened that I wouldn't get benefits. I was so scared I almost didn't apply, but I'm so glad I did because I got approved! Here's what helped me: I kept detailed records of all my sales activities, training sessions, and client interactions to show I was genuinely trying to succeed. When PA UC interviewed me, I explained that I was putting in effort but just couldn't close enough deals in the short time I was there. The investigator told me that not meeting quotas is usually considered a "lack of skill or ability" rather than willful misconduct, especially when you can show you were trying. Your employer can contest it (mine did), but UC makes the final decision based on facts, not threats. One thing that really helped my case was that I documented every training I attended and every sales call I made. If you have any of that kind of documentation, definitely bring it up during your interview with UC. Don't let them intimidate you - apply right away and be completely honest about everything. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, and that includes people who just aren't cut out for certain sales roles. You've got this!