PA UC eligibility after being removed from facility - worked March 2023-February 2024

You likely qualify, but there are some important details to consider. PA unemployment looks at two things here: 1) Do you have enough wages in your base year (which you probably do after working March 2023-Feb 2024), and 2) Were you terminated for willful misconduct (which a single safety violation might not qualify as). Since you're still technically employed by the agency, you should file as a 'lack of work' situation because they haven't provided you with new assignments. Don't wait for them to find you something - file now, and if they get you work later, you can stop claiming. The important thing is that you're available and looking for work now.

u shud totally apply!! I got benefits when my agency didnt have work for me for like 3 weeks. just make sure u tell them ur ready to work and looking for jobs everyday. they want that job search stuff now

I'll give you the straight facts based on my experience with PA UC last year. Your employer is the staffing agency, not the facility. When you file, list the agency's information. In the separation reason section, select "Still employed but hours reduced" or "Lack of work" - NOT fired or quit. The safety glasses violation is tricky - if the agency tries to claim it was willful misconduct, you'd need to explain it was a single incident and not deliberate. But honestly, I wouldn't bring it up unless they do. Most importantly: FILE TODAY. The process takes weeks, and your benefit year begins the week you apply, not when you lost work. Every week you wait is money lost forever. You'll need to complete 6 work search activities each week, even if the agency says they're looking for you (their search doesn't count for your requirement).

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST AGENCY WORKERS!!!! I went through almost the EXACT same thing in December. Agency placed me, client site didn't want me anymore, and then the agency fought my unemployment claim saying I was "fired for cause" when I wasn't even given a reason!! Had to wait 7 WEEKS for a determination and appeal hearing. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! Every call with your agency, every text, everything about that safety glasses incident. They will try to screw you!!!!

When I was in this situation (laid off from assignment through Adecco), I couldn't get through to anyone at UC to clarify if I should file or not. Busy signals for DAYS. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a UC rep in under 20 minutes. They confirmed I should file right away as "lack of work" through the agency, and that I didn't need to wait for the agency to officially let me go. Saved me weeks of stress. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Just be aware that after filing, there's often an "open issue" period while they verify details with the agency. The sooner you file, the sooner that process starts.

No, it won't mess up your claim. The key is that you're currently without work and available to work. The agency saying they're "looking for placements" actually supports your case that you have a lack of work situation. Just make sure you're doing and documenting your weekly work search activities (minimum 6 per week) and reporting any income if the agency does give you temporary assignments. As long as you continue to be eligible (available for work, actively searching, and earning under your weekly benefit allowance), you can collect benefits until you find stable employment again.

idk why everyones making this complicated. if you dont have work, you file for unemployment. i did this 3 times with my agency jobs. sometimes they find you work sometimes they dont, but you need money either way! just be honest about everything and youll be fine

Just want to add - since you were let go on February 18th, 2025, make sure you file for the benefit week that includes that date. You can backdate your claim to the week you became unemployed, but only for a limited time. Also, start documenting your job search activities immediately, even before you're approved. PA requires verification of 6 work search activities per week (applying for jobs, attending job fairs, creating profiles on job sites, etc.). One more tip: after you file, check your dashboard daily for any "open issues" on your claim. Sometimes they need additional information and won't tell you except through the portal.

UPDATE: I filed my claim yesterday following your advice (listed the agency as employer, reason as "lack of work"). My dashboard already shows an "open issue" related to "employer separation" - I'm guessing they're checking with the agency. I also started applying for jobs right away and have documented 4 applications so far this week. Thanks everyone for the help! I'll update again when I hear something.