PA UC eligibility after being terminated during medical leave - employer claims I abandoned job

Yes, you should absolutely apply for UC benefits! This sounds like a case where you were terminated through no fault of your own, which is the primary qualification for PA unemployment. The burden will be on your employer to prove you abandoned your job, and from what you described, you have documentation showing you properly notified them. Make sure to include all those text messages and doctor's notes when you file your initial claim and explain the situation clearly. Pennsylvania is generally favorable toward employees in cases where proper notice was given for medical reasons.

i had somethin similar happen last yr. my boss told me 1 thing then fired me while i was out sick. UC denied me at first but i appealed and won bc i had texts proving i followed the call-off procedure. def apply asap and save EVERYTHING

You should file for unemployment immediately after you receive official notice of termination. Based on what you've described, this would likely be considered a termination without cause, which qualifies for UC benefits in Pennsylvania. What matters for your UC claim is: 1. You notified your employer about the medical leave 2. You have documentation (texts, doctor's notes) 3. You were available to return to work with restrictions 4. The employer is preventing you from returning Even if there was a miscommunication about paperwork between supervisors, that's an internal company issue - not your fault. When you file, be prepared for them to potentially contest your claim. If they do, you'll need to attend a hearing (usually by phone) where you present your evidence. Make sure to start your work search activities as soon as you file - PA requires you to apply for at least 2 jobs per week and complete 1 work search activity.

If they're not giving you an official termination but also not letting you work, that's called constructive discharge and still qualifies you for benefits. It's basically the same as firing you. Document EVERYTHING and keep trying to contact HR to clarify your employment status. For what it's worth, I had to call PA UC about 47 times before getting through when I had a similar issue last year. If you're struggling to reach someone at unemployment, I recently found a service called Claimyr that connected me to a PA UC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 that shows how it works. Totally saved me when I was dealing with my open issue.

EXACTLY the same thing happened to me in January!! I had surgery and when I tried to return they claimed I never filed proper leave paperwork even though my manager TOLD ME I was all set. I applied for UC and got DENIED initially because the employer told them I abandoned my job!!! I had to appeal and it was STRESSFUL but I eventually won because I had emails and texts proving I communicated everything properly. MY ADVICE: file for UC right away, but make sure you have all documentation organized for when they inevitably challenge your claim. DON'T WAIT for the official termination letter - if they're not letting you work, you're effectively terminated already.

anybody know if medical restrictions matter? can they deny u benefits if u cant do full duty?

I went through something similar and PA unemployment is a JOKE. They sided with my employer initially even though I had proof. The whole system is rigged against workers. I spent MONTHS fighting for my benefits and had to get legal help. Just be prepared for a battle because employers almost always contest claims and UC often believes them first.

Thanks everyone for all this advice. I contacted HR today and they confirmed they're processing my termination for "job abandonment" despite all my documentation showing I followed procedure. I'm going to file for UC tomorrow morning. I'm really nervous about the whole process but feeling better equipped with all your advice.