PA UC eligibility after state limited-term position ends with previous disqualification on record
Hey everyone, I'm in a weird spot with my job situation and hoping someone can help me figure out if I can file for UC when my current position ends. I've been working at a state limited-term position since last summer (July 31, 2023) and just found out they're eliminating the position soon. My supervisor hasn't given me an exact end date yet - she's waiting on word from the capital. Super stressful! My UC history is a bit complicated: I had a claim that ended January 2024. I originally filed in Jan 2023 after losing my previous full-time job (worked there from Oct 2022 to Jan 2023). But I got disqualified on that claim because I took a new job that didn't work out, and they said the DQ would last until the end of my benefit year. The good news is I've been working steadily at this state job for about 7 months now, so I think I've earned enough to establish a new weekly benefit rate. But I'm worried that my previous disqualification might affect my ability to file a new claim when this limited-term position ends. Has anyone dealt with filing after a limited-term state position? Or know if a previous DQ affects a completely new claim after you've worked consistently? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
22 comments


Lena Kowalski
You should be eligible for a new UC claim since you've worked consistently since July 2023. Your previous disqualification ended with your benefit year in January 2024, so it won't affect a new claim. Since this is a limited-term position that's ending (not your fault), you should qualify for benefits. Make sure you get documentation from your supervisor stating your position was eliminated - this will help your claim go through smoothly. Also, start gathering your pay stubs now so you have your earnings history ready.
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Toot-n-Mighty
•Thanks for the info! That's a relief about the previous DQ. Do you know if I can file a few days before my actual end date once I get it confirmed? Or do I have to wait until I'm completely done with the job?
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DeShawn Washington
i went thru something similar last year!! state temp position that ended and i got UC no problem. just make sure you select "POSITION ELIMINATED" as yr reason for separation when u file. dont say laid off or fired cause those mean different things in the system!!!
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Mei-Ling Chen
•This isn't entirely accurate. The PA UC system doesn't have a specific option that says "position eliminated" - you'll need to select "LACK OF WORK" which is the correct category for a limited term position ending. Saying it was eliminated could cause confusion during the review process.
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Sofía Rodríguez
The good news is that disqualifications don't carry over to new benefit years. Since your previous claim ended in January 2024, and you've worked steadily since July 2023, you've essentially reset your UC eligibility. For a new claim, PA will look at your base year (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). You need to have earned at least $116 per week for at least 18 weeks in your base year, plus meet the total earnings requirement. When your job ends, make sure you get a separation letter that clearly states it was a limited-term position that ended as scheduled. This will prevent any issues with your employer contesting the claim. Since this is a lack of work situation and not a performance issue, you should have a clean claim this time around.
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Toot-n-Mighty
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I didn't realize PA uses the base year calculation that way. I've definitely worked every week since July 31st last year, so that should be enough weeks. Will my earnings from October-January 2022/2023 (before my last claim) count for this new base year, or only what I've earned at the state job?
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Aiden O'Connor
The UC system is so frustrating!! I tried calling them for WEEKS about my limited term position ending and all I got was busy signals. So annoying. Eventually I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual person at PA UC in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Honestly saved me so much stress compared to constantly redialing.
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Zoe Papadopoulos
•Is that service legit? I've been trying to get through about my own issue for days and keep hitting dead ends. Might be worth a try if it actually works...
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Aiden O'Connor
•Yeah it actually worked for me! I was skeptical at first but was desperate after trying for over a week to get through. The service basically keeps dialing for you and then connects you once it gets through. Saved me hours of redial hell.
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Jamal Brown
NOBODY MENTIONED SOMETHING IMPORTANT!!! When a state job ends, sometimes they classify it as a "FURLOUGH" not a termination!!! This happened to my daughter and it caused HUGE problems with her claim because she answered questions wrong!!! Make SURE you ask your supervisor exactly how they're classifying your separation in the system!!! If it's a furlough, there are different questions you need to answer when filing!!!
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Toot-n-Mighty
•Oh wow, I hadn't thought of that possibility. I'll definitely ask my supervisor about how they're classifying it. Thank you for the heads up!
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Sofía Rodríguez
•This is partially correct but needs clarification. State limited-term positions typically end with a "lack of work" classification, not furlough. Furloughs are temporary and usually assume you'll return to work. For a limited-term position that's ending permanently, it should be classified as lack of work. But yes, absolutely check with your supervisor about the official separation reason.
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Mei-Ling Chen
Be careful with your timing. If you file too early before your job actually ends, it could create problems. PA UC considers you employed until your last day worked, so filing before then could result in a denial. Wait until after your last day of work to file your initial claim. Also, don't forget you'll need to register with PA CareerLink within 30 days of filing and complete weekly work search activities (applying to jobs, attending workshops, etc.) to maintain eligibility.
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Toot-n-Mighty
•Good point about waiting until after my last day. I'll make sure to do that. And thanks for the reminder about CareerLink - I completely forgot about that requirement!
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Zoe Papadopoulos
did u try talking to ur supervisor about extending ur position? sometimes they can find money in the budget if ur a good worker. worth asking before going thru the UC hassle
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Toot-n-Mighty
•I've mentioned it to her, but she said it's a state-level decision and there's no funding to continue the position. Believe me, I'd much rather keep working than deal with UC, but it doesn't look like an option in this case.
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DeShawn Washington
make sure u have all ur paystubs!!!! they might ask for proof of income especially if the state payroll system is slow to report ur wages. happened to my cousin and his claim was delayed for WEEKS
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Toot-n-Mighty
•Thanks for the tip! I'll start gathering all my pay information now so I'm prepared.
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Sofía Rodríguez
One more important thing: Once you do file, you'll need to file biweekly claims (not weekly like some states). PA UC requires you to file every two weeks to certify you're still eligible. Make sure you do this even if your initial claim is still pending or has issues. You can't go back and file these later if you miss them. Also, for your work search requirements, keep detailed records of all activities - PA requires you to do this even if they don't ask for the records immediately.
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Toot-n-Mighty
•This is super helpful info. I didn't realize the claims were biweekly in PA. And thanks for the tip about keeping detailed work search records - I'll set up a spreadsheet to track everything from day one.
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Lena Kowalski
Based on what you've shared, you should be in good shape for a new claim. The fact that your previous disqualification was within a benefit year that has already ended means it won't affect your new claim. Just make sure you understand that there might still be a week waiting period before benefits begin, so plan your finances accordingly. Good luck with your job search!
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Toot-n-Mighty
•Thank you! That's a good reminder about the waiting week - I'll make sure to budget for that gap.
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