PA UC eligibility if I refuse job relocation 2 hours away - can I get benefits?

i think ur good. my brother had somethin similar happen last yr when his warehouse moved to delaware. he got approved for benefits cause PA considers anything over 45 min commute to be not suitable work. at least thats what he told me lol

This is actually spelled out in PA unemployment eligibility rules. Under Pennsylvania law, work is NOT considered suitable if: - The commute would be unreasonably long (generally over 45-60 minutes one-way) - The commute would create undue hardship compared to your previous position - Moving would cause family hardship When you file, be very clear about why you're refusing the position - specifically mention the 2-hour commute and family situation. You'll likely need to document that the company is closing your location and that the only position offered was at this distant location. Keep in mind UC may contact your employer to verify details. Document everything!

same thing happened to me!!! but my company moved from Allentown to Lancaster. UC DENIED me at first because they said i refused work!!! i had to APPEAL and then wait for a hearing. took almost 2 months to get approved. make sure you explain EVERYTHING about why you cant take it!!!!

When you file your initial claim, make sure you have the exact address of the new location to show the actual distance. Also keep any emails or letters about the closure and relocation offer. You might want to calculate and document the actual commute time during your normal work hours using Google Maps or something similar to prove it's 2 hours each way. If you need to speak with someone at UC about your specific situation (which I recommend), good luck getting through on the phone lines. I spent WEEKS trying to reach someone when I had a similar issue last year. I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to a UC rep in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Definitely worth it to get a clear answer on your specific situation before filing.

You need to be careful about how you report this to PA UC. If you simply say "I quit because they wanted me to relocate" you might be automatically denied. Instead, when filing, indicate that your local workplace closed (which is true) and that the only position offered required an unreasonable commute that would create undue hardship. PA unemployment considers these factors when determining if work is "suitable": 1. Distance from your home 2. Family obligations 3. Prior experience/training 4. Previous wage rates A 2-hour commute (4 hours daily) is generally considered unreasonable by PA standards. Just make sure you document everything - the notification of closure, the offer letter for the new location, and any correspondence about your decision. When you file, be prepared to explain your situation in detail during your initial claim and possibly again during a fact-finding interview.

I went through almost EXACTLY this in 2023!!! My employer closed our Erie office and offered positions in Pittsburgh (2.5 hrs away). I filed for UC and they DENIED me saying I "refused suitable work" - can you believe that??? I had to appeal and wait for a hearing which took FOREVER while bills piled up. The hearing ref eventually approved me but I went 9 WEEKS with no income!!! The whole system is designed to make you give up. My advice: 1) Get EVERYTHING in writing about the closure 2) Calculate exact mileage and driving time 3) Document why moving isn't feasible (spouse job, kids school, etc) 4) Prepare for them to deny you anyway and have to appeal 5) Start looking for work immediately so you can show work search efforts GOOD LUCK - you'll need it with PA's broken system!!!!!

To answer your question about timing - you should file your initial claim after your last day of work at the current location. However, if you've officially declined the relocation offer before that, make sure to save that documentation. When you file, you'll need to report that your separation was due to a "lack of work" (the location closed) and that you were offered a position that wasn't suitable due to distance. Be prepared to explain this situation in the fact-finding questionnaire or interview. Remember that PA requires you to conduct weekly work search activities once you start claiming benefits. You must apply for at least two positions and complete one work search activity each week. Keep detailed records of all work search efforts.

what kinda job do u have? might matter for what they consider suitable work. my friend is a nurse and they told her she had to take a job that was like 50 min away cause there was nursing shortage or something? but most jobs i think 2 hrs is def too far!!

One more important point - when you file, PA UC will want to know your reason for separation. The correct answer in your case is "Lack of work" because your location is closing, not "Quit" or "Voluntary separation." If you select "Quit" it could trigger an automatic denial that you'd have to appeal. During the more detailed questionnaire that follows, you can explain about the relocation offer and why it wasn't suitable. Also, start your job search now and document everything. PA requires you to register with PACareerLink within 30 days of filing your initial claim.

I would recommend getting something in writing from your employer that specifically states: 1. That your current location is closing 2. The exact date of closure 3. That you were offered a position at the new location 4. The exact address of the new location This documentation will be crucial if you need to appeal an initial denial. Also, when you file, if you get confused about any questions, try to speak with someone at UC directly. When I was filing last year, I kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours on the phone. As I mentioned, I used Claimyr to get through quickly (claimyr.com) and it saved me weeks of frustration. The UC rep was able to clarify exactly how to answer certain questions for my specific situation.