PA UC eligibility with current Workers' Comp claim? Quit 2nd job due to lack of work

You might qualify for PA benefits since u quit cuz they didn't have work for u - that's usually considered employer's fault not yours. But the workers comp thing complicates everything. Not sure if u can collect both???

This is a unique situation that requires careful handling. In Pennsylvania, you can potentially qualify for UC benefits if you quit due to lack of work - this is considered a necessitous and compelling reason to leave employment. The employer essentially constructively discharged you by not providing work for 6 weeks. However, the Workers' Compensation complication is significant. You must report all income when filing for UC, including Workers' Comp benefits. This may reduce your UC benefit amount or potentially make you ineligible depending on how much you receive from Workers' Comp. PA UC requires you to be able and available for suitable work, which might be questioned if you're receiving Workers' Comp. I recommend applying anyway and being completely truthful about both situations. Let UC make the determination rather than assuming you won't qualify.

When I was on workers comp last year I tried to get UC too and they DENIED me because I wasn't "able and available" for work according to them!!! The system is rigged man, they'll find any excuse not to pay you. Good luck getting through to anyone on the phone too - I spent WEEKS trying!!!

Hey there, I went through something kinda similar last year. Honestly, the only way I finally got through to someone at PA UC was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was stuck in limbo with a complicated claim too and couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks. They got me connected to an actual UC rep in about 20 minutes! They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The rep I talked to explained exactly how Workers' Comp affects UC eligibility in my case. Your situation sounds even more complicated than mine was, so talking to someone directly is probably your best bet rather than guessing.

To clarify some confusion in this thread: Pennsylvania UC law does consider leaving employment due to lack of work as a qualifying separation. However, Workers' Compensation creates specific eligibility issues: 1) You must report all income including Workers' Comp when filing weekly claims 2) Your UC weekly benefit amount may be reduced based on your Workers' Comp payments 3) Most importantly, you need to be medically released to work in some capacity The key question is whether your Workers' Comp claim indicates total disability (which would make you ineligible for UC) or partial disability (which might allow partial UC benefits). Ask your Workers' Comp doctor for a clear statement about your work capabilities. This documentation will be crucial for your UC claim. The UC office will likely send you a form to have completed regarding your ability to work.

I'm a home health aide too!!!! I got hurt last year lifting a patient and was on workers comp for 3 months. My doctor cleared me for light duty but my agency had nothing available so I applied for unemployment and got it!!! But I had to send in the doctors note saying I could work with restrictions. Every week when I filed I had to report my workers comp payment and they reduced my UC payment. It was still something though!

I had a somewhat similar situation where I was receiving WC benefits and tried to claim UC from a previous employer. Be extremely careful here - there are specific rules about what you need to report. If your WC is for total disability, then PA UC will likely deny benefits because you're not able to work. You mentioned you got hurt at your first job - are you still technically employed there but just collecting WC? If so, you'll need to explain that you're collecting WC from an employer you still work for (but are on leave from), while claiming UC from a different employer you no longer work for. I strongly recommend getting a formal determination from UC rather than guessing. Be 100% honest about your WC status when you apply. In my case, I was initially denied but was able to appeal and eventually received benefits.

Didnt u have to be lookin for work to get UC? How does that work with workers comp?