PA UC email response time now taking 7+ days instead of promised 48 hours

Email is basically useless with PA UC right now. They're quoting 48 hours but in reality it's taking 2-3 weeks for most people to get responses. The system is completely backed up from what I understand. Your best option is definitely to call and speak with an agent directly about the benefit calculation issue.

2-3 WEEKS?! That's insane. I've been stressing about a week... I can't imagine waiting that long. Have you had any luck getting through on the phone line? Every time I call it's busy signals or disconnects.

same thing happened to me last month lol. waited 12 days for them to email me back about my open issue. totally normal unfortunately

Nothing 'normal' about it! The PA UC system is completely broken. They tell you 48 hours but then you wait forever while your bills pile up. I've been dealing with them for 3 months and STILL haven't gotten my issue fixed. Emailed 4 times, called at least 20 times. Complete disaster of a system!!!

Email response times with PA UC are currently averaging 10-14 calendar days, not the 48 hours they claim. This is because they're still processing a backlog of claims from the system update they did in January 2025. For payment calculation issues specifically, you'll need to speak with a claims examiner directly. Your best option is to call the UC service center at 1-888-313-7284, but be prepared for long wait times.\n\nIf your benefit amount is off by $120, it could be that certain quarters of your base year wages weren't calculated correctly or there might be a weekly withholding for something like child support or tax withholding. An agent can pull up your wage records and confirm exactly what's happening.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! That makes sense about the system update backlog. I've tried calling several times but can't get through - either busy signals or it disconnects me after the automated menu. Is there a best time of day to call?

I had to wait 9 days for an email response just last week. Then when they did respond, it was just a generic message telling me to check my dashboard which didn't even answer my question! So frustrating.

lol exactly what they did to me too. generic copy paste response that had nothing to do with what i asked them

I've been dealing with PA unemployment for months now, and trust me, you're not going to get anywhere with email. I found a service called Claimyr that actually worked for me after weeks of frustration. It gets you through to a live agent without dealing with the busy signals and disconnections. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 and their website is claimyr.com. \n\nI was skeptical at first, but after two weeks of not being able to talk to anyone about my incorrect benefit amount (similar to your situation), I tried it and got through to an agent who fixed my issue that same day. For benefit calculation problems, you definitely need to speak to someone directly.

Thank you for the suggestion! I've never heard of this service before. Did you have to wait long once you got connected? I'll check out that video link. At this point I'm willing to try anything since rent is coming up.

Don't bother with emails!! I waited 16 days for a response and then all they said was to call. Total waste of time. They're completely overwhelmed right now because of the new work search requirements that started this year. Everyone is having issues and emailing them questions.

This is correct. The implementation of the stricter work search requirements in 2025 has created a large volume of inquiries. For any urgent matters, especially payment-related issues, calling is always the better option, despite the difficulty in getting through.

The PA UC system is a JOKE!!!!! I'm in the same boat and everything is

I feel your frustration. It's so stressful when you're depending on that money for bills and can't get answers. Hope they get back to you soon.

Update on the Claimyr service that was mentioned - I tried it this morning after seeing it recommended here and I did get through to an agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to explain exactly why my benefit amount was lower (they were counting my part-time job from last summer at a lower rate). Just wanted to share since it actually worked for my situation with the benefit calculation issue.

Thank you SO MUCH for the update! I'm going to try this today. I can't afford to keep waiting on an email that might never come. Did they fix your benefit amount when you talked to them?

Yes, they were able to adjust my benefit amount once I explained that some of my wages weren't being calculated correctly. They asked me to email pay stubs from the missing period as verification, but they noted it in my file and said the adjustment would be processed within 5-7 business days. The agent was actually really helpful when I finally got through to a real person.

That's exactly what I need! Thank you again. This whole system is so frustrating but at least there's a way to actually talk to someone who can help.