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PA UC examiner just assigned for my claim with 2 active issues - how long until contact? Electric getting shut off

Just got word today that my PA unemployment claim has an examiner assigned to it. I have 2 active issues flagged - one about my 401K withdrawal (which they apparently said won't affect my eligibility) and the other about why I left my job. Anyone know how long it typically takes for an examiner to actually contact you once they're assigned? I'm in a desperate situation here. My electric is scheduled to be shut off this Thursday and I literally have $0 in my account. Been waiting on this UC payment for what feels like forever. Any advice or timeline expectations would be so helpful right now.

Arnav Bengali

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once examiner assigned it can b 3-5 days or up to 3 wks depending on their backlog. call ur electric company ASAP and tell them ur waiting on unemployment, sometimes they'll give u extension

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Thanks for replying. 3 weeks?? I can't wait that long! I already tried calling the electric company but they said I've had too many extensions already. Do you think if I called PA UC they'd expedite because of my situation?

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Sayid Hassan

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I was in a similar situation last month. Here's what you need to know: once an examiner is assigned, they're supposed to contact you within 7-10 business days, but with the current backlog, it can take longer. For the separation issue, make sure you have documentation ready about why you left your job - emails, HR communications, anything that supports your case. In the meantime, call 211 (United Way) for emergency utility assistance. They can often help prevent shutoffs while you're waiting for UC benefits. Also check with your county assistance office about emergency LIHEAP funds if it's still available.

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Thank you SO MUCH for this detailed reply. I didn't know about 211 or LIHEAP. Going to call them right now. Do you think I should also be trying to reach the UC office directly while I wait for the examiner to contact me?

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Rachel Tao

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OMG I AM GOING THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING!!!! Been waiting 6 weeks with an "examiner assigned" status and TWO ISSUES also!!! One was about my severance (which is different from your 401k but still) and the other was also about why I left. SIX WEEKS AND COUNTING!!!! PA UC is the WORST!!!!! I finally got through last week and they just said "keep waiting" - so helpful, right? 🙄 I'm about to lose my apartment.

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Six weeks?? That's terrifying to hear. I'm so sorry you're going through this too. Have you tried contacting your state rep? I've heard they can sometimes help push claims through.

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Derek Olson

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I had an examiner assigned for a similar separation issue last year. In my experience, there are a few things you should know: 1. The timeline varies widely - some get calls within days, others wait weeks 2. The 401K issue being resolved already is good news 3. For the separation issue, they will need to determine if you had "cause of a necessitous and compelling nature" to leave your job While you wait, I'd recommend contacting your local Community Action Agency for emergency utility assistance. Also, try to get through to the UC office to explain your hardship situation - sometimes they can flag accounts for expedited review. Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the issues to be resolved. Once approved, you'll get all the back payments.

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This is incredibly helpful, thank you. I have solid documentation for why I left (unsafe working conditions with documentation). I'll keep filing weekly claims. Do you happen to know if examiners work on weekends? Or is it just Monday-Friday?

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Derek Olson

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Examiners typically only work Monday-Friday during business hours. They're dealing with hundreds of cases, so documentation is key. Unsafe working conditions can qualify as "necessitous and compelling" reason to leave - just make sure your documentation clearly shows you reported the issues to management before leaving. Also, keep records of all your attempts to contact UC in case there are any disputes about your claim later.

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Danielle Mays

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Try Claimyr to get through to an agent faster. It worked for me when I needed to get urgent help with my claim that had active issues. They connect you to PA UC agents without waiting on hold forever. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 and their website claimyr.com. When I had a similar urgent situation they helped me get through to someone who could actually help speed things up.

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Arnav Bengali

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does that actually work? i tried calling PA UC like 50 times last month and kept getting busy signals

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Thank you!! I'll check this out right now. At this point I'm willing to try anything to talk to a real person who can help.

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Roger Romero

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Whatever u do DON'T MISS WEEKLY CERTIFICATIONS!!! My brother's claim had issues but he kept filing every week and when they finally fixed it he got ALL his back pay at once. If u miss weeks u might not get that money!!!

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I've been filing every week religiously! Thanks for the reminder though - that would be horrible to miss out on back pay after all this waiting.

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Anna Kerber

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I went thru this last winter. I got assigned an examiner for a voluntary quit situation. Had electric shutoff notice too. What worked for me: 1. Called my state representative's office - they have special contacts at UC and submitted an inquiry that got my claim expedited 2. Applied for crisis assistance through the county assistance office 3. Continued filing weekly claims It took 12 days after examiner assignment to get the phone interview, then 3 more days for approval. Had my money on my Money Network card 2 days after that. The voluntary quit issue is the most important - make sure you have GOOD documentation of why you left and that it meets their standards for "necessitous and compelling."

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Thank you! I just looked up my state rep's contact info and will call first thing tomorrow. That's a great idea. Sounds like about two weeks total for you which gives me some hope.

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Sayid Hassan

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Just checking back - were you able to get any emergency assistance for your electric bill? If you still need help, the PA Customer Assistance Program (CAP) through your utility company might be another option. Also, did you have any luck contacting UC?

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I was able to get a 7-day extension on my electric through the 211 referral, which is a huge relief. I also called my state rep's office and they took my info and said they'd submit an inquiry to UC. I tried using Claimyr too and actually got through to someone at UC! They couldn't give me an exact timeline but did confirm my case was in the queue and flagged it with a note about my hardship situation. Feeling a little more hopeful now. Thank you all for the advice!

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