PA UC examiner wait time hitting 6+ weeks - still no review of my claim

I waited 9 WEEKS last month before an examiner looked at my claim!!! The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN. They expect us to search for jobs and pay our bills while they take their sweet time. When I finally got through to someone they said they were 'backlogged' but that's no excuse when people are about to be HOMELESS!

It varies a lot depending on what issue they need to examine. Some are quick (1-2 weeks) while others can take 2+ months. Do you know what the issue is with your claim? If it's something simple like wage verification it's usually faster than if it's about job separation or availability issues.

my claim took 5 wks but my sister waited 11 wks so its really random tbh

PA UC is severely understaffed right now, especially with the new system issues they've been having. Here's what you can try: 1. Call your state representative's office - they can sometimes expedite claims that are languishing 2. Make sure you've uploaded all requested documents to your dashboard 3. Check if you have any action items showing as 'incomplete' in your portal 4. Try to reach a live agent directly (though this is admittedly difficult) When an examiner does review your claim, they'll contact you if they need additional information. All approved weeks will be paid retroactively once your claim is processed.

I had the same issue earlier this year - waited almost 7 weeks with no examiner. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person at PA UC. They have this service that helps you skip the phone queue and actually talk to someone. I was super skeptical but they got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes after I'd been trying for weeks. The agent was able to flag my claim for priority review and I got my determination 5 days later. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2

The agent I spoke to was able to see exactly what was holding up my claim (which was something the chat people never told me) and they submitted an 'expedite request' because I was at risk of eviction. The chat reps don't seem to have the same level of access or authority as the phone agents.

I'm in week 8 of waiting and finally got a notice that my claim was assigned to an examiner yesterday. The wait times are ridiculous right now. From what I understand, they're prioritizing claims with financial hardship, so definitely mention that when you finally reach someone. Have you tried going to the CareerLink office in person? Sometimes they can help expedite things.

To find your state rep, go to https://www.legis.state.pa.us/ and enter your address. Their office will likely ask you to complete a release form allowing them to inquire about your claim. And yes, while CareerLink's primary function is job services, some locations have UC representatives on certain days who can check on claims.

It's so stressful waiting!! I remember checking my dashboard like 20 times a day hoping for a change. Hang in there ❤️

I'd recommend trying multiple approaches simultaneously: 1. Contact your state rep 2. Visit CareerLink 3. Try to reach a phone agent directly 4. Document your financial hardship in writing The squeaky wheel often gets the grease in these situations. Just be persistent but polite. And make sure you continue filing your weekly claims even while waiting - this ensures you'll get all your backpay once approved.