PA UC extension between claim ending and new job starting - possible to bridge one month gap?

Extensions aren't what they used to be during COVID. Now you basically need to file a new claim after your benefit year ends. Also depends if you've worked at all during your benefit year that just ended - did you?

Unfortunately there's no simple 'extension' anymore since the pandemic programs ended. What you're looking at is either filing a new Regular UC claim (if you have enough qualifying wages in your base year) or potentially PEUC (if that's still available, though I believe it ended). Here's what you need to know: 1. If your benefit year is ending, you'll need to file a new application 2. They'll look at your base year wages (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters) 3. That summer job might help you qualify if it provided enough earnings 4. You need to have earned at least $116 per week for at least 18 weeks in your base year I'd recommend applying as soon as your current benefits run out. Even if it's just for a month, that's income you're entitled to if you qualify.

I dealt with this exact situation last year! The key is that this isn't really an "extension" - it's a new claim. Your part-time summer job might actually help you qualify. I had worked just enough quarters to qualify for a new claim, though my weekly benefit amount was lower than my first claim. When your benefit year ends, file a new initial application right away. The system will determine if you have enough qualifying wages. The tricky part is making sure there's no gap in your payments. I'd recommend filing the new application a week before your current claim ends. Also, document your job offer with the start date so you can show you're not turning down suitable work - you're just waiting for your start date. That helped me avoid issues.

why not just call the employer and ask to start earlier? seems like an easier solution than dealing with PA UC system lol

I've been dealing with PA UC for months and cannot get anyone on the phone to resolve my issues. After endless busy signals and disconnections, I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to a live agent in under an hour. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Their website is claimyr.com and it saved me so much frustration. For your situation, I'd definitely recommend talking to an actual agent since your case is a bit unusual with that one-month gap. They can tell you exactly what documentation you need and might be able to process things faster.

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!! I had a gap between claims last year and they made EVERYTHING difficult. Had to appeal twice and waited 9 WEEKS for money I was entitled to!!!! Make sure you document EVERYTHING and take screenshots of all confirmations when you file. They will try to say you didn't do something right GUARANTEED!!!!

To answer your waiting week question from earlier - yes, there is typically a waiting week for new claims. So if your current benefit year ends and you file a new claim, there would likely be one week where you don't receive a payment. However, sometimes PA waives the waiting week during periods of high unemployment. You'd need to check if there's currently a waiting week waiver in effect (which is less likely now compared to during the pandemic). Also, make sure you continue to file your weekly certifications even during that transition period so there's no additional delay.

My brother in law works at the unemployment office and he says theres a huge backlog right now for new claims. might take 3-4 weeks to get approved even if you qualify. just fyi so you can plan accordingly

I know this is a long shot, but have you considered requesting a partial unemployment claim? If your new employer could bring you on even part-time during that gap month (even remotely while they finish renovations), you might be able to qualify for partial benefits to supplement the reduced income. This would avoid having to file a whole new claim. Also, definitely file your new claim application as early as possible - the system allows you to file up to two weeks before your current benefit year ends. This might help reduce the gap in payments.

ok so i read all this advice and here's what I think you should do: 1. Apply for new claim about a week before current one ends 2. Keep doing weekly claims without missing any 3. Have your job offer letter ready to upload 4. Try to get thru on phone using that service someone mentioned 5. Maybe ask new job for ANY hours they can give before official start That's what I'd do anyway. good luck!

Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. I'm going to file a new claim about a week before my current benefits end, keep all my documentation ready, try to get some partial hours from my new employer if possible, and use Claimyr to actually talk to someone if I hit any roadblocks. Will update if I run into any issues others might benefit from knowing about!