PA UC filing timing question - when to apply after seasonal job ends?

file right after ur last day of work. dont wait for the final paycheck to come thru. the system asks for ur last day worked not when u got paid

You should file your initial claim immediately after your last day of work (March 29th). Don't wait for your final paycheck. When you file, you'll need to report that you expect to receive payment on April 7th. The UC system distinguishes between your last day worked and when you receive payment. When you complete your application, there will be questions about severance pay, vacation payout, etc. Just answer accurately about your expected final paycheck. The system is designed to handle this situation. Remember that there's a waiting week for PA UC, so the sooner you apply, the sooner your benefits can begin after that waiting period.

I went through this EXACT same thing with my winter resort job last year!!! The UC people told me to file right after last day of work BUT you MUST report the upcoming final paycheck when you file or they'll hit you with an overpayment notice later and those are a NIGHTMARE to fix!!!! When you do your bi-weekly claims make sure you report any income received during those weeks too.

They made me serve the waiting week first (which doesn't pay anything) and then benefits started the following week. But they did reduce the payment for the week when my final check came in based on how much I received. It all worked out though since I reported everything correctly!

PA UC has a specific process for this. File immediately after your last day (3/29). When you file, you'll indicate your last day worked and upcoming final paycheck. You won't receive benefits for weeks you have earnings that exceed your benefit amount. During the application process, be prepared to provide: - Accurate last day worked (3/29) - Information about your final paycheck (amount and date) - Employer contact information - Reason for separation (seasonal layoff) Also, start doing your required work search activities right away - you need to complete and document at least 2 per week. The PA CareerLink site can help with that.

Watch out with the work search requirements! I got denied for a week because I didn't realize we had to RECORD the work search activities somewhere. They don't just take your word for it that you did them! You have to keep track of everything - who you contacted, phone numbers, emails, job posting IDs. Complete nightmare.

I had such a hard time reaching anyone at UC when I needed clarification on my seasonal work claim. After days of busy signals and disconnections trying to call PA UC, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The rep confirmed what others are saying - file right after your last day worked (3/29), accurately report your expected final paycheck during the application, and make sure to report any earnings when you file your weekly claims. Also, your benefit year begins the Sunday of the week you file, so filing on 3/29 or 3/30 puts you in the same benefit week.

my cousin works seasonal construction and he always applies the day after his last shift. he says if u wait ur just leaving money on the table!!

To answer your question about documenting work search activities: You'll record them when you file your bi-weekly claims. The system will prompt you to enter details about your work search activities for each week. However, you should also keep your own detailed records in case you're selected for an audit. PA UC can request proof of your work search activities going back up to two years. I recommend creating a simple spreadsheet or document with: date, employer/position, contact method (application, interview, etc.), contact details (website, email, phone), and any follow-up information. This makes it easy to transfer information to the bi-weekly claim forms.

Just wanted to add - make sure you have all your employment documents ready when you file! PA UC will need your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment records for the past 18 months. For seasonal work, they might also ask for your employment contract or termination letter showing it was a seasonal layoff (not a firing or quit). Having everything organized beforehand will make the application process much smoother. Good luck with your claim!