PA UC forcing me to file a new claim instead of continuing my existing one - why?

This usually happens when you hit your benefit year end (BYE) date. PA UC claims only last for exactly one year from the date you first filed, even if you haven't collected all your benefits. Check your initial claim filing date - if it's been about a year, this is normal and required. The system automatically prompts you to file a new claim when your benefit year expires.

same thing happened 2 me last month... super confusing but just do what it says and submit the new claim. if u dont they wont pay u anymore

This is actually a normal part of the PA UC system. There are typically three reasons why you'd need to file a new claim: 1. Your benefit year ended (exactly 1 year from initial filing date) 2. You earned 6x your weekly benefit amount since filing your last claim 3. You had a break in filing weekly claims for several weeks If any of these apply, you'll need to file a new application. Your benefits won't continue until you complete this step. They'll review your recent work history again, but if nothing has changed, you should be approved quickly.

is ur claim regular UC or PUA?? different rules fir different claims and sometimes the website gets confused and makes u do stuff u dont need to do. i had to call them once when this happened

I HATE when this happens!!! PA's system is designed to be confusing on purpose to discourage people from getting benefits they deserve. They make you refile hoping you'll make a mistake or get frustrated and give up. Make sure your answers match your original claim EXACTLY or they'll flag it for "inconsistencies" and delay your money for weeks!!! The whole thing is a scam!!

If you're hitting the benefit year end problem, you might be stuck in the automated phone loop or website glitches trying to get help. When this happened to me last month, I was desperate to talk to someone because my new claim got stuck with some "open issue." After days of busy signals and disconnects, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to a real UC representative in less than 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The rep I spoke with was able to clear up my BYE issues and get my new claim processed right away. Saved me weeks of stress!

To answer your question about the waiting week - technically yes, each new benefit year has a waiting week. However, if you're filing due to benefit year end (BYE) and have continuous unemployment from your previous claim, they often process it faster. You might still see a slight delay of a few days, but it's usually not a full two weeks like when you file a completely new claim. Just make sure you complete the new application right away to minimize any gap.

btw when you refile they're going to look at your work history during your last benefit year. if you didn't work at all, you might not qualify for a new claim and they'll put you on extended benefits if those are available (not sure if they are right now in PA). just something to be prepared for!

UPDATE: I was able to get through to someone at UC using the Claimyr service that was mentioned below (definitely worth it after 2 days of constant busy signals). The rep confirmed it was my benefit year ending that triggered the new application requirement. She said since I had some temp work during my previous claim that paid more than 6x my weekly benefit amount, I should qualify for a new claim. She also said there would be a waiting week, but payments should start the following week if everything processes normally. Thanks everyone for your help!