PA UC hearing: What if employer lies during appeal when the write-up proves my version?

The referee absolutely looks at all documentation submitted as evidence. Make sure you've submitted copies of that write-up before your hearing through the portal or bring at least 3 copies with you if it's in-person. During the hearing, when they ask for your testimony, specifically point out the discrepancy between what's in writing versus what they're now claiming. The referee will definitely notice this inconsistency and it usually works in your favor when the employer changes their story. I've been through two PA UC hearings and won both because I had documentation that contradicted what the employer claimed verbally.

same thing happened to my brother, employer tried to say he threatened someone but write up just said 'inappropriate communication' lol

I've been through 2 UC appeals in PA and i can tell you those hearing referees are VERY good at spotting inconsistencies!!!! They've heard it ALL before. If your employer suddenly adds new accusations that weren't in the original write-up, that's a HUGE red flag to the referee. Trust me they see this stuff everyday. Bring 3 copies of EVERYTHING.

I went through something similar and I thought I'd share what worked for me. I called PA UC literally 78 times trying to speak with someone to get advice before my hearing. After days of busy signals and disconnects, I found claimyr.com which connected me to a PA UC agent in about 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 showing how it works. The agent gave me step-by-step advice on handling documentation discrepancies in my hearing. Worth every penny for the peace of mind before my hearing.

Speaking as someone who has handled many unemployment appeals, I want to clarify a few important points about PA UC hearings: 1. The Referee (not examiner) will review ALL evidence submitted by both parties. 2. Documentation created at the time of the incident (like the write-up) carries significantly more weight than verbal testimony provided later. 3. If your employer makes claims that contradict their own documentation, the Referee will absolutely note this inconsistency. 4. You should never accuse anyone of lying during the hearing - instead, calmly point out the factual discrepancies between current testimony and contemporaneous documentation. 5. Make sure to submit your evidence through the appeal portal at least 3 days before the hearing date. When testifying, be factual and unemotional. Simply state what happened, confirm what the write-up says, and note that the write-up accurately reflects what occurred.

PA UC hearing are BS!!! I had one last year and the employer straight up LIED about everything!!! They claimed I had 5 written warnings when I only had 1. I tried showing the referee my evidence but she didn't even care!!!! The whole system is rigged I swear. Don't get your hopes up, they always side with employers no matter what.

during the hearing make sure u specifically say something like "I'd like to direct your attention to exhibit B which is the actual disciplinary write-up from the date of termination" then point out that it only mentions the word "ignorant" and nothing else. timing is everything. dont wait for them to bring it up

Quick update on my earlier comment - one more important tip. In PA unemployment hearings, the burden of proof is on the employer when they're claiming willful misconduct. This means they have to prove you violated a policy, not the other way around. If their own documentation contradicts their testimony, they're going to have a very hard time meeting that burden. Just remain calm, stick to the facts, and let the referee sort it out. Best of luck!

BTW has anyone gotten their hearing decision faster than the 2-3 weeks they tell you it'll take? I'm on day 10 waiting for mine and the suspense is KILLING ME!!!!!

I've been through a similar situation in PA and want to add something important - make sure you organize your evidence clearly before the hearing. Label the write-up as "Exhibit A" or something similar so you can reference it easily during testimony. Also, if you have any witnesses who can testify about what actually happened (coworkers who heard the conversation), consider having them available by phone during the hearing. The referee will appreciate your preparation and organization. When employers contradict their own written records, it seriously damages their credibility. You've got this!

I went through a PA UC hearing last year where my former employer tried to embellish the reasons for my termination beyond what was in their original documentation. The key thing that helped me win was being extremely organized and prepared. I created a timeline of events, labeled all my evidence clearly, and practiced explaining the discrepancies calmly and factually. When the employer started adding details that weren't in the write-up, I simply said "I'd like to reference Exhibit A, the disciplinary notice from [date], which only documents [specific language from write-up]." The referee immediately picked up on the inconsistency. Also, don't forget that you can ask questions during the hearing too - if they claim you said things not mentioned in the write-up, you can ask them why those alleged statements weren't documented at the time if they were serious enough to warrant termination. Stay confident - the fact that you have contemporaneous documentation on your side is huge!