PA UC initial claim stuck in limbo for 3 weeks - will it be approved soon?

3 weeks is pretty normal these days tbh. My claim took almost 5 weeks to get approved in January. The "sending an email" thing is just what they say to get you off chat. Doesn't really do anything.

I work with PA UC claims regularly, and there are a few things to understand about initial claim processing: 1. The standard processing time is currently 2-4 weeks for claims without issues 2. If there's an "open issue" on your claim (which you can see by logging in), it could take longer 3. The chat representatives can flag your claim for review, but that doesn't guarantee faster processing Your best bet is to log into your UC account and check if there are any open issues that need to be resolved. If there are, you'll need to address those specifically. If not, then your claim is likely just in the standard processing queue.

OMG I'm in the EXACT same boat! Filed 4 weeks ago and STILL waiting with an open issue. I called 57 TIMES yesterday and couldn't get through!!! The system is BROKEN!!! Seriously considering just giving up at this point. How are we supposed to SURVIVE while they take their sweet time??!!

If you have an open issue regarding employment verification, there's a specific process to resolve this faster: 1. Log into your account and click on the "Provide Additional Documentation" link 2. Upload any documents that prove your employment (W2, paystubs, offer letter) 3. After uploading, wait 2-3 business days and then try to reach a claims examiner by phone The open issue is probably why your claim is taking longer than usual. These verification issues are common in 2025 due to the new fraud prevention measures PA implemented in December.

After struggling to reach PA unemployment for weeks about my claim with open issues, I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual UC rep in about 20 minutes. Way better than the hundreds of calls I was making before. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 showing how it works. The rep I finally spoke with was able to clear my employment verification issue on the spot, and my payments started the following week. Totally worth it when you're desperate to get answers.

my sister waited 6 weeks and got approved suddenly...then all the backdated payments hit her account at once lol. keep filing ur weekly claims and youll get all the money when its approved. dont give up!

Hey so did that Claimyr thing actually work for anyone? I'm on week 5 and LITERALLY STARVING while waiting for my claim to process. Called 35 times today. I'm about to lose my apartment and my car if this doesn't get fixed ASAP!!!

UPDATE on processing times: I just spoke with a UC supervisor yesterday for another client, and they mentioned they're currently working through a backlog. Claims filed in the past 30 days are taking 3-5 weeks for initial processing if there are ANY open issues (like your employment verification flag). Keep filing your weekly certifications during this waiting period. When your claim is approved, you'll receive payments for all eligible weeks you've certified for. The system isn't broken - it's just overwhelmed with the recent uptick in claims from the tech sector layoffs and retail closures.

So my claim was stuck for 4 weeks until i realized the problem... i had accidentally put the wrong employer phone number on my application lol. they couldn't verify my employment! i called and fixed it and got approved 3 days later. maybe check if you made a mistake on your application?

I'm in a similar situation - filed 2.5 weeks ago and still waiting with an open issue about "identity verification" even though I uploaded my driver's license and social security card. The financial stress is real when you're counting on this money to survive. One thing that's helped me cope is setting up a daily routine to check for updates and making a backup plan for emergency assistance. Have you looked into local food banks or emergency rental assistance programs while you wait? Also, I've been keeping detailed records of all my interactions with UC in case I need to escalate later. Hang in there - from what I'm reading here, most people do eventually get approved and receive all their back pay.

I feel for everyone going through this waiting period stress - it's absolutely brutal when you're depending on these benefits to pay rent and basic expenses. I'm currently on week 4 of waiting for my initial claim approval with no open issues showing in my portal, so I'm supposedly just in the "standard processing queue." The uncertainty is honestly the worst part because you can't plan anything or know when relief is coming. I've been calling the main UC line every morning at exactly 8am when they open, but like others mentioned, it's nearly impossible to get through. One small tip that's helped me stay sane is writing down every attempt I make to contact them (date, time, what happened) so I have documentation if I need to escalate this later. Also been applying to temporary gig work just in case this drags on longer. Really hoping all of us waiting get some good news soon - the system definitely needs major improvements when people are struggling this much just to access the benefits they're entitled to.