PA UC job search confusion - CareerLink applications not showing up in my count
I'm so confused about the PA UC job search requirements! I've been applying to jobs through CareerLink, but when it sends me to external job sites to complete applications, none of them are showing up in my count. I've submitted at least 6 applications this week, but my CareerLink dashboard still says I have 0 applications. Will this affect my weekly benefits? Do I need to manually add these somewhere? I'm worried I'll get disqualified even though I'm actually doing the required job searches. Has anyone else dealt with this?
20 comments
Sunny Wang
yep same here, applied to like 4 jobs last week thru indeed after clicking from careelink but nothing shows in my account. still got paid tho
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Everett Tutum
•That's reassuring! Did you have to do anything extra when filing your weekly claim? Like manually report the job applications somewhere?
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Hugh Intensity
The PA CareerLink system only automatically tracks applications submitted directly through their platform. When you're redirected to external sites like Indeed or company websites, you need to manually log these work search activities in your JobGateway account. Go to your dashboard, click on 'Job Search Activities' and then 'Add a Job Search Activity.' You can select different activity types including applications, interviews, job fairs, etc. Make sure you're tracking all activities - PA UC requires at least 3 per week.
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Everett Tutum
•THANK YOU! I had no idea I needed to manually add them. Is there a time limit for adding these activities after I've done them? I'm worried about the ones from last week.
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Sunny Wang
•oh shoot didnt know this either lol good thing i kept gettin paid
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Effie Alexander
I went through this EXACT thing last month!!! The whole system is so confusing and the instructions are terrible. I ended up getting a determination letter saying I didn't meet work search requirements even though I was applying to jobs every day. Had to appeal and it was a whole nightmare.
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Everett Tutum
•That's exactly what I'm afraid of! Did your appeal work out? What kind of proof did you need to show?
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Hugh Intensity
To answer your follow-up question, there's no strict time limit for adding work search activities, but you should add them before filing your weekly certification. When you certify each week, you're declaring under penalty of law that you've completed the required activities. If you've already certified without properly recording activities, go ahead and add them now, and keep detailed records (screenshots, confirmation emails, etc.) in case there's ever a question. I also recommend keeping a separate spreadsheet or document with all your job search information including company name, position, date applied, website, and any contact information. This helps if you ever need to provide evidence during an audit or appeal.
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Melissa Lin
•This is really solid advice. I got audited last year and having my own records saved me. PA UC sometimes asks for proof of job searches months after you've applied, and most job sites don't keep your application history that long.
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Lydia Santiago
If you're having trouble reaching someone at PA UC to help with this issue or any account problems, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last month - needed to speak to someone about work search requirements but couldn't get through the phone lines. Claimyr got me connected to a PA UC agent within 30 minutes after days of trying on my own. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 or visit claimyr.com. Way better than spending weeks trying to get through on your own.
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Effie Alexander
•Does this actually work??? I spent HOURS last month trying to get someone on the phone. Literally called 47 times in one day.
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Lydia Santiago
•Yes, it definitely works. I was skeptical too, but I got through to an actual claims examiner who helped me fix my work search issue. They don't guarantee how fast you'll get through, but it's usually much quicker than trying on your own.
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Romeo Quest
The whole work search system is a JOKE!!!! UC makes everything confusing ON PURPOSE so they can deny claims. I did everything right and still got flagged for "insufficient work search" last year. Took 9 WEEKS to fix and I almost got evicted waiting for my money!!!
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Everett Tutum
•That's terrifying! Did you eventually get backpay for those 9 weeks? I really can't afford to miss payments right now.
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Val Rossi
Just to add some clarification - when filing your weekly certification, there's a section where they ask if you completed your work search activities. You can answer YES even if the activities aren't showing in CareerLink, as long as you actually did them and can prove it if asked. But definitely add them manually like others suggested.
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Everett Tutum
•Thanks for clarifying! I just went back and added all my applications from the past two weeks. Hopefully that's enough to keep my benefits going.
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Sunny Wang
btw if ur applying to jobs just to check the box make sure u dont apply to ones that will actually call u lol. my buddy got offered a job and when he turned it down they reported him to UC
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Hugh Intensity
•Just to be clear - refusing suitable work can result in disqualification from benefits. The work search requirement is intended to help claimants find new employment, not just to "check a box." If you're offered a suitable position (comparable to your skills and previous wage), you're expected to accept it or risk losing benefits.
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Melissa Lin
I had this exact problem in February. For anyone reading this in the future - make sure you're doing at least 3 QUALIFYING activities each week. Not everything counts as a work search activity. Reading job postings doesn't count. You need to be submitting applications, posting resumes, attending interviews, going to job fairs, etc. Here's a list of qualifying activities: https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/job-search/Pages/default.aspx
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Everett Tutum
•Thank you for the link! That's really helpful. I think I'm doing qualifying activities (actual job applications), just wasn't recording them correctly.
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