PA UC job search requirement suddenly appeared during my seasonal claim - what changed?

This is actually a regular system update PA UC implements periodically. The job search requirement question has always been there for most claimants, but certain categories (like seasonal workers with return dates) were sometimes exempt depending on your initial application answers. They occasionally adjust the system to ensure everyone sees the work search question regardless of exemption status. You did the right thing marking 'yes' if you have a seasonal exemption. The missing processing number is likely just a delay - give it 24 hours to appear.

mine did the SAME THING last week!!! never saw this stupid question before and now suddenly its there??? i also marked yes but now my payment is delayed!!!! been waiting 5 days when i usually get paid in 2. the UC system is such garbage

Don't panic yet. The processing number sometimes takes 24-48 hours to appear after system updates. Regarding the work search question: PA UC periodically adjusts their system and sometimes previously suppressed questions suddenly appear for all claimants. If you have a documented return-to-work date with your seasonal employer, you are still exempt from the work search requirement - but you must verify this exemption in the system by selecting 'yes' on that question. The safest approach is to contact PA UC directly to confirm your exemption status is still in their system. However, as you probably know, reaching them by phone can be extremely difficult.

i had something similar happen with my claim but it was a different question about refusing work. system is always changing things and not telling anyone lol.

Hey, seasonal worker here too (construction). The job search question started appearing for me about a month ago. I was confused at first, but my UC claim is still processing normally. I think they're just updating their system to standardize the questions for everyone, but the actual rules about who needs to search for work haven't changed. Do you have an official return-to-work date letter from your employer? Make sure you have that on file somewhere in case they ever ask for proof of your seasonal status.

my cousin works for uc and she said they changed the system last month. everyone gets same questions now but rules still the same for who actually needs to look for work.

To follow up on my earlier response: if you have a formal return-to-work date within 16 weeks of your initial claim, you maintain your work search exemption for the duration of that period. The key is that your return date must be documented in the system. For seasonal workers, I recommend these steps: 1. Continue answering 'yes' to the work search question as you've been doing 2. If your payment is delayed more than 3 business days, contact UC to verify your exemption status is properly coded 3. Keep your employer's return-to-work documentation readily available 4. If asked to provide work search activities retroactively, explain your exemption status and provide your return-to-work documentation The system update is creating confusion, but your benefits should continue uninterrupted if your seasonal status is properly recorded.

Just wanted to add that the timing of this change makes sense. PA UC often updates their system requirements in April/May as they transition from winter seasonal claims (ski resorts, holiday retail, etc.) to summer seasonal work patterns. Your June return date is properly documented, so you should be fine continuing as you have been.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know my payment processed normally! The processing number appeared this morning and the payment is pending in my account. Looks like it was just a system update like you all suggested. Thanks for helping me not panic!

Thanks for posting this update! I was dealing with the exact same situation last week and your experience matches mine perfectly. The new job search question appeared out of nowhere after months of not seeing it, and I also had the same worry about the missing processing number. It's good to know this is just a system-wide update and not something we did wrong. For other seasonal workers reading this - it seems like the key is to keep answering 'yes' to the work search question if you have a documented return date, and be patient with the processing delays that seem to be happening during this transition period.