PA UC job search requirements with part-time work already secured - can it be waived?
I started a part-time position last week but won't go full-time until our new location opens in late March 2025. I'm still collecting partial UC benefits to supplement my reduced hours, but PA's system is still making me complete those 2 weekly job search activities and apply for positions I don't actually need or want. This feels so pointless since I already HAVE a job that's going permanent soon! Has anyone successfully gotten the job search requirement waived in a situation like mine? My CareerLink advisor told me it can only be waived if I have a definite return-to-work date with my PREVIOUS employer, not a future full-time date with a current employer. Is that right? I'm dreading spending 3 hours on hold just to get told 'no' - but also hate sending out applications for jobs I'll never take. Any advice?
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StarStrider
Unfortunately, your CareerLink advisor is correct. PA UC regulations only waive work search for certain specific situations: definite recall date from previous employer, union hiring hall membership, or certain approved training programs. Being part-time with a verbal promise to go full-time doesn't qualify under the current rules. The system is pretty rigid about this - even though it makes no practical sense in your case.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. So frustrating that there's no category for 'already employed but not enough hours yet.' Thanks for confirming.
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Dylan Campbell
cant u just do the bare minimum searches? like just put in your indeed app that u applied for 2 jobs each week, thats what i did when i was in a similar spot last year. the system never checked if i actually showed up to interviews lol
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Sofia Torres
•This is terrible advice. UC does conduct random audits of work search activities and if they find you falsified your searches, you could be charged with fraud, have to repay benefits with penalties, and even face legal consequences. The risk is absolutely not worth it.
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Dmitry Sokolov
I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT THING LAST YEAR!!! The whole system is designed to be difficult on purpose I swear. I spent 3 WEEKS trying to explain to someone that I already had a job that was going permanent in 6 weeks but they still made me do all the stupid activities. One rep even told me "just apply for jobs you know you won't get" which is LITERALLY WASTING EMPLOYERS TIME!!! It's absolute madness. I'm still angry about it.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•That's exactly what makes me so mad - it wastes not just my time but also employers' time reviewing applications from someone who has zero intention of taking their job. Did you ever get through to a helpful person on the phone?
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Ava Martinez
have you tried applying to jobs that you're technically qualified for but putting in really low salary requirements? That way you're technically fulfilling the requirement but probably won't get called for interviews. That's what my brother did when he was in between contracts.
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Sofia Torres
•Again, this could potentially be considered misrepresentation. The PA UC work search requirements specify that activities must be done in "good faith" - meaning you're genuinely trying to find suitable work. It's better to just complete legitimate work search activities than risk your benefits.
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Miguel Ramos
When I had trouble getting through to PA UC about a similar issue, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it worked really well. They got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. It might be worth trying since you have a legitimate question about your specific situation - maybe an agent could note your account or something.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Oh I've never heard of this before! That would definitely be worth it if I could actually talk to someone without wasting my entire day. I'll check out the video - thanks for suggesting it!
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StarStrider
One alternative option: you could focus on completing the job search requirement through networking events or informational interviews rather than applications. Those count as valid work search activities but don't involve misleading potential employers with applications you won't follow through on. The CareerLink workshops also count toward your weekly activities.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•That's actually a really smart idea I hadn't considered. I didn't realize those other activities would count! That would be way less stressful than sending fake applications. I'll look into the CareerLink workshop schedule tomorrow.
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QuantumQuasar
Whatever u do just make sure ur documenting everything!!! I had a similar situaton in january and thought everything was fine but then in February they hit me with an "eligibility review" and i had to provide proof of all my job searches for the previous 8 weeks! I couldn't remember half of them and almost lost my benefits. Keep a seperate document with dates, company names, positions, and how u applied just in case!!
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Oh that's a good reminder! I've been kind of lazy about tracking because I didn't think they'd actually check. I'll definitely start keeping better records.
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StarStrider
To answer your original question directly - yes, you can call and ask for a waiver, but based on current PA UC policies, they're very unlikely to grant it in your specific situation. If you do decide to call, be prepared with documentation showing your current part-time status and the written confirmation of your full-time transition date (if you have it). The more documentation you have, the better your chances, even if they're still slim.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Thanks for the straightforward answer. My manager did send me an email confirming the March transition to full-time, so I'll have that ready if I call. I think I'll try using that Claimyr service to get through, and if they say no, I'll just follow the advice about doing networking activities instead of applications.
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