PA UC online account login issues - alternatives to the main phone line?

same thing happened to me last month!! so annoying. theres no seperate tech support u just have to keep calling the main number until u get through. i had to call at exactly 7:59am right before they opened to get in the queue

There are a few things you can try before spending hours on the phone: 1. Make sure your caps lock is off (I know it sounds silly but happens to everyone) 2. Try a different browser - Chrome works best with PA's system 3. Clear your browser cache completely 4. Make sure you're using your 6-digit PIN, not a password 5. Double-check if you're on the correct PA UC website (https://www.paclaims.pa.gov/) If none of that works, you do need to contact them, but the regular number is your only official option.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US GIVE UP!!! i swear they do this on purpose to avoid paying benefits. i had the SAME EXACT problem and spend 4 DAYS trying to get through on that stupid phone number. They don't care about us at all and the website is from 1995!!! when i finally got through they told me my account was locked for "security reasons" but couldnt explain what those reasons were. TOTAL BS!!!!

I went through this exact nightmare last year. After trying for days to get through on the phone, I found Claimyr and it changed everything. It basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redialing. Their demo video shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 and the website is claimyr.com. I was skeptical at first but it worked perfectly and I got my account unlocked in one call.

have you tried using the chat function? sometimes you can get help there faster than the phone. its on the bottom right of the main page but it only shows up during business hours

The login issues are usually related to one of these problems: 1. Your account is locked after multiple failed attempts (most common) 2. Your username/PIN combination in the system doesn't match what you're entering 3. Your benefit year ended and you need to file a new claim Unfortunately, you do need to speak with someone to resolve most account access issues. The main UC number (888-313-7284) is indeed your only official option. However, calling during off-peak hours (Wednesday-Friday afternoons) typically has shorter wait times than Monday mornings when most people call. Also, make sure you're on the correct site - PA has multiple unemployment portals that look similar but serve different purposes. The main one for weekly claims is www.paclaims.pa.gov.

UPDATE: I tried using Chrome instead of Firefox like someone suggested and I was able to get in! Something must have been wrong with my browser cookies or something. I filed my weekly claim successfully. Thanks everyone for all your help!

So glad you got it sorted out! I've been following this thread because I've had similar browser issues with PA's system. It's crazy how these government websites seem to have such specific browser requirements. For anyone else reading this in the future - it's worth trying different browsers first before spending hours on hold. Chrome and Edge seem to work best with most state unemployment systems from what I've experienced.