PA UC overpayment still required after hearing ruled me eligible for benefits - why?

There's a key distinction you need to understand. The hearing determined you were eligible for benefits (meaning you qualified based on your work separation), but the non-fault overpayment might be related to a different issue. Non-fault overpayments aren't about eligibility - they happen when UC pays you benefits you weren't entitled to through no fault of your own. You need to call the UC service center immediately and ask for clarification about: 1. Why the overpayment still stands despite the eligibility ruling 2. Whether the hearing decision affects your overpayment status 3. If you can file a late appeal based on not receiving notification Request that they review both determinations side by side. Also ask for a detailed breakdown of why the overpayment occurred in the first place. Sometimes there are calculation errors or misapplied rules that no one catches.

my sister had similar thing happen!!! the UC office said she was eligible in a hearing but she STILL had to pay back $2800. turns out it was bc of some wage thing where they calculated her benfit amount wrong... not bc of the eligibility reason. ur situation mite be totally diffrent but maybe check if theres other issues besides just the job abandment thing?

I've been through the PA UC appeals process multiple times (unfortunately). Here's what's likely happening: The referee ruled on the specific issue of whether you were able and available for work, which was what your employer appealed. However, the non-fault overpayment determination is a separate issue that wasn't addressed in that hearing. You need to request a new hearing specifically about the overpayment determination. Since you missed the appeal deadline, you'll need to file what's called a "Request for Reconsideration" explaining that you never received notification about any documents in your dashboard. They may or may not grant this request, but it's worth trying. In the meantime, continue making your payments to avoid any potential penalties. If they eventually rule in your favor, they'll refund what you've paid toward the overpayment.

UNEMPLOYMENT IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST!!!!! I had the exact same thing happen to me and I ended up paying back $3000 that I probably didn't even owe because their systems are so messed up and nobody can ever explain anything properly!!! The left hand doesn't know what the right is doing there. Good luck getting any straight answers when you call - IF you can even get through to a human being after waiting on hold for 3 hours!!!

Have you tried using Claimyr to reach the PA UC service center? I was in a similar situation with confusing determinations and spent weeks trying to get through the normal way. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a UC rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 that shows how it works. It seriously saved me hours of frustration, and the rep I spoke with was able to explain exactly why I had conflicting determinations and what I needed to do to appeal. For complicated situations like yours, getting a live person on the phone is really the only way to get clear answers.

this is why i always tell ppl to appeal EVERYTHING even if they say ur eligible for something, bc theres always some other determination they can hit u with later that contradicts it. the system is designed to be confusing so ppl give up and just pay... not saying u shouldnt pay if u really owe it but after a ruling saying ur eligible u definitely deserve at least an EXPLANATION about whats going on!

One other thing to consider - check your benefit payment rate. Sometimes non-fault overpayments happen because they initially calculate your weekly benefit amount incorrectly based on incomplete wage information, then later adjust it downward after receiving full employer records. This results in an overpayment through no fault of your own, even when you're eligible for benefits. The determination letter for your overpayment should have a detailed explanation of the reason. It's possible this has nothing to do with your eligibility ruling and everything to do with a calculation issue. Only someone at the UC service center reviewing your specific claim can tell you for sure.

I went thru something kinda like this. After my hearing the referee said I was eligible but didnt specifically address the overpayment in the decision. I had to file a separate appeal about the overpayment using the referee decision as evidence. You might have missed that window but you can try filing whats called a "Request for Reconsideration" explaining you never got notified. Sometimes they'll let you appeal late if you have good cause. Good luck!

I just checked the PA UC website - you can file a petition for reconsideration if circumstances prevented you from filing a timely appeal. You need to: 1. Download the Petition for Appeal form from the UC website 2. Check the box for "Petition for Appeal After the Appeal Deadline" 3. Explain clearly that you never received notification about the continued overpayment after the referee decision 4. Include the referee's decision document that stated you were eligible 5. Mail it to the address on the form or upload it through your dashboard Be aware they're strict about granting these late appeals, but not getting proper notification is one of the acceptable reasons. You should submit this ASAP as the longer you wait, the less likely they'll accept it.