PA UC partial benefits issue - can't backdate after reopening claim
I'm so confused about my partial UC benefits situation! I've been working at a retail store since January with fluctuating hours. My hours got severely cut in June (down to 10-15 hours weekly from my normal 32), so I applied for partial unemployment. I received benefits for 2 weeks before my hours temporarily increased and I became ineligible. Now my manager cut my hours AGAIN. Last week I only worked 6 hours total! I reopened my claim online yesterday, but when I tried to file for last week, the system says I can't file until August 14th (for this current week). I submitted a backdating request through my dashboard, but I'm worried about that week with only 6 hours of work. This doesn't make sense - I shouldn't have another waiting week since I'm still in my benefit year and already served one back in June. Has anyone dealt with this partial benefits reopening issue? Will my backdating request actually work? I really need that payment for last week since my rent is coming up.
16 comments
Join the conversation
Megan D'Acosta
Yes, this is a common issue with PA UC partial claims. When you reopen a claim, the system automatically sets your filing day to the Sunday after reopening, regardless of whether you're within your benefit year. Your backdating request should work, but it can take 7-10 business days to process. I'd recommend calling to speak with an agent who can manually override this and allow you to file for that previous week immediately rather than waiting for the backdating request to process.
0 coins
Samantha Howard
•Thank you! Do you know if there's a specific department I should ask for when I call? I've tried calling so many times in the past and just get endless busy signals.
0 coins
Sarah Ali
had the EXACT same problem last month!! so frustrating! took me 3 weeks to get it fixed, kept calling but lines always busy. ended up getting paid for those weeks eventually but had to borrow $ from my sister for rent :
0 coins
Samantha Howard
•Ugh that's what I'm afraid of! Did you just keep calling until you got through or did they eventually process your backdating request?
0 coins
Ryan Vasquez
After trying to call the regular PA UC number for 3 days straight and getting nothing but busy signals, I finally got through to someone using Claimyr.com - it's a service that gets you through to a live PA UC rep. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Totally saved me when I had a similar backdating issue with my partial benefits. The agent was able to override the system and let me file for the missed week on the spot.
0 coins
Avery Saint
•Is that service legit? Sounds kinda sketchy tbh. How does it even work?
0 coins
Ryan Vasquez
•Yeah it's legit. They basically keep calling for you until they get through, then connect you with the agent. Saved me hours of redial frustration. The UC rep I talked to actually mentioned they get a lot of calls through them.
0 coins
Taylor Chen
THE SYSTEM IS BROKE AS HELL!! This is all by design to make it harder for us to get our money!! I had my hours cut at the warehouse in April and MAY and got stuck in the same bs loop. nobody answers phones, nobody responds to messages, and then they wonder why people get desperate. I'm still fighting with them over 2 weeks of partial benefits they owe me from MAY!!!
0 coins
Keith Davidson
•While the frustration is understandable, this is actually a known issue with the PA UC system rather than an intentional barrier. The system wasn't designed to handle the back-and-forth nature of partial employment very well. If you're still fighting for those May weeks, you should request a determination letter - then you'll have appeal rights if they're denying the payments.
0 coins
Ezra Bates
I work in HR and see this issue with our employees regularly. The reopening process has a technical limitation - it sets your filing eligibility date forward regardless of backdating needs. Your backdating request will likely work, but here's a faster solution: call 1-888-313-7284 early Monday morning (7:55am, right before they open) and request a "claim date adjustment." The agent can override the system to allow immediate filing for last week. Be sure to have your partial income documentation ready - they'll need your gross earnings for that week.
0 coins
Samantha Howard
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'll try calling first thing Monday. Should I still keep the backdating request open as a backup plan?
0 coins
Ezra Bates
•Yes, leave the backdating request active just in case you can't get through. The system won't process duplicate payments, so there's no risk in having both methods going simultaneously.
0 coins
Ana Erdoğan
not exactly the same but i had issues with my benefits when i went from full unemployment to partial when i got a part time gig. the whole system gets confused when your employment status changes even a little bit. took me like a month to sort everything out lol
0 coins
Samantha Howard
UPDATE: I was finally able to speak with someone at UC! I used the tip about calling right when they open and got through after about 20 minutes on hold. The agent explained that reopening a claim does reset your filing week regardless of being in the same benefit year (weird system flaw). She processed my backdating request on the spot and I was able to file for last week immediately! She said I should see payment in 2-3 business days. Such a relief!
0 coins
Keith Davidson
•Great news! For future reference, if your hours fluctuate regularly, you might want to keep your claim open and just report your earnings each week, even in weeks where you earn too much to receive benefits. This prevents having to go through the reopening process each time your hours get reduced.
0 coins
Samantha Howard
•That's brilliant advice - I didn't realize I could do that! Would have saved me so much stress. Will definitely keep filing weekly regardless of my hours going forward.
0 coins