PA UC payment delays for MLK Day 2025 - Will holiday affect direct deposit timing?
Does anyone know if we'll get our PA unemployment payments on time next week with MLK Day on Monday? I'm supposed to get my direct deposit on Tuesdays, but I'm wondering if the holiday will push everything back. Last time there was a holiday I didn't get paid until Thursday and my landlord was NOT happy. Anyone dealt with this before or know the official policy? Need to plan ahead for bills due next week!
12 comments
Join the conversation
Miguel Alvarez
In my experience, yes, your payment will probably be delayed by one day. Since MLK Day is a federal holiday (banks are closed), even if you file on Sunday as usual, the payment processing typically gets pushed back. PA UC still processes claims over the weekend, but the actual bank transfers don't happen until banks reopen Tuesday, which means most direct deposits hit accounts on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.
0 coins
CyberSiren
•Thanks for the info. So frustrating how every holiday messes things up! Do you think there's any way to get it faster? I've got rent due on Wednesday.
0 coins
Zainab Yusuf
ya its always late on holidays, nothing you can do about it
0 coins
Connor O'Reilly
•This is why I switched to the Money Network card instead of direct deposit. Sometimes it posts a day earlier than direct deposit does! Especially around holidays.
0 coins
Yara Khoury
EVERY SINGLE HOLIDAY this happens and the UC office NEVER bothers to put out a notice!!! They know darn well people are counting on that money for food and rent but they don't care AT ALL about claimants!!!! I've been on UC 3 times in the past 5 years and it's ALWAYS a guessing game with holidays. Would it KILL THEM to put a calendar on their website with expected payment dates???? Last Veteran's Day my payment was 3 DAYS LATE and I had to pay late fees on my electric bill!!!
0 coins
Keisha Taylor
•You're right that it would be helpful to have a calendar. For what it's worth, the general rule is that any federal holiday where banks are closed will delay payments by one business day. So for MLK Day (Monday), a Tuesday payment would typically arrive Wednesday instead. I always recommend filing your weekly certification as early as possible on Sunday to minimize any additional delays.
0 coins
StardustSeeker
When I was on unemployment last year during July 4th, my payment got delayed by a day. But one time it was actually 3 days late and nobody could tell me why. I think sometimes there are system problems that make it even later than just the holiday delay. I always try to keep a little buffer in my account just in case.
0 coins
Paolo Marino
•I had EXACTLY the same experience with July 4th last year! I actually have a tip for anyone who needs to reach the UC office to ask about delayed payments. I kept getting busy signals for days until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a PA UC representative in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - saved me hours of redialing and the rep was able to tell me exactly when my payment would hit my account.
0 coins
Keisha Taylor
To answer your original question directly: Yes, MLK Day will delay payments by one business day since it's a federal bank holiday. If you normally receive payment on Tuesday, expect it Wednesday. Here's the complete info on how holidays affect UC payments: 1) If you file your weekly certification on Sunday as usual, PA UC will still process your claim that day 2) However, the ACH transfer to banks doesn't initiate until the next business day 3) Since Monday is a holiday, the transfer won't start until Tuesday 4) Most banks then take 24 hours to post the deposit, meaning Wednesday delivery If you're concerned about making rent, you might want to talk to your landlord in advance and explain the situation. Most are understanding about verified payment delays due to federal holidays.
0 coins
CyberSiren
•Really appreciate the detailed explanation. I'll definitely let my landlord know ahead of time. I wish the UC website would just tell us this stuff clearly!
0 coins
Connor O'Reilly
This happens every holiday and it always stresses me out too! Last year I switched to the Money Network card and it sometimes posts a day faster than my old direct deposit did. Just an option to consider for the future.
0 coins
Amina Bah
•i had the card but then they charged me ATM fees evry time i took money out so i switched back to direct deposit its better if you need all your money at once
0 coins