PA UC payment method changed from direct deposit to paper check due to fraud case - when will check arrive?
Just found out today that PA unemployment won't deposit my benefits into my bank account because of some separate fraud case (nothing to do with me!). They said they have to send paper checks now instead. Does anyone know how long these paper checks typically take to arrive in the mail? I'm really worried because rent is due next week and I was counting on having that money. Has anyone else had their payment method switched from direct deposit to paper? How long did you wait?
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Andre Dupont
Same thing happened 2 me last year!! The 1st check took like 2 weeks to show up but after that they came pretty regular, like 3-4 days after filing my weekly claim. So annoying they punish us for other ppls fraud!!
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AstroAdventurer
•2 WEEKS?? That's going to be a disaster for me. Did they tell you anything about the fraud case or when you could switch back to direct deposit?
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Zoe Papanikolaou
They're supposed to mail the checks within 48 hours of your payment being processed but then it's up to USPS how long it takes from there. For me, the first check took 9 days to arrive, but sometimes they come in just 3-4 days. Totally depends on your local post office I think.
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AstroAdventurer
•Thanks for the info. 9 days is still going to be tough but at least it's better than 2 weeks. Did you eventually get switched back to direct deposit?
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Jamal Wilson
I had this happen in November 2024. They switched me from direct deposit to paper checks because of a fraud alert on my claim (which turned out to be nothing). Here's what you need to know: 1. The first check usually takes 7-10 business days to arrive 2. Subsequent checks are faster, typically 3-5 business days after your weekly claim is processed 3. You can call and request to switch back to direct deposit after 6 weeks if your claim has no issues Make sure your mailing address is correct in the system. Also, if you move, you MUST update your address immediately or checks will be returned and your payments delayed even further.
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AstroAdventurer
•Thank you so much for this detailed info. Good to know I might be able to switch back after 6 weeks. Is there any way to check online when a check has been mailed?
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Mei Lin
the website SUCKS for tracking check status!!!! i called every day for a week straight and couldnt get through to ask about my check. finally found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. totally worth it just to find out my check was actually sent to wrong address bc someone entered my info wrong! they fixed it on the spot. check out their demo video if you're considering it: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2
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Liam Fitzgerald
•I've also used Claimyr a couple times when I couldn't get through on the regular phone lines. Definitely helpful when you need to speak with an actual person about specific issues like tracking a check.
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AstroAdventurer
•Thanks for the suggestion! I've been calling for two days and keep getting busy signals. Might try this if I don't hear anything by Monday.
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GalacticGuru
This is getting ridiculous how they treat us! I had FOUR CHECKS lost in the mail last year and UC didn't care AT ALL. They make us wait 10 business days before even starting an investigation and then another 2 weeks to reissue! The whole system is designed to make us suffer.
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Andre Dupont
•OMG that's awful!! Did u try getting a Money Network card instead? At least then u don't have to worry about mail problems
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Amara Nnamani
Just to add a bit more info - when my payment method was changed from direct deposit to check last year due to a verification issue, I found that signing up for USPS Informed Delivery (it's free) was really helpful. You get daily emails showing images of mail that's about to be delivered to you, so you know when the check is coming. Helped ease my anxiety about missing an important envelope.
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AstroAdventurer
•That's a great tip! I didn't know about Informed Delivery. Going to sign up for that right now.
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AstroAdventurer
UPDATE: My first check came today, took 8 days from when it was issued. For anyone dealing with this in the future - they do show the payment date online, but not the actual mail date. Signing up for USPS Informed Delivery like someone suggested was super helpful! Now I just need to figure out how to get back to direct deposit eventually.
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Jamal Wilson
•Glad you got your check! To switch back to direct deposit, you need to wait until the fraud hold expires (typically 6 weeks), then call and specifically request to be switched back. Make sure you have your banking information ready when you call. It took me about 3 calls to finally get someone who could help with this.
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