PA UC payment method confusion - Got Money Network card after switching to direct deposit, will this mess up my claim?

Go ahead and activate the card. It won't affect your direct deposit selection at all. The PA UC system automatically sends these cards out early in the process regardless of your payment method. Your most recent payment method selection (direct deposit) will be what's used when your claim is approved. If your claim gets approved before the direct deposit info is fully processed, they might send your first payment to the card, but subsequent payments would go to direct deposit. Either way, having the card activated gives you a backup option.

I had the exact same thing happen last year! Got the card even tho I set up direct deposit. Didnt matter, my $ still went to my bank account when my claim finally got approved.

activate it anyway. better 2 have options ya know? the PA system is so messed up sometimes they might put money on their even if you picked direct deposit

You should definitely activate the Money Network card regardless of selecting direct deposit. Here's why: PA UC's system processes these changes in batches, and sometimes there's a delay between when you select direct deposit and when it's fully implemented in their system. If your claim is approved during this transition period, they might send your first payment to the card while your direct deposit is still being set up. I've seen this happen to several claimants - they get their first payment on the card, then subsequent payments go to direct deposit. Regarding your claim being under review: this can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on the specific issue they're reviewing. If you need to check on the status, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a PA UC representative. They have a service that helps you bypass the busy signals and actually reach someone. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 that shows how it works. Getting actual info about your specific review reason can help set expectations about timeline.

Everybody gets the card automatically. Its just how they do it. Doesnt matter if you pick direct deposit. I actually ended up using my card for a while cuz my direct deposit info had a typo and I didnt realize it lol. Just activate it to be safe.

THE REVIEW PROCESS IS THE REAL PROBLEM HERE! I've been waiting FIVE WEEKS with my claim "under review" and can't get a straight answer from anyone! The payment method won't matter if they keep your claim in limbo forever! Call them EVERY DAY until someone fixes it!!!

To directly answer your question: Yes, activate the Money Network card. This will not interfere with your direct deposit selection. The PA UC system issues these cards to all claimants as a standard procedure, regardless of payment method selection. Regarding your claim status: "Under review" typically indicates that there's a non-monetary issue that needs to be resolved before benefits can be paid. Common reasons include: 1. Employment verification needs 2. Separation reason investigation 3. Wage discrepancies 4. Work search compliance verification The average resolution time for reviews is currently running about 3-4 weeks in Pennsylvania, though some cases may take longer depending on complexity and current workload. If you haven't received any correspondence specifying what's being reviewed, check your dashboard for any "Open Issues" listed. You can also check if there are any action items in your correspondence section requiring additional documentation.

Regarding your open issue of "employment separation - voluntary quit": This is critical to address immediately. This classification is likely why your claim is under review, as voluntary quits generally do not qualify for benefits unless they meet specific criteria. You should: 1. Gather documentation proving you were laid off (termination letter, severance documents, etc.) 2. Submit this information through your dashboard under the "Provide Additional Documentation" section 3. Call the UC service center to specifically address this misclassification This type of issue typically requires an interview with a claims examiner to resolve the discrepancy between your statement (laid off) and your employer's apparent statement (voluntary quit). These interviews are scheduled automatically, but reaching out proactively can sometimes expedite the process.

anyone tried using claimyr to get thru to unemployment? thinking of trying it since i cant get anyone on the phone and have been waiting 4 weeks with an issue on my claim