PA UC payment shows amount but no payment number - still using old direct deposit?
Just got approved for unemployment last week (thank goodness!) and I can see my benefit amount, the deductions, etc. when I log into my PA UC account. But there's no payment number showing up yet. I'm a bit confused about how I'll actually get paid. When I filed this new claim, I selected the debit card option because I thought that was standard now. However, I used direct deposit years ago when I was on UC back in 2019. Would the system still have my old bank info? I haven't received any Money Network card in the mail yet, so I'm wondering if they're just going to use my old direct deposit info? Anyone know how long it typically takes for the payment number to show up after approval? Starting to get nervous since rent is due soon...
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Gianna Scott
They definitely DON'T automatically use your old direct deposit info! PA UC changed their payment system completely since 2019. If you selected debit card, they'll mail you a new Money Network card which usually takes 7-10 business days to arrive after your first payment is processed. The payment number typically appears 2-3 days after your claim shows as approved, then it takes another 2-3 business days for the actual funds to hit your card. I'd give it until the end of this week before worrying. If you really need direct deposit instead, you should call the UC service center ASAP to change your payment method before your first payment processes. Once they issue the card, it's harder to switch.
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Edwards Hugo
•Thanks for explaining! So I need to wait for the payment number to appear first, then expect the card a week or so later? Guess I'll have to figure out rent another way this month :/
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Alfredo Lugo
this happened to me too! the payment number showed up like 3 days after i could see the benefit amount. dont worry its coming
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Edwards Hugo
•That's a relief to hear! I've been checking the portal like 10 times a day lol
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Sydney Torres
To save yourself the stress of waiting for this card, I'd recommend trying to get through to an actual person at PA UC to switch to direct deposit NOW. I spent 2 weeks trying to call with no luck - busy signals and disconnects. Then I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 20 minutes who switched me to direct deposit right on the call. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 that shows how it works. Worth it to get your money faster and not deal with that card.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•is that service legit? seems sketchy that you have to pay to talk to unemployment when its a government service we already pay for with our taxes!!
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Caleb Bell
THEY ALWAYS DO THIS!! The UC system is designed to make everything as SLOW and CONFUSING as possible! When I got approved in January, my payment number took a full WEEK to show up after approval, then another 10 DAYS for the stupid card to arrive. Meanwhile my landlord was threatening eviction! Try calling them to switch to direct deposit, but GOOD LUCK getting through - I tried for DAYS and kept getting busy signals! The whole system is broken!
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Gianna Scott
•While it's definitely frustrating, the timeline is actually pretty standard. Payment number in 2-3 days, card in 7-10 business days. They process thousands of claims, and the system, while not perfect, does follow a predictable schedule.
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Danielle Campbell
A couple important things to know about PA UC payments in 2025: 1. Payment numbers typically appear 2-3 business days after claim approval (sometimes up to 5 if there's a backlog) 2. The system does NOT carry over your old direct deposit info - this is a security measure 3. If you selected debit card, you'll get a Money Network card mailed to your address on file 4. You can switch to direct deposit at any time by logging into your dashboard and going to "View and Maintain Account Information" then "Update Payment Type" 5. If you can't find that option online, you'll need to call the UC service center at 888-313-7284 If your rent is due soon, I'd recommend trying to update to direct deposit online right away, as it's faster than waiting for the card to arrive in the mail.
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Edwards Hugo
•Thanks for the detailed info! I just checked and I don't see the option to update payment type online - might be because my first payment hasn't processed yet? Guess I'll have to try calling.
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Rhett Bowman
i switched from debit card to direct deposit last month after i got my first payment. u need to wait til u get a payment number first, then u can change it in ur account settings. but honestly it doesnt matter for ur first payment - that will still go on the card no matter what. they wont use ur old bank info from years ago, thats all deleted when ur benefit year ends.
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Abigail Patel
•This is actually incorrect info. You CAN change your payment method before your first payment processes if you call quickly enough. I did this in March and got my first payment via direct deposit. But you have to get through to an agent, which is the hard part.
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Sydney Torres
Just as an update - I checked my account this morning and the payment number finally appeared! Now waiting on the card to arrive. Thanks everyone for your help and advice with this.
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Gianna Scott
•Great news! Now just keep an eye on your mailbox for that Money Network card. And don't forget you can switch to direct deposit for future payments once you have access to your online account.
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