PA UC pending for 9 weeks with no decision - desperate for ways to speed up my claim
I'm at my wit's end with PA unemployment! I filed my initial claim 9 weeks ago and I'm STILL waiting for them to make a decision. Every week I file my weekly certification like clockwork, but my dashboard just shows 'pending' for all payments. I've tried calling at least 50 times over the past two months and either get a busy signal or it hangs up after the automated message. The one time I got through, the rep just said 'it's in the queue for an examiner review' and couldn't tell me anything else. My rent is already late and my landlord is getting impatient. Has anyone found a way to actually get someone to look at their claim faster? I'm starting to think they're just hoping I'll give up and go away. Any advice before I completely lose it?
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Simon White
Unfortunately, you're in the dreaded PA UC waiting game. An examiner needs to review your claim, and they're severely backlogged. The best thing you can do is continue filing your weekly claims while waiting. When your claim is eventually approved, you'll receive all back payments at once. Make sure you've completed your work search activities each week (at least 2 per week) and documented them properly - that will prevent further delays once they get to your claim.
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Geoff Richards
•Thanks for the reply. I've been doing the work search activities religiously and keeping detailed records. I just don't understand why it takes 9+ weeks to even LOOK at a claim? Do you know if contacting my state rep would help at all? I've heard mixed things about that approach.
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Hugo Kass
same thing happened 2 me! waited 11 weeks b4 they approved anything. keep filing every week!! they'll pay back everything once approved
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Geoff Richards
•11 weeks?? Seriously? That's insane. Did they give you any explanation for why it took so long? I'm worried my claim has some issue they aren't telling me about.
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Nasira Ibanez
I swear the PA UC system is DESIGNED to make people give up. They're hoping you'll just find a job and stop claiming so they don't have to pay you. I waited 14 weeks last year before getting a decision. The system is completely broken and nobody in Harrisburg cares enough to fix it.
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Khalil Urso
•While the system certainly has its challenges, I wouldn't go so far as to say it's intentionally designed to make people give up. The department is working with outdated systems and is understaffed. That said, there are legitimate ways to potentially speed up your claim review. Contacting your state representative can sometimes help, as they have designated contacts at the UC office who can inquire about delayed claims. Also, make sure you've uploaded all required documentation to your dashboard - sometimes claims stall because they're missing information but the system doesn't clearly notify you.
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Myles Regis
When I was stuck in pending status for weeks, I finally got through to an actual UC examiner by using Claimyr. It's a service that connects your call to PA unemployment without having to redial hundreds of times. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Once I got through to a human, they found that my claim was stuck because my former employer had contested it but hadn't submitted their paperwork. The rep was able to expedite it once I explained my financial situation. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Definitely worth it after weeks of busy signals.
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Hugo Kass
•does that actually work?? ive been calling for 3 days straight and cant get thru to anyone!!
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Myles Regis
•Yes, it worked for me. Instead of calling hundreds of times, I got through on my first try. The service basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then connects your call. Much better than hitting redial all day.
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Brian Downey
Ok but what if ur claim is pending bcuz of seperation issues? My boss said i quit but i was actually laid off due to lack of work. Thats why mine is taking forever i think
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Simon White
•That's exactly why you need to speak with an examiner ASAP. If there's a discrepancy between your reason for separation and your employer's, your claim will remain pending until an examiner reviews both sides. Make sure you have documentation supporting your case - emails about the layoff, witnesses, anything that shows you were laid off rather than quitting. The sooner you can speak with someone, the sooner this can be resolved.
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Geoff Richards
Update: I tried calling first thing Monday morning and miraculously got through after being on hold for 1.5 hours! The examiner said my claim had an 'employer protest' flag that was holding everything up. Apparently my former employer is disputing that I was laid off (which is complete BS). Now I have to wait for a fact-finding interview to be scheduled, which could take ANOTHER 4-6 weeks! This is ridiculous - I might be evicted before they even decide my case!
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Khalil Urso
•I'm glad you got through, but sorry about the employer dispute. This is unfortunately common. Here's what you need to do now: 1. Gather ALL documentation showing you were laid off - emails, texts, termination letter, witness statements, etc. 2. Send this documentation through your dashboard under 'Send a Message' AND bring copies to your fact-finding interview 3. Explain your housing situation during the interview and ask if they can expedite due to financial hardship 4. Contact your local legal aid office - they often provide free services to help with housing issues while waiting for unemployment 5. Continue filing your weekly claims and completing work search requirements If your claim is ultimately approved, you'll receive all back payments from your initial filing date.
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Jacinda Yu
When I was in this situation last year I sent a message through the PA UC portal explaining my financial hardship (was about to have utilities shut off) and they actually expedited my interview! Try sending a detailed message about your eviction risk. Can't guarantee it'll work but worth trying.
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Geoff Richards
•Thank you! I just sent a message through the portal with details about my situation. Fingers crossed someone actually reads it. I'll update if anything changes!
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Nasira Ibanez
They don't care if you're evicted!!!! I sent FIVE hardship messages and they never responded to a single one. The whole system is designed to protect employers, not workers. Good luck but don't get your hopes up.
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Jacinda Yu
•I understand your frustration, but different departments and representatives handle cases differently. While your experience was negative, others (including myself) have had success with hardship requests. It's worth trying all available options rather than giving up.
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Hugo Kass
did u try calling in the afternoon? i read somewhere that they get less calls after 2pm. thats how i finally got thru
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Geoff Richards
•I finally got through calling at 8:01am on Monday, but I'll keep the afternoon tip in mind if I need to call again. Thanks!
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Myles Regis
FINAL UPDATE: I finally got my interview scheduled for next week! After reading the advice here, I both sent a hardship message AND contacted my state representative's office. Not sure which one worked (maybe both?), but someone from the rep's office called me yesterday saying they'd contacted UC on my behalf, and this morning I got an email with my interview date. It's still a week away, but at least there's movement! Thanks everyone for your help - I'll post again after the interview to let you know how it went.
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Khalil Urso
•That's excellent news! Make sure you're well-prepared for the interview. Have all your documentation organized and ready to present. Be factual and concise when explaining your situation. And remember - if the initial determination isn't in your favor, you have the right to appeal within 15 days. Good luck with your interview!
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