PA UC phone numbers not working - 800 number now fraud-only and 888 number disconnects immediately

yep same here. called the 800 number 6 times and got hung up on. the system is broken on purpose i swear

The UC phone system has been completely overwhelmed since they updated it last month. I was able to reach someone by calling the 888 number at exactly 7:59am (right before they officially open at 8am). Somehow got in the queue before everyone else started calling. You might also try selecting the Spanish option and then asking for English when a rep answers - sometimes that line has shorter waits.

I've been dealing with PA unemployment for 3 years now (on and off unfortunately) and the phone system has always been a nightmare. But you're right, it's gotten even worse lately. The fraud department being separated makes sense, but they should have added more staff to the regular line instead of just letting it auto-disconnect people. Have you tried going to your local CareerLink office? Sometimes they can help with basic UC questions or at least have direct lines to UC representatives that aren't available to the public. Bring your claim information and photo ID if you go that route.

I was in the same situation last month trying to fix an issue with my benefit year end date. After wasting days trying to get through on the regular UC phone numbers, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually worked. They have a system that calls PA UC and holds your place in line, then calls you when they have a rep on the line. Saved me hours of redial frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 It was worth it for me because I needed to get my claim fixed before I missed more payments. Just passing along what worked for me!

Ugh this same EXACT thing happened to me!!! The 800 number lady was so rude when i asked about my payment issue and just kept saying "we only handle fraud here now" and hung up on me! I think they did this on purpose to make it even HARDER to get help. The state doesn't care about us at all! I've been waiting 4 weeks with an "open issue" and can't pay my electric bill. RIDICULOUS!!!!!

Someone told me you can try calling your state representative's office and they sometimes have special contacts at UC to help constituents. I haven't tried it myself but might be worth a shot if you're desperate.

Just wanted to follow up - I checked the PA UC website and they've actually posted about the phone system changes. Apparently they're "upgrading their telecommunications infrastructure to better serve claimants" (yeah right). The notice says there may be "temporary service interruptions" but they expect the phone lines to be fully operational by the end of the month. In the meantime, they're encouraging people to use the online message center through your dashboard, though in my experience that takes 7-10 days for a response.

the whole system is a mess. my buddy said they outsourced the call center last year and none of the new people know what theyre doing. even if u get thru they put u on hold forever and then disconnect u anyway

UPDATE: I was able to get through! I tried the early morning trick and called the 888 number at 7:58am exactly. Got put in the queue instead of getting disconnected. Waited about 35 minutes but finally spoke to someone who was able to clear the open issue on my claim. It was just a verification thing on their end. For anyone else struggling to get through, definitely try calling right before they officially open!