PA UC phone system nightmare - 35+ calls with no answer despite low unemployment claims?

I was in the same boat last month - tried calling over 50 times in a single day! What eventually worked for me was using Claimyr.com. It's a service that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZWG3KiHrg2. Not sure if it costs anything now, but it was worth it for my sanity alone.

UC office is LYING about answering all calls!!! I've tried 100+ times some days. The system is BROKEN and they know it. They claim low unemployment but dont mention they've CUT STAFF so fewer people answering phones!!

I've had success getting through by calling exactly at 7:58am, two minutes before they officially open at 8:00am. The queue starts forming before their posted hours. Also, Thursdays seem to be slightly better than Mondays or Fridays. Regarding your situation - if your previous claim was denied after a hearing, you should be able to file a new claim based on your November employment as long as you've earned enough qualifying wages in your base year period. When you do get through, make sure to specifically mention you're filing a new initial claim rather than trying to reopen the denied one. Different processes entirely.

try hitting option 1 then 2 then 1 again when u get the menu its different dept but sometimes they can help anyway or transfer u

I've been on unemployment 3 times in PA over the years, and I can tell you that whoever told you they answer all calls is either misinformed or not being truthful. The phone system has been overwhelmed for YEARS, not just during COVID. Two tips that have helped me: 1. Try the chat function on the PA UC website instead of calling. It's still a wait, but you can at least do other things while waiting instead of redialing constantly. 2. If you do keep calling, try between 10:30-11:30am. For some reason, this has been my sweet spot. I think it's after the morning rush but before lunch. Also, since your previous claim was denied after a hearing, make sure you understand exactly why before filing a new claim. Sometimes there are issues that can carry over and affect new claims too (misconduct issues, availability issues, etc).

Since you mentioned having a previous claim denied and now trying to file based on a job from November, I should clarify an important point: Make sure you understand how PA calculates your base year. For claims filed in 2025, the standard base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you're filing in January-March 2025, your base year would be October 2023 through September 2024. If your November job was in 2024, those wages would only count if they fall within your base year period. You might need to use an alternate base year calculation if your recent wages would qualify you. When you do reach a representative, specifically ask them to check your wage records and explain which quarters are being counted in your base year. This could make all the difference in whether you qualify.

Quick update - I tried that Claimyr service I mentioned and it worked again. Got through to an agent in about 35 minutes today (way better than my previous attempts). Just sharing since a few people asked. The rep I spoke with said they're training new staff right now so phone lines are worse than usual.

Update us after your appointment next week if you don't get through by phone before then. The in-person appointments can actually be really helpful because you get dedicated time with someone who can look at your specific situation. Bring all your documentation about both claims - denial letter from the previous claim, pay stubs from your November job, any separation paperwork. The more prepared you are, the smoother it will go.