PA UC process timing for layoff vs other separations - layoff = faster claim?

First off, sorry about your job. To answer your question - yes, layoffs typically process faster because there's usually no dispute about eligibility. When you file, make sure you select "laid off due to lack of work" as your separation reason. Your employer won't likely contest it since it was a mass layoff. Still, I'd recommend filing TODAY if possible. The system will ask for employer info, last day worked, and reason for separation. Be 100% honest. Also start your work search activities right away - PA requires you to apply to at least 2 jobs each week and track those activities.

my cousin got layed off in january and got his first payment in like 10 days so def faster than quitting!!!! just dont mess up your weekly claims or it'll delay everything.

Layoffs are WAY faster than quitting or getting fired! I got laid off in Feb and got my first payment in exactly 2 weeks after filing. My coworker who got FIRED for attendance had to wait 7 weeks and appeal twice!!! Just make sure you file right away, and SAVE THE CONFIRMATION NUMBER they give you at the end!!! I didn't write mine down and regretted it when I needed to call. Also start applying for jobs immediately - PA is super strict about the job search requirements now.

The UC system is complete GARBAGE no matter what your situation is!!! I was laid off with 50 coworkers when our factory closed and it STILL took 5 weeks to get paid. And then they randomly stopped my payments for "verification" and I couldn't get ANYONE on the phone for THREE WEEKS!!! The system is BROKEN and they don't care about us!!!

If you're having trouble reaching someone at UC (which is likely), I used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual human at PA UC in about 20 minutes after trying for days on my own. It basically keeps calling for you until it gets through. Totally worth it when I had an open issue that wouldn't resolve. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 and their website is claimyr.com. I was skeptical but it actually worked when I was desperate about my layoff claim that got stuck.

To give you the most accurate information: Layoff claims do typically process faster because there's no dispute about eligibility. The PA UC system automatically flags claims for review when there's potential eligibility issues (quitting, misconduct, availability issues), but layoff claims usually bypass those flags. However, processing time depends on several factors: 1. Volume of claims being processed (end of quarter can be slower) 2. Accuracy of information you provide matching employer records 3. Whether you have multiple employers in your base year 4. If you worked in multiple states Most straightforward layoff claims are processed within 10-14 days, but I always recommend people plan for up to 3 weeks just in case. Make sure to file your weekly certifications even if your initial claim is still pending - you'll get paid retroactively once approved.

The part-time job might add a day or two to processing as they'll need to verify those wages too, but it shouldn't cause major delays. And yes, absolutely file your weekly certification this Sunday! Don't wait for approval. Any weeks you're eligible for will be paid retroactively once your claim is approved.

I was wondering the same thing last month when I got laid off. My claim was approved in 12 days which seemed fast compared to my friend who quit her job. Just make sure you have your final pay stub ready when you file because they asked me questions about it. Also don't forget you need to do the work search every week now. Not like during COVID when they waived that requirement.

Update: My claim was just approved! Only took 8 days from when I filed. Thanks everyone for the advice and guidance. For anyone else in the same situation, the layoff designation definitely seems to speed things up. Now I just need to keep up with the weekly work search requirements!