PA UC referee hearing in-person vs. phone - what to expect?

I went through an in-person hearing last year and it definitely helped my case. The referee was actually really fair and gave me plenty of time to explain my side. Bring ALL your documentation - termination letter, any emails about performance, pay stubs, everything. Dress professionally like you would for a job interview. Be prepared to clearly explain why you believe you qualify for benefits. The in-person format lets you show documents easily and respond to your employer's claims immediately. My employer sent an HR rep who wasn't even familiar with my department, and being there in person made it obvious they were just reading from a script. I won my appeal.

That's really helpful, thank you! Did you bring a lawyer or go by yourself? I'm worried I'll get flustered if they start asking technical questions.

I had a phone hearing and REGRETTED it so much!!! The employer had 3 people on their side all talking over each other and I couldn't tell who was saying what. The referee kept asking me to respond to things I couldn't even hear properly. Then when they presented \

same happened 2 me... phone hearing was a disaster, couldnt hear half of what was being said and my cell dropped the call twice. lost my case bc of it

In-person hearings can give you an advantage, but preparation matters more than location. Before your hearing:\n\n1. Request your employer's evidence file immediately\n2. Organize chronological documentation of the layoff\n3. Prepare a 2-3 minute opening statement describing what happened\n4. Write down specific responses to the misconduct allegations\n5. Bring 3 copies of all documents (referee, employer, yourself)\n\nBeing there physically helps with credibility assessment, but your evidence is what wins cases. If they claim misconduct, the burden of proof is on them. Let them present first, then respond point by point. Don't interrupt or get emotional - it hurts your case.

Thank you for the detailed advice! I was wondering about the evidence file - do I need to formally request that through the unemployment office or directly from my employer?

i had a hearing and my boss straight up LIED about firing me sayin i was always late when i had proof I clocked in on time every day for 6 months!! the lady referee didnt seem to care at first but when i showed her my timecard printouts she flipped around real quick lol. definitely go in person and BRING RECEIPTS!!! they dont expect u to have proof

This is excellent advice. The burden of proof for misconduct is on the employer, but having your own documentation is critical. I've seen many cases where employees thought their word would be enough, but contemporaneous documentation almost always carries the day. Your timecard evidence was exactly the right move.

When is your hearing scheduled? Make sure you're there at least 30 minutes early to get through security. My hearing was delayed because there was a long line at the metal detectors and I almost missed it! They're usually pretty strict about starting on time.

It's scheduled for March 18th at 10am. That's a good point about security - I hadn't even thought about that. I'll definitely plan to arrive early!

Having represented clients in hundreds of PA UC referee hearings, I can tell you that being present in person generally improves your chances. The referee can assess credibility better, you can see and immediately respond to evidence, and you appear more committed to your case. However, the most important factors are:\n\n1. Evidence that contradicts the employer's misconduct claim\n2. Consistent testimony that aligns with your initial application\n3. Respectful but firm responses to questioning\n\nSince they're claiming misconduct but you say it was a budget layoff, bring any documentation showing the layoff (emails, termination notice mentioning budget cuts, evidence others were laid off too). The employer must prove willful misconduct by substantial evidence - you just need to create reasonable doubt about their narrative.

Thank you for such detailed advice! I do have the termination letter that mentions 'organizational restructuring' and emails from my manager talking about department budget cuts. I'll make sure to bring multiple copies of everything.

whatever u do DONT agree to a continuance if they ask for one!! my employer didnt show up and asked for a reschedule and i said ok trying to be nice and then they had 6 weeks to build a case against me with all kinds of fake evidence

100% agree! same thing happened with my friend. employer no-showed then got a delay and came back with a lawyer next time

Has anyone used Claimyr to talk to UC before hearings? I had so many questions before mine but couldn't get through on the phone for DAYS. My cousin told me about this service claimyr.com that got her through to an actual person at unemployment in like 15 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 I was hesitant but DESPERATE so I tried it before my hearing and actually got answers about what evidence I needed to bring!

I hadn't heard of that before but I'm definitely going to check it out. I've been calling the UC office all week with questions but just get endless busy signals. Thanks for sharing!

One critical piece of advice: PA unemployment referee hearings are recorded. Speak clearly, don't talk over others, and verbally acknowledge documents

That's really good to know about the recording. I probably would have just nodded along to some things without realizing it wouldn't be captured.

One more thing - after your hearing, the referee won't announce a decision right away. You'll receive it by mail in about 7-14 days. Don't be discouraged if the referee seems unresponsive during your testimony - they're trained to be neutral and not show which way they're leaning. Just focus on clearly presenting your facts.

Thank you! I was wondering if I'd know the outcome that same day. Good to know I should expect to wait for the mail decision.