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Adriana Cohn

PA UC referee hearing postponed because they didn't send telephone regulations - anyone else experience this delay?

Just venting and looking for advice... I had my appeal hearing with a referee scheduled for tomorrow (2/28) and was totally prepared. Got everything in order, took time off work, and then BAM - just got a notice of continuance today saying they're pushing it back to 3/14. The reason? They apparently 'forgot' to send me the telephone regulations. What does that even mean?? I've been waiting almost 7 weeks for this hearing already! Has anyone else had their UC appeal hearing postponed for this reason? Is this normal or are they just jerking me around? I'm so frustrated because I really need this resolved - I'm owed almost $4,700 in benefits and my landlord isn't exactly the patient type.

Jace Caspullo

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Yep, happened to me in January. They postponed my hearing TWICE for 'administrative reasons' including not sending some paperwork. It's ridiculous how they can just waste our time like this. I ended up waiting over 2 months total for my hearing. The system is completely broken.

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Adriana Cohn

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Ughhh that's so annoying! Did you ever find out what these 'telephone regulations' actually are? I looked through everything they've sent me and don't see anything missing.

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Melody Miles

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The telephone regulations are basically instructions about how the phone hearing will be conducted - your rights during the hearing, procedures, etc. It's a standard document they're required to send before a phone hearing. Unfortunately, delays like this are pretty common with PA UC right now. They're required by law to send you those regulations in advance, so rather than proceeding without them (which could get the decision overturned later), they reschedule. Not ideal, but at least they're protecting your right to a proper hearing.

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Adriana Cohn

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Thanks for explaining! I guess that makes sense legally, but it's still frustrating they couldn't get it right the first time. My bills don't get delayed just because PA UC can't mail a form on time.

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omg same thing just happened 2 my friend!!! they pushed her back 3 weeks for some paperwork reason. she was SOOO mad cuz she needed that $$ for her car payment

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Eva St. Cyr

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This happens more often than it should. The telephone regulations document is required by law - it explains how to participate in the hearing, your rights, and what to expect. Without it, the hearing result could potentially be invalidated if you appeal later. If you need immediate financial assistance while waiting, you might want to check with local community action agencies that offer emergency assistance programs. Also make sure you keep filing your weekly claims during this waiting period!

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Yeah listen to this advice ^^^ KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLYS no matter what! My cousin stopped filing during his appeal and lost out on like 6 weeks of benefits even though he won his case!

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Kaitlyn Otto

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I've had 3 different UC hearings over the years (won 2, lost 1) and continuances are super common. One time they postponed because the employer didn't confirm, another time because the system was down day of hearing. It's annoying but just part of the process. The good news is that when you finally get your hearing, you'll get all backpay if you win. Just make sure you're prepared with all your documentation and keep detailed notes of everything.

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Adriana Cohn

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Thanks, that's somewhat reassuring. Did you have to prepare differently for the rescheduled hearing? I'm worried they'll change something else on me last minute.

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Axel Far

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Had the exact same thing happen with my hearing last year. Was scheduled then got pushed back 2+ weeks because of missing paperwork on THEIR end. I was absolutely furious because I had already taken time off work for the original date. After trying for days to get someone on the phone with no luck (constant busy signals), I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a UC rep in about 20 minutes. The rep couldn't change my hearing date back, but at least explained everything and confirmed they had all my documents ready for the new date. The video demo showed exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - saved me hours of frustration. Still annoying they postponed, but at least I could talk to someone.

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Adriana Cohn

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I'll check that out - I've been calling for days with no luck. At this point I'd do anything to just talk to an actual person who can explain things clearly. Thanks!

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this whole UC system is a JOKE!!! they expect us to follow every little rule perfectly but then THEY can just change dates whenever they want and we're supposed to just deal with it???? make it make sense!!

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Jace Caspullo

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EXACTLY THIS!!! If we miss a deadline by ONE DAY we get denied but they can take MONTHS to do anything on their end with zero consequences. It's all designed to make people give up.

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Eva St. Cyr

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For your upcoming hearing, make sure you have organized all your evidence and documentation. Have a clear timeline of events written down, and if possible, submit any new evidence before the hearing (at least 5 days prior). During the hearing itself, be concise, stick to facts, and directly address the reason for disqualification. If you were denied due to a voluntary quit, make sure you can clearly explain how it was for a necessitous and compelling reason. If it's a discharge case, be ready to show you didn't commit willful misconduct. Being prepared makes a huge difference in the outcome.

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Adriana Cohn

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This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you! Mine is a voluntary quit situation (had to resign after they changed my schedule to overnight shifts when I have documented medical reasons why I can't work nights). I've got doctor's notes and emails showing I requested accommodation. Should I fax these to the referee before the hearing?

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Melody Miles

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Yes, definitely fax or upload those medical documents and accommodation requests before the hearing! Make sure they're received at least 5 business days before your new hearing date. Medical restrictions that prevent you from working the new schedule can absolutely qualify as a necessitous and compelling reason to quit, but having the documentation is crucial. Also, be prepared to explain exactly how you tried to preserve your employment before quitting (requested accommodation, asked for different shifts, etc). That's a key factor the referee will be looking for.

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Adriana Cohn

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Thank you!! I'll get everything together and fax it by the end of this week. Really appreciate all the help from everyone here - feeling much more prepared now despite the frustrating delay.

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