PA UC sent contradicting determinations - one says I quit, then got 'determination vacated' message - confused!
I'm totally confused about my PA unemployment claim status right now. Last week I got a determination letter saying I was DENIED benefits because my former employer claimed I voluntarily quit (which is completely false - I was let go due to 'restructuring'). I was preparing to file an appeal when yesterday I received another message stating my 'determination was vacated'? I have no idea what that means! Does that cancel out the first determination? Am I approved now? Or do I still need to appeal? This is my first time on unemployment and these mixed messages are giving me serious anxiety. I plan to call the UC office tomorrow morning, but wondering if anyone else has experienced getting these two contradicting messages and can explain what's happening? Thanks in advance for any insight!
16 comments
Aria Park
'Determination vacated' is actually good news! It means the previous determination (the one denying your benefits) has been set aside or cancelled. Essentially, the UC examiner likely found something wrong with the initial determination or received new information that made them reconsider. You should receive a new determination soon, which could go either way but at least gives you another chance. No need to appeal the vacated determination since it's no longer valid. But definitely watch your dashboard and mailbox for the new determination letter.
0 coins
Lucas Notre-Dame
•Thank you so much for explaining! That gives me some relief. Do you know roughly how long it takes for them to issue a new determination after vacating the previous one? Should I still try calling tomorrow just to make sure I understand what's happening with my claim?
0 coins
Noah Ali
this happned to me 2!! got denied then vacated then approved all in like 10 days... weird but worked out. just wait for next letter
0 coins
Lucas Notre-Dame
•That's encouraging to hear it worked out for you! I hope mine follows the same pattern. The waiting and uncertainty is the hardest part.
0 coins
Chloe Boulanger
CLASSIC PA UNEMPLOYMENT NONSENSE!!! They do this all the time - send contradicting information and expect us to figure it out! I had THREE different determinations on my claim last year, each saying something different, and I couldn't get anyone on the phone to explain. The system is BROKEN. They probably realized they messed up on your first determination, but instead of just fixing it or calling you, they send these confusing automated notices. Good luck getting through on the phone tomorrow - you'll probably be calling for DAYS before anyone picks up.
0 coins
James Martinez
•Yeah they do make it hard to reach them! But its not always that bad. My sister got through pretty quick last month when she had a similar issue.
0 coins
Olivia Harris
Since your employer claimed you quit when you were actually let go due to restructuring, the UC examiner probably started looking into this discrepancy. When there are conflicting statements between claimant and employer, UC will investigate further. The vacated determination means they're essentially hitting reset on your case. Here's what you should do: 1. Document everything about your separation (emails, termination letter, etc.) 2. Continue filing your weekly certifications while you wait 3. Watch for a new determination letter (check both mail and your dashboard) 4. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested The fact that they vacated the determination rather than just denying your appeal suggests someone already spotted an issue with your employer's statement.
0 coins
Lucas Notre-Dame
•This is really helpful! I do have the termination letter that specifically mentions the restructuring, plus emails from my manager discussing it. I've been filing my weekly claims but wasn't sure if I should continue. I'll definitely keep all the documentation ready in case they need more info. Thank you!
0 coins
Alexander Zeus
If you're struggling to get through to PA UC by phone (and let's be honest, who isn't?), I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that actually helped me reach a live person. I was dealing with contradicting determinations too and needed answers ASAP. The service basically calls UC for you and holds your place in line, then calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial frustration. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. It's especially helpful for complicated situations like yours where you really need to speak with someone who can see your full file.
0 coins
Noah Ali
•does it actually work tho?? ive tried everything to get through to UC and always busy signal
0 coins
Alicia Stern
When I got laid off from my job at the warehouse they also said I quit! My first determination was denied but I appealed it right away. Never got a vacated message though, just went straight to hearing. Make sure you're still doing your work searches even during all this confusion. I almost got disqualified because I wasn't keeping up with them while waiting for my appeal. You need 3 work search activities every week no matter what's happening with your claim status.
0 coins
Lucas Notre-Dame
•That's a really good reminder about the work searches - thank you! I've been doing them but haven't been great about documenting everything. Did you end up winning your appeal against the employer who claimed you quit?
0 coins
Aria Park
Just to clarify a bit more about the 'determination vacated' status - this usually happens in one of three scenarios: 1. The examiner found new information that contradicts the initial finding 2. There was a procedural error in how your claim was processed 3. Your employer may have withdrawn or modified their statement This is actually a positive development in most cases. About 80% of vacated determinations I've seen are eventually decided in the claimant's favor, especially when there's documentary evidence showing the employer's statement was incorrect. The new determination should typically be issued within 7-14 days, though it can sometimes take longer during busy periods.
0 coins
Lucas Notre-Dame
•This is so helpful - thank you! I was wondering what might have triggered the vacated determination. I did upload my termination letter to the portal after I got the denial, so maybe that's what caused them to take another look. I'll watch for the new determination letter. Really appreciate the detailed explanation!
0 coins
James Martinez
Idk if this helps but my cousin had the same thing happen and it turns out somebody at unemployment made a mistake inputting info. They fixed it and she got approved after the vacated thing. Good luck!!
0 coins
Olivia Harris
•This is a common occurrence. The initial claim processing is often done with automated systems or by less experienced examiners. When discrepancies are spotted during quality control reviews, they'll vacate determinations rather than process formal appeals. It's actually more efficient for everyone.
0 coins