PA UC sideline business appeal denied - how to win at next hearing?

I won my appeal for almost the exact same situation! The key is proving your sideline business is truly "sideline" and not your primary source of income. For the hearing, bring: 1) Tax returns showing the minimal income from the business vs. your W2 earnings 2) Documentation of when you started the business (MUST have started it while employed elsewhere) 3) Records showing limited hours spent on the business 4) Proof you're still looking for full-time work in your regular field. During the hearing, emphasize that your business doesn't prevent you from accepting suitable full-time employment. The referee will focus on those two factors. Good luck!

the whole sideline business thing is BS!!! i had a small lawn mowing thing on weekends and they denied me too. system is RIGGED against anyone trying to make a little extra money. good luck but dont get your hopes up

Has anyone used a lawyer for their appeal hearing? Is it worth the cost?

I had a simlar situation with my eBay selling. The most important thing is did you have your sideline business BEFORE you lost your job? That's what saved me. If you started it after becoming unemployed they'll deny you for sure.

OP, another crucial detail - make sure you're keeping records of your job search activities while waiting for your appeal. You must continue certifying weekly and looking for work even while appealing. I've seen people win their appeal but lose benefits because they stopped doing the weekly work search requirements during the appeal process. You need 2 job search activities per week (applications, interviews, etc.) documented in case they ask.

had my appeal hearing by phone last month and the referee never called! wasted 2 hrs waiting by my phone. called UC but could never get through. busy signal for days.

To strengthen your sideline business case, focus on these PA UC requirements: 1. You must have established the business while still employed elsewhere (you did - good!) 2. The business must not be your primary source of income (only $2,900 vs. your regular salary - excellent point) 3. You must remain able and available for full-time work in your regular occupation 4. Your limited time commitment (5 hours/week) doesn't interfere with accepting suitable work Bring the following to your hearing: - Tax returns showing both income sources - Business registration documents with date stamps - Weekly time logs showing limited hours spent on Etsy - Documentation of active job search in your primary field Be prepared to clearly explain how your jewelry making doesn't prevent you from accepting full-time employment.

What kind of jewelry do you make? My sister does that too and has an Etsy shop! She makes like those wire-wrapped crystal necklaces and stuff.

Update: Just got off the phone with PA UC after 2 hours of calling (finally got through!)... The agent said my case is actually pretty straightforward and I should have a good chance at winning the appeal since I've been doing the Etsy shop alongside my regular job for over a year. Feeling much more hopeful!

After your hearing, please come back and let us know how it went! Your experience could help others in the same situation. Wishing you the best of luck!

I went through this exact same situation two years ago with my photography side business. The key thing that won my case was proving I was still "available and able" to work full-time. I brought my appointment calendar showing I only did photo shoots on weekends, bank statements showing minimal income compared to my regular salary, and most importantly - a detailed job search log showing I was actively applying for full-time positions in my regular field (marketing). The referee specifically asked if my photography would prevent me from taking a 9-5 job, and I was able to clearly explain that it wouldn't. I also emphasized that I had never turned down work or interviews because of my side business. Document everything and stay calm during the hearing - you've got this!

I'm dealing with a similar sideline business issue right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I want to add - make sure you have documentation showing you're registered to work in Pennsylvania and that your business doesn't conflict with any licensing requirements in your main field. I also recommend bringing a written statement explaining how your Etsy shop actually demonstrates your work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, but that full-time employment in your regular field remains your primary goal. The referee wants to see that you're genuinely seeking work and that your side business won't interfere with that. Also, if you have any correspondence with potential employers or interviews scheduled, bring that as additional proof of your active job search. Good luck Marina - sounds like you have a strong case!

I successfully appealed a very similar sideline business denial last year! Here's what made the difference in my case: I created a simple spreadsheet comparing my regular job income vs. side business income over the past 2 years - this visual really drove home how minimal the side income was. I also printed screenshots from my state's job search website showing all my applications since becoming unemployed, with timestamps proving I was spending way more time job hunting than on my business. During the hearing, I made sure to mention specific examples of how I'd adjusted my business schedule around job interviews (like declining custom orders when I had interviews scheduled). The referee seemed most concerned about whether I would turn down a good job offer to focus on my business, so I directly addressed that by explaining my business was more of a creative outlet that I could easily scale back or pause entirely for the right full-time opportunity. You sound like you have an even stronger case than I did - $2,900 annual income and only 5 hours per week is clearly supplemental, not primary employment!