PA UC system won't let me proceed past SSN during new claim application after COVID claim 3.5 years ago

Yes, that's the correct number for PA UC. Unfortunately, it's notoriously difficult to get through. Your SSN issue sounds like a system glitch - it could be that your previous claim info is causing a conflict in their system. This happens sometimes when transitioning from an old claim to establishing a new benefit year. A few suggestions: 1. Try using a different browser or clearing your cache/cookies on your current browser 2. Attempt the application very early in the morning (like 6am when the system may have less traffic) 3. Email them through your dashboard (though responses can take 1-2 weeks) 4. Keep calling - many people report success by calling exactly at 8:00am when they open You definitely need to speak with someone to resolve this type of technical issue.

had the same EXACT problem last month!!!! system woudnt let me past SSN screen kept saying "unable to process" or something. turns out my old claim from 2020 was still somehow active in their system even tho i hadnt claimed in YEARS. took me 3 weeks to get someone on phone!!

I work with UC claims regularly, and this is definitely a database conflict issue. When you had a previous claim during COVID (especially if it was PUA rather than regular UC), sometimes the system has trouble establishing a new regular claim with the same SSN. Here's what needs to happen: 1. A UC representative needs to manually update your account status in their system 2. They need to close out any lingering flags from your previous claim 3. They'll likely need to reset your PIN as well The number you're calling is correct, but it's extremely difficult to get through. They're only open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm (closed on weekends and holidays). Keep documenting your attempts to contact them - take screenshots of the error and note dates/times of your calls. This helps if they later question why your claim wasn't filed promptly.

I had this SAME problem in January trying to reapply after my COVID claim from years ago! It's definitely a system issue on their end. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to call that number with no luck. Busy signals constantly and would hang up after 10-15 minutes on hold. I finally tried Claimyr.com which got me through to a PA UC rep in about 20 minutes. They have this system that keeps calling and gets you in the queue. Worth checking out their video demo: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 When I finally got through, the rep told me my old COVID claim was causing a database conflict. They had to close it properly in their system, then I could start a new claim. Took about 15 minutes to fix once I actually talked to someone.

THIS IS HOW THE PA UC SYSTEM IS DESIGNED!!!! They WANT you to give up trying! I had a problem similar to yours and ended up driving 2 HOURS to an in-person CareerLink office because it was IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone by phone. The system is RIGGED to prevent people from collecting benefits they DESERVE!!!! They make these "glitches" on purpose to frustrate people into giving up!!!

Here's a procedural tip that might help - when you do finally reach someone, make sure they understand this is a technical issue with your previous claim, not just a general question. Ask them specifically to: 1. Check the status of your previous claim and verify it's properly closed 2. Look for any flags or issues on your account that might be preventing the new application 3. Update your account to allow a new claim to be processed 4. Verify your identity matches across both the old and new systems (sometimes data migration causes mismatches) Also, don't forget that when you do get your new claim established, the weekly claim filing procedure is different from what it was during COVID. You'll need to record work search activities (at least 2 per week) to remain eligible.

my cousin works for the state (not uc but diff dept) and he says they had a massive database update in march that messed up a bunch of old accounts. maybe thats whats happening? anyway the 888 number is right but good luck getting thru lol

Have you tried applying at a different time of day? Sometimes the website works better very late at night or early morning. Also make sure you're using the right website (www.uc.pa.gov) and not an old bookmarked page from your COVID claim.

I want to clarify something important: Even though you're having trouble filing, you should document the date you first attempted to file. Pennsylvania has a provision for "backdating" claims when technical issues prevent filing. Once you get through to a representative, explain that you've been attempting to file since [date] but were prevented by technical issues. They can often backdate your claim to when you first became eligible, rather than when you finally get through the system. This is especially important for preserving your full benefit amount and eligibility weeks. Just make sure you keep records of all your attempts to file and contact them.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Filed my last claim during COVID in 2021 and now the system is completely stuck at the SSN screen. It's been 4 days of trying and I'm starting to panic about my rent payment. One thing I discovered is that you can also try reaching out through the PA CareerLink offices - they sometimes have direct lines to UC staff that bypass the main phone system. The office locator is on the PA.gov website. I'm planning to visit mine tomorrow morning since calling hasn't worked at all. Also, does anyone know if there's a specific time during the week when the phone lines are less busy? I've been trying random times throughout the day but maybe there's a pattern to when you're more likely to get through? This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with job loss. Hoping we can all get this resolved soon! 🤞

I'm having this EXACT same problem! Filed for COVID unemployment in 2020 and now the system completely freezes when I enter my SSN for a new claim. Been trying for over a week with no success. Based on what everyone's saying here, it definitely sounds like a database issue with old COVID claims. I'm going to try the CareerLink office approach - there's one about 45 minutes from me but it might be worth the drive if I can actually talk to someone in person. Has anyone had success with the early morning calling strategy? I've been calling randomly throughout the day but maybe timing matters. I'm also going to start documenting everything like @Sarah Ali suggested - screenshots, call attempts, dates, etc. in case I need to prove I've been trying to file since my layoff date. This is so frustrating when you're already stressed about losing your job. At least it's reassuring to know this is a known technical issue and not something I'm doing wrong! Hopefully PA gets their system sorted out soon.