PA UC waiting week question - do I need to wait before getting my first payment?

Yes, PA has reinstated the waiting week. Your first week of eligibility serves as an unpaid waiting week. You'll need to file your weekly certification for that week, but you won't receive payment for it. Your first actual payment will come after you file for your second week, assuming you meet all eligibility requirements.

when i filed last month i got paid for all weeks no waiting. maybe depends on your claim type??

I thought they were still waiving it!!!! Nobody told me about a waiting week when I applied and I'm already THREE WEEKS in with NO PAYMENTS AT ALL!! Been trying to call UC for days and can't get through. This is absolutely RIDICULOUS!!! How are people supposed to survive???

I struggled with this same exact problem back in January. The waiting week is definitely back - it's frustrating but there's no way around it for new claims. What helped me was using Claimyr to actually reach someone at UC when I had questions about my payment timeline. It got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending days calling. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Good luck with your claim!

To clarify the PA waiting week policy for everyone: 1. Yes, PA has reinstated the waiting week requirement that was temporarily waived during COVID 2. The first week you file a weekly certification becomes your waiting week 3. This week is unpaid but you MUST still file your weekly certification for it 4. You should receive payment for your second week (assuming no issues with your claim) 5. The waiting week only applies once per benefit year If you're experiencing delays beyond the waiting week, you likely have an open issue requiring attention. Common issues include identity verification problems, employer response issues, or eligibility questions.

My sister just went through this last month and she said the waiting week definitely applies now. Made things super tight for her budget too.

To answer about partial benefits - yes, the waiting week still applies even if you're claiming partial unemployment while working reduced hours. As long as you're eligible for at least $1 in benefits during that first week, it will count as your waiting week. You'll still need to report your earnings accurately for that week even though you won't receive payment.

my bad i think you guys r right. i went back and checked & i was reopening my claim from 3 months ago so maybe thats why i didnt have waiting week.

Thanks everyone for the info! I'll plan my budget accordingly now that I know about the waiting week. Really appreciate all the help. I'll definitely file my weekly claim even though I know it won't be paid - don't want to mess anything up with my claim.

Just want to add that if you're really struggling financially during that waiting week, you might want to look into local food banks or emergency assistance programs in your area. Many counties in PA have emergency rent assistance programs too. I know it's not ideal but it can help bridge the gap until your benefits start coming in. Also, some utility companies have hardship programs if you're behind on bills. The waiting week is tough but there are resources out there to help get through it.