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PA UC website glitches preventing online claim filing - constant busy signals when calling

Is it just me or is the PA unemployment website completely broken right now? I've been trying to file my initial claim for THREE DAYS and keep getting error messages halfway through the application. Either the page freezes or I get some cryptic 'session timeout' message even though I've only been on for like 5 minutes! Then when I try again, it says I already have a claim in progress but won't let me access it. And of course when I try calling the UC service center, it's just busy signals or that automated message saying 'all representatives are busy' before hanging up on me. I've called literally 47 times today (yes I counted). I got laid off last week and need to get this filed ASAP. Has anyone actually managed to get through either online or by phone recently? Any tricks to get the website to work or actually reach a human being? I'm getting desperate here.

Same exact thing happened to me last week! The website kept crashing when I got to the employment history section. I ended up having to wake up at 5am to try filing when there was less traffic on the site. That actually worked for me - the whole application went through without any errors. Maybe try super early morning?

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Sofia Hernandez

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Thanks for the tip! I'll try setting an alarm for 5am tomorrow. Did you ever figure out if your partial application attempts counted against you? I'm worried since I've had to restart like 6 times.

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Ava Thompson

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the website sucks!! been on it for 2 years now and it ALWAYS does this. try using firefox instead of chrome that fixed it for me

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Sofia Hernandez

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I'm already using Firefox! Maybe I'll try Edge? Or even Internet Explorer if that still exists lol. Anything to get this stupid application submitted.

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Miguel Ramos

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This is unfortunately a common issue with the PA UC system, especially during high-volume periods. A few technical tips that might help: 1. Clear your browser cache and cookies completely 2. Use incognito/private browsing mode 3. Try a different device entirely (mobile sometimes works when desktop fails) 4. If you keep getting the "claim in progress" error, wait 24 hours for the system to reset As for reaching an agent by phone, the best times to call are Wednesday and Thursday between 1-3pm when call volumes tend to be slightly lower. But even then, it's extremely difficult to get through.

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Sofia Hernandez

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Thanks for the detailed advice! I'll try the incognito mode right now and maybe try from my phone if that doesn't work. Do you know if there's a direct email address for technical support? The contact page only has the same phone number that doesn't work.

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Zainab Ibrahim

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I had the EXACT same problem!!! so annoying!!! i ended up just having my sister use her computer at her house and it worked fine, something about different internet connection maybe?? idk but worth a try if u can go to someones house or use library computer

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StarSailor

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I work with PA UC claimants regularly, and this is unfortunately a widespread issue right now. The system is experiencing technical difficulties that they're working to resolve, but in the meantime: - If you've created a partial application, note that it stays in the system for 7 days before timing out completely - Technical glitches during filing won't count against your eligibility - The date you first attempt to file will be recorded as your filing date (important for backdating purposes) For phone contact, I've had clients successfully use Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to UC representatives. It's a service that basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you back when it has an agent on the line. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Many claimants find it worth it when they're facing urgent issues like website glitches preventing claim filing.

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Sofia Hernandez

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Thank you for this information! That's really reassuring about the partial applications and the filing date being recorded. I was worried I'd lose my backdate to my layoff date. I'll check out that Claimyr service. At this point, I just need to talk to someone who can help me get past these technical errors.

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Connor O'Brien

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I don't mean to hijack your thread, but has anyone else noticed that even AFTER you manage to file, the system is taking forever to process claims? I finally got mine submitted 3 weeks ago and it's still showing as "pending" with no updates. I'm worried this website glitch is just the beginning of the problems...

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Ava Thompson

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yep mine took 6 WEEKS to go from pending to approved and then another week to get paid. pa uc system is broken beyond repair honestly

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Miguel Ramos

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Update for anyone still following: I just checked the PA UC Twitter account and they've acknowledged system issues affecting online filing. They recommend trying during off-peak hours (before 8am or after 6pm) and say they've added additional server capacity to handle the load. They're also promising phone system improvements "soon" but we've all heard that before...

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Sofia Hernandez

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Thanks for the update! I actually managed to get through using incognito mode at 5:30am this morning. The whole application went through without a single error. Now I'm just waiting for it to be processed. Fingers crossed it doesn't take 6 weeks like someone else mentioned!

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Yara Sabbagh

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THEY DO THIS ON PURPOSE!!!! Make the system impossible to use so people give up and don't file claims. Saves them millions in benefits they don't have to pay out. I worked for the state (not UC dept) and heard people talking about it. The glitches aren't accidents!!

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StarSailor

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I understand the frustration, but I've worked with the UC system for years and can assure you this isn't intentional. The system is running on outdated technology that wasn't designed to handle current volumes. They're actually in the middle of a modernization project, but government technology upgrades take time due to procurement rules and budget constraints. The staff are just as frustrated as claimants.

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For what it's worth, I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above when I had a similar issue last month and it actually did get me through to a real person who fixed my claim. Felt kinda weird paying to reach a government service I should be able to access for free, but after wasting 3 days trying to get through, it was worth it to me. The rep was able to see my partial applications and complete my claim over the phone.

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Sofia Hernandez

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That's good to hear! My claim is submitted now but if I run into more issues I might try that service. It's ridiculous we have to resort to this kind of thing, but at this point I just want my benefits started.

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