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

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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...

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...

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!!

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.

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! Been trying to file for unemployment for the past week and the PA UC website keeps crashing at different points in the application. Sometimes it's during the personal info section, sometimes when I'm entering my employment history - it's completely random. What's really frustrating is that I'll spend 20-30 minutes carefully filling everything out, then get hit with an error message that wipes out all my progress. And like you said, then it tells me I have a claim "in progress" but won't let me access it to continue where I left off. I've also been calling non-stop with no luck. The busy signal situation is insane - I actually started keeping a tally too and I'm at 62 failed attempts over the past 3 days. This system is completely broken and it's causing so much stress when we're already dealing with job loss. Going to try the early morning approach that others have mentioned. Hopefully something works soon because I can't afford to keep waiting around for this mess to get fixed.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got laid off two weeks ago and the PA UC system has been a complete disaster. I've tried filing my initial claim probably 15 times now and keep getting different error messages - sometimes it's a "system maintenance" popup, other times the whole page just goes white and freezes. What's been working for me (sort of) is using a combination of the tips people have mentioned here. I clear my browser cache completely, use incognito mode, and try between 5-6am when there's supposedly less traffic. Even then, it's hit or miss. Yesterday I actually got all the way to the final submission page before it crashed - I almost threw my laptop across the room! The phone situation is just as bad. I downloaded an auto-redial app because I was going crazy manually calling over and over. Still haven't gotten through to a human after 4 days of trying. Has anyone had any luck with the PA CareerLink offices? I'm wondering if they can help with technical issues or at least provide some kind of backup option when the online system is completely broken like this.