PA UC weekly certification system error - says can't file until 1/15 but it's already 1/18
Is anyone else experiencing this weird glitch with the PA unemployment website? I'm trying to file my weekly certification today (January 18th) but the system keeps telling me I can't file until January 15th... which was 3 days ago! I've tried logging out and back in, clearing my browser cache, and even using a different device, but I keep getting the same message. This is my 3rd month on unemployment and I've never had this issue before. Really worried about missing my filing window and losing benefits. Has the system date gotten messed up somehow? Anyone know who to contact that will actually respond?
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Carmen Ortiz
same thing happening 2 me!! been trying since yesterday morning and getting this stupid message. my rent is due next week & i NEED this payment to go thru on time!!!
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Yuki Tanaka
•Oh good, at least it's not just me! Have you tried calling the UC service center? I've been trying but can't get through.
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MidnightRider
This happened last year around the same time. The system sometimes gets backlogged after holidays and displays incorrect filing dates. Try these steps: 1. Wait until after midnight tonight and try again 2. If that doesn't work, file through the PA UC phone system at 888-255-4728 3. Take screenshots of the error message The phone system usually works even when the website is glitching. The important thing is to file within your window, even if you have to use the phone system.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Thank you! I didn't even know there was a phone filing option. I'll definitely try that tonight if the website is still messed up.
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Carmen Ortiz
•tried the phone system already - it gives same error message when u enter ur ssn. says i cant file until 1/15 which makes NO SENSE
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Andre Laurent
Sometimes this happens when there's a "break in claim" issue flagged on your account. Did you report any earnings in the last two weeks or have any job interviews? Sometimes that triggers a review that temporarily locks filing.
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Yuki Tanaka
•I did have an interview last week that I reported... but wouldn't that just create an "open issue" rather than telling me I can't file until a date that's already passed?
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Zoe Papadopoulos
I've seen this error before - it's usually a system date synchronization problem on their end. Unfortunately, calling the regular UC number probably won't help as they're usually swamped with calls, especially when there's a system issue affecting multiple claimants. If you need to get through quickly, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It automates the call process and gets you connected to a UC representative usually within 30-45 minutes instead of spending days trying. I was skeptical, but they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 I used it when my benefit year was ending and I needed to sort out my continued eligibility. The UC rep was able to override the system error and process my weekly certification manually.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Thank you for the suggestion! I've never heard of this service before. Has anyone else used it successfully? I'm getting desperate since tomorrow will be day 4 of trying to file.
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Jamal Washington
•I used it last month when my claim got stuck with an 'unresolved issue' status. Got through in about 25 minutes when I had been trying for 3 days on my own. The rep fixed my problem right away once I actually got to speak to someone.
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Mei Wong
THEY DO THIS ON PURPOSE!!!! The whole system is rigged to make people miss filing deadlines so they don't have to pay benefits! I had this EXACT same problem in November and missed my filing window because of it. Had to appeal and wait 6 WEEKS for a determination. PA UC is completely broken and they don't care because they save money every time we can't file properly.
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MidnightRider
•While the system definitely has problems, this particular issue is more likely a technical glitch than intentional. Always file by phone as a backup, and make sure to document all your attempts to file with screenshots, dates and times.
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Liam Fitzgerald
have u tried using a different browser? sometime it works better in firefox or edge than chrome for me
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Yuki Tanaka
•Good idea! I've only tried on Chrome and Safari so far. I'll download Firefox and give it a shot. At this point I'm willing to try anything.
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MidnightRider
UPDATE: Just checked the PA UC Twitter account and they've acknowledged a system issue with filing dates that's affecting some claims. They say they're working on a fix and recommend people keep trying or use the phone system. They also extended the filing window by 3 days for those affected.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Thank you so much for checking that! I don't use Twitter so I would have missed this information. That's a huge relief to know they're aware of it and extending the filing window.
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Carmen Ortiz
•thx for the update! at least they know its happening
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MidnightRider
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to file successfully? The PA UC website is showing the issue has been resolved as of this morning.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Yes! I was finally able to file this morning without any errors. The system seems to be working normally now. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Lia Quinn
I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been trying to file since yesterday and keep getting that "can't file until 1/15" message even though it's 1/18. Really frustrating because I can't afford to miss my certification window. Going to try the phone system tonight like MidnightRider suggested. Has anyone else noticed if this happens around the same time every year? Wondering if there's a pattern to these system glitches.
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Oliver Schulz
•I've been dealing with UC for about 8 months now and from what I've seen, these glitches seem to pop up every few months - usually after holidays or when they do system updates. The good news is that based on what others posted above, PA UC has acknowledged this specific issue and extended the filing window by 3 days. Definitely try the phone system if the website is still acting up, and make sure to take screenshots of any error messages you get. Hope you can get through!
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Zachary Hughes
This is so frustrating! I'm having the exact same problem - been trying to file since yesterday and getting that ridiculous "can't file until 1/15" error when it's already 1/18. I'm relatively new to the UC system (only been filing for about 6 weeks) so I wasn't sure if this was normal or what. Reading through everyone's responses here has been super helpful though. I'm definitely going to try the phone system tonight and also attempt using a different browser like someone suggested. Really glad to hear from MidnightRider that PA UC acknowledged the issue and extended the filing window - that takes some pressure off at least. Has anyone had luck getting through on the phone system today, or is it still giving the same date error?
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Drew Hathaway
•Welcome to the UC system - unfortunately these kinds of glitches are more common than they should be! I tried the phone system earlier today and it was still giving the same date error as the website, but that was around noon. Might be worth trying again tonight since they said they were working on a fix. Also definitely try Firefox or Edge like Liam suggested - sometimes the different browsers handle the UC website differently. Don't stress too much though, with the 3-day extension you should have time to get it sorted out. Keep us posted on what ends up working for you!
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