PA UC weekly filing: How to report starting a new job before first paycheck?

Yes, you must report when you START working, not when you get paid. PA UC cares about when you performed the work, not when the money hits your account. You'll need to report your hours worked and estimated earnings for that week even if you haven't received a paycheck yet.

congrats on the new job! i had the same problem last year. its scary for sure

When you file your weekly claim, you report any work you did during THAT week - even if you haven't been paid yet. However, PA UC uses a partial benefit calculation that may still pay you something depending on how many hours you work and how much you earn. For example, if your weekly benefit amount is $400, you can earn up to $160 (40% of your WBA) without any reduction. After that, they deduct dollar for dollar. So if you only work part-time your first week, you might still get a partial payment. When you get to the earnings question, enter your GROSS earnings (before taxes) for work performed that week - even if you haven't been paid yet. The system will calculate if you still qualify for a partial payment.

Had this EXACT problem when I went back to work last year!!! My job didn't pay for THREE WEEKS after I started (started mid pay period + their payroll delay). I called UC to ask and got NOWHERE - busy signals for days!! So annoying when you actually need help figuring this stuff out!!

U report ur work when u do it not when u get paid. Its stupid but thats how they do it. I got caught on this too and almost messed up my claim last yr.

To clarify on partial benefits: If your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) is $400, you can earn up to $160 (40% of WBA) with no reduction. After that, your benefit is reduced dollar-for-dollar. So if you earn $250 that first week: $250 - $160 = $90 reduction $400 - $90 = $310 partial benefit This is why it's important to enter the EXACT hours and pay rate when filing. Don't estimate high or round up. Enter the precise figures so you get the maximum partial benefit you're entitled to during your transition back to work.

my cousin works for the unemployment office and she told me they can see if ur working even if u dont tell them. they match ur SSN with employer tax stuff so dont try to hide it or they'll hit u with an overpayment later and maybe fraud charges

when i went back 2 work i just did the math for what i would make each day ($hourly rate × hours worked) and thats what i put on my claim for that week. got a partial payment for my first week back since i only worked 3 days

Just to add one more important point: Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims until you receive your first full paycheck and are working full-time hours. Many people stop filing as soon as they start a job, but you should continue filing (and accurately reporting your work and earnings) until you're fully employed and paid. This ensures you get any partial benefits you might be entitled to during the transition period.