PA UC weekly filing question: Should I file if I missed one workday at my seasonal job?
Hey everyone, I'm in a weird spot with my seasonal employment and PA unemployment. I work landscaping so it's hit or miss with hours right now (late winter/early spring). My supervisor offered me work yesterday but I couldn't make it in (kid was sick), but I have ZERO hours scheduled for next week. If I don't file my weekly claim because I missed that one available workday, I think I'll have to go through the whole claim reopening process for next week when I have no hours. But if I DO file for this week, do I need to report that I refused/missed available work? Will they disqualify me? This is my first time dealing with seasonal work and UC and I'm stressed about making mistakes. What's the correct approach here?
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Carmen Sanchez
You absolutely need to file your weekly certification and report accurately. When you file, there's a specific question asking if you refused any work - in your case, you should answer YES and explain that you couldn't work that day due to childcare issues. PA UC does recognize certain good cause reasons for refusing work, and caring for a sick child is generally considered valid. If you don't file, you'll definitely have to reopen your claim which is a bigger headache. The important thing is to be honest in your filing.
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Yuki Watanabe
•Thanks! So even though I had to miss that day, I should still file and just explain about my kid? I'm worried they'll cut off my benefits completely. Do they usually accept childcare emergencies?
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Andre Dupont
just filed mine 2day with similar situation. always file ur weekly claim no matter what!!!! even if u worked a little or missed a day. skipping weeks creates MORE problems!
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Yuki Watanabe
•Thank you! Good to hear from someone in a similar boat. I'll definitely file then.
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Zoe Papadakis
YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL!!! PA UC looks for ANY reason to deny benefits. If you say you couldn't work that ONE day they might consider it refusing work and BOOM - disqualified!!! I had a similar issue last year with my retail job and they cut me off for THREE WEEKS because I said I couldn't work a shift due to transportation issues. The system is DESIGNED to trip you up!!!!
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ThunderBolt7
•While I understand your frustration, this isn't entirely accurate. The PA UC system does recognize legitimate reasons for being unable to accept work on a specific day, especially for childcare emergencies. The key is being honest and explaining the circumstances clearly. Transportation issues are sometimes viewed differently than childcare emergencies.
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Jamal Edwards
My wife works seasonal too at the ski resort. She always files weekly even during transition periods. Makes everything smoother.
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Mei Chen
When I was on UC last year, I learned you should definitely continue filing weekly claims even during weeks with partial availability issues. Here's why: If you stop filing, you'll have to go through the reopening process which can delay benefits by 2-3 weeks. For your situation, report that you missed available work but clearly explain it was due to childcare emergency (sick child). PA UC does have provisions for childcare emergencies under their "good cause" exceptions. By the way, if you're having trouble reaching anyone at UC to discuss your specific situation (which is common!), I had a good experience with a service called Claimyr that got me through to a live agent in about 20 minutes when I had a similar question about my claim. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 showing how it works. Definitely less stressful than trying to get through on your own for hours.
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Yuki Watanabe
•Thanks for the detailed explanation! That makes sense. And I might check out that service because I've been trying to get through to someone for days with no luck.
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Jamal Edwards
•Does that service actually work? I thought those were scams.
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Liam O'Sullivan
u should defintly file weekly claim but maybe dont mention missing work? i mean if ur not scheduled regularly anyway how would they know? just my 2 cents
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Carmen Sanchez
•This is absolutely NOT good advice. Failing to disclose information on your weekly certification is considered fraud and can result in having to repay benefits with penalties, or even criminal charges in serious cases. Always report accurately - the temporary benefit isn't worth the potential consequences.
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ThunderBolt7
To clarify what others have said: as someone who works with claimants regularly, here's the proper procedure for your situation: 1. File your weekly claim as normal 2. When asked if you refused work, select "Yes" 3. Provide a clear explanation that you were unable to work due to caring for a sick child 4. Be prepared to provide documentation if requested (doctor's note, etc.) PA UC regulations specifically recognize childcare emergencies under Section 402(b) of the PA UC Law as potentially valid reasons for refusing work. The key factors they consider are: - Was this a one-time emergency or recurring issue? - Did you attempt to find alternative childcare? - Have you made arrangements to prevent this from happening regularly? Continue filing each week regardless of your work status - missing weeks creates gaps that require reopening claims. This is especially important for seasonal workers like yourself.
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Yuki Watanabe
•This is incredibly helpful! I have all the doctor info if they ask for it. And yes, this was definitely a one-time thing - my kid rarely gets sick and I usually have backup childcare with my mom, but she was out of town. I'll make sure to explain all that if they ask. Thank you!
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Andre Dupont
did u figure this out?? curious what happened with ur claim
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Yuki Watanabe
•Yes! I filed my weekly claim, honestly reported the missed day due to my sick child, and explained the situation. They approved my payment with no issues! Thanks everyone for the help. Definitely less stressful than reopening the claim would have been.
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Carmen Sanchez
•Great to hear! This is exactly why it's important to keep filing and be honest - the system generally does recognize legitimate reasons like childcare emergencies.
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