PA UC work search requirements driving me crazy - need clear answers!

Hey there, I know it's frustrating. PA requires you to complete at least 2 "work search activities" each week. Applying for jobs through Indeed definitely counts! Make sure you document: - Date of application - Employer name & contact info - Position applied for - Method of application (online, email, etc.) And yes, you can absolutely use your existing CareerLink account. No need to create a new one. In fact, using CareerLink to search for jobs can count as one of your weekly activities too!

omg the SAME THING happened to me last month!!! been on hold for like 45 min and then they acted like i was wasting THEIR time?!?! uc people need customer service training fr

To clarify exactly what counts as "work search activities" for PA UC: 1. Applying for positions (what you're doing on Indeed) 2. Attending job fairs 3. Creating or posting resumes 4. Contacting employers directly 5. Using the PA CareerLink system 6. Taking civil service tests 7. Creating job search profiles on employment websites You need to complete at least 2 different activities each week. Most people do applications + CareerLink searches to keep it simple. Keep your own detailed records - they don't need to be uploaded anywhere, but you must provide them if requested during an audit. Your existing CareerLink account is fine to use. Hope this helps!

I applied for like 8 jobs every week but didn't write them all down and got AUDITED last year... had to pay back 3 weeks of benefits even tho I actually did the work search. KEEP RECORDS!!

After dealing with PA UC phone issues for weeks, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 I was skeptical but it actually worked for me when I needed to resolve questions about my work search requirements. You might want to check out their website at claimyr.com if you need to talk to someone at UC again without the frustration.

im confused about work search too. does linkedin count? i spend hours on there but never know if thats ok for UC

The work search requirement is just another BS hoop they make us jump through. I worked and paid into the system for FIFTEEN YEARS and now they treat me like I'm trying to scam them when I need help for a few months. The whole thing is designed to be confusing so they can deny benefits. And don't get me started on their phone system - it's deliberately broken!

One more important tip: You don't have to use the official PA UC work search record form, but it makes things easier if you're ever audited. You can download it here: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Documents/UC_Forms/UC-304.pdf Keep your records for at least 2 years after you stop claiming benefits. And remember, if you're ever questioned about your work search activities, having too much documentation is better than too little!

wait i thought you needed 3 work search things each week but everyone here is saying 2??? now im worried ive been doing it wrong

Hey Sean, I totally feel your pain with the UC phone system! I've been there too. Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me stay organized - I use a simple spreadsheet to track my work search activities. I have columns for date, company, position, method (Indeed, CareerLink, etc.), and any follow-up actions. It takes literally 2 minutes after each application but saved me so much stress when I had to provide records later. Also, if you do end up needing to call UC again, try calling right when they open at 8am - I've had better luck getting through early in the morning. Good luck with your job search!

I feel your frustration with PA UC! The phone system is absolutely terrible. Just to add to what others have said - I've found that keeping a simple notebook works great for tracking work search activities. I write down the date, company name, position, and how I applied (Indeed, company website, etc.). One thing that really helped me was setting up saved searches on CareerLink and Indeed so I get email alerts for new jobs in my field. Responding to those alerts and applying counts toward your weekly requirements, and it makes the job search feel more proactive rather than just checking boxes for UC. Also, if you're in a specific field or have certain skills, don't forget that networking activities can count too - like reaching out to former colleagues on LinkedIn or attending virtual industry meetups. Just make sure you document those interactions with dates and details. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but you'll get into a routine with it!

I've been dealing with PA UC for months now and here's what I've learned about work search requirements: 1. You need 2 work search activities per week minimum 2. Your Indeed applications absolutely count - just document everything (company, position, date, method) 3. Use your existing CareerLink account - no need for a new one 4. Keep your own records but don't upload them anywhere unless asked Pro tip: I started doing one CareerLink search + one job application each week to make it simple. For CareerLink, just search for jobs in your field and save a few to your favorites - that counts as an activity and takes like 10 minutes. The phone system is absolutely brutal. I've had success calling right at 8am when they open, but honestly most questions can be answered by reading the UC handbook online. Don't let them stress you out - as long as you're genuinely looking for work and documenting it, you're doing what you need to do. Keep your chin up - we're all in this together trying to navigate their ridiculous system!

Sean, I completely understand your frustration! I went through the exact same thing a few months ago - spent forever on hold only to get disconnected by someone who clearly didn't want to help. It's maddening when you're just trying to follow the rules correctly. What you're doing with Indeed is perfect! Just make sure you're keeping detailed records of each application (which it sounds like you already are). I use a simple Google Doc to track: date, company name, position title, where I applied (Indeed, company website, etc.), and any confirmation numbers if I get them. Your existing CareerLink account is totally fine to use - definitely don't create a new one. I actually recommend doing at least one CareerLink search each week since it counts as one of your required activities and only takes a few minutes. You can search for jobs, save some to your profile, and boom - that's activity #1 for the week. Then your Indeed applications cover activity #2. The key thing is just keeping good records for yourself. You don't need to submit them anywhere, but if they ever audit you (which is rare), you'll be covered. Don't let their terrible phone system stress you out too much - you're clearly doing everything right!