PA UC work search requirements with a confirmed return-to-work date?

Yes you still gotta do the work search. PA doesn't care if you have a return date. I learned this the hard way last year and missed out on 2 weeks of benefits for not doing it!!

There's actually a specific exception to the work search requirements for people on temporary layoff with a verifiable return-to-work date, but you need to make sure you're properly classified in the system. Did you indicate during your initial application that you have a return date? Also, do you have this return date in writing from your employer? If you're officially on "standby status," you're exempt from the weekly work search activities. However, you must still file your weekly claims and be available for work during this period. I'd recommend calling PA UC to confirm your status is correctly set up in their system so you don't run into issues later.

i was in the same boat last winter. construction layoff with return date. i still did the work search just to be safe even tho my boss said i didnt need to. better safe then sorry i think

If you have an official return to work date within 45 days, you should qualify for standby status which exempts you from work search requirements. However, the PA UC system often doesn't automatically recognize this. To fix this, you need to: 1. Make sure your employer properly reported your temporary layoff status 2. Have your return-to-work date documented in writing 3. Contact UC to verify your standby status is in their system The work search section will still appear in weekly claims, but if you have proper standby status, you can answer accordingly that you're exempt. Don't just skip it though! I've had clients lose benefits because they assumed they were exempt without confirming.

Just do the stupid job search. PA UC system is broken anyway and half the time they dont even check what jobs u put down. Just put that u applied to 3 rando places each week. not worth the risk of losing ur money over this!!!!

If you're having trouble reaching someone at unemployment to confirm your standby status, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with a return-to-work date and needed to confirm my exemption status. Was getting nowhere with regular phone calls for days, but Claimyr got me through to a PA UC agent in under 30 minutes who confirmed my standby status and noted it in my file. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 Worth it to get a definitive answer straight from UC rather than risking your benefits.

Yes, it actually does work. I was skeptical too, but it saved me hours of redialing. The PA UC agent I spoke with confirmed that with my official return date, I was exempt from work search requirements, but I needed to answer the weekly claim questions in a specific way. They noted this exemption in my file to prevent issues.

To directly answer your question about how to complete the weekly certification with standby status: 1. When asked if you're able and available for work, answer YES 2. When asked if you're on standby status with a return date, answer YES 3. When asked if you completed work search activities, there should be an option indicating you're exempt If you don't see these exact options, it likely means your standby status isn't properly set up in the system, which is why speaking directly with a UC representative is crucial. I'd recommend completing the minimum work search requirements until you get official confirmation of your exemption. It's better to do unnecessary work searches than risk losing benefits.

Sounds like you're on the right track! One more thing to keep in mind: if your return-to-work date gets pushed back beyond the 45-day window, you'll need to start completing work search activities at that point. Also, keep a copy of your return-to-work documentation handy in case you're selected for an audit. Glad you found the standby status option in the weekly filing system!