Sudden termination for 'dishonesty' despite good reviews - Can I qualify for PA UC?

I'm so sorry this happened to you! The same thing happened to me back in January - terminated after 4 years with some vague 'performance issues' excuse when I'd just gotten a good review. YES you can still qualify for PA unemployment! They may DENY you at first if your employer contests it, but you can appeal. When you file, make sure to clearly state that you were never warned about any performance issues and had recent positive reviews. This is super important for your case. Don't panic, just be thorough and honest.

Thank you so much! I'm terrified they'll try to block my claim. Do you know if PA unemployment contacts the employer right away? Will I have to deal with some kind of hearing where they get to make these accusations against me?

they cant just fire u for no reason and then block ur benefits. thats not how it works. if u got good reviews they gotta PROVE u did somethin wrong. file ur claim

thisisnt exactly right. PA is an at-will state so they CAN fire you for almost any reason. but getting UC benefits is different from whether they can fire you. you might still get benefits even if the firing was legal.

Let me clarify how this works in Pennsylvania. When you file for UC, both you and your employer will provide information about the separation. If your employer claims misconduct, the burden of proof is on THEM to substantiate it. Having documented positive performance reviews works strongly in your favor.\n\nIf your initial claim is denied (which happens quite often when employers contest), you'll receive a Notice of Determination with appeal instructions. You'll have 15 calendar days to file your appeal. This will lead to a hearing with a UC referee where both sides present their case.\n\nMy advice:\n1. File your claim immediately\n2. In the separation explanation, mention your consistent positive reviews\n3. Gather any documentation of those positive reviews\n4. Keep detailed notes about the termination conversation\n5. Continue filing your weekly claims even if initially denied\n\nBased on what you've described, you have a strong case for benefits, especially if there were no prior documented warnings.

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I do have copies of my performance reviews. Should I upload those when I file initially or wait for the appeal process? And how long does the initial determination usually take?

after you file ur claim keep filing weekly claims even if it shows pending!!! i didnt do this and lost weeks of money

To answer your questions:\n\n1. You should submit your performance reviews during the initial filing if there's an option to upload documents. If not, have them ready for the appeal process.\n\n2. Initial determinations typically take 2-3 weeks, but can take longer during busy periods. It's not unusual for it to take 4-6 weeks right now.\n\n3. Yes, PA UC will contact your employer once you file. They'll send them a form to complete regarding your separation.\n\n4. If your claim is contested and denied, there will be a hearing (usually by phone) where both sides present their case to a referee. You'll receive detailed instructions about this process if it becomes necessary.\n\nAnd I strongly agree with the comment about continuing to file weekly claims even while your case is pending or under appeal. If you win your case, you'll only get paid for weeks you properly filed for.

I went through an appeal last year and want to add that if you get to the hearing stage, BE PREPARED. They scheduled mine with only 7 days notice. Have all your documents organized, write down key points, and be ready to clearly explain your side. My employer came with an HR rep and made wild accusations, but because I had documentation showing positive feedback, I won my case. The referee was fair but very matter-of-fact.

When I had a similar situation, I couldn't get through to anyone at UC for weeks to ask questions about my case. Busy signals ALL DAY LONG. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual UC rep. They have a system that keeps calling PA UC for you and gets you in the queue. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2\n\nI was able to explain my situation to the rep and they helped me understand exactly what was happening with my claim and what documents I needed for my appeal. Definitely worth it for peace of mind.

Thank you for this! I've been trying to get through on the phone since yesterday with no luck. Definitely going to check this out if I keep hitting busy signals.

I HATE how companies do this!! They give you good reviews so they don't have to give raises or deal with improvement plans, then suddenly fire you claiming

You're so right! I'm going through my email now saving everything. My manager actually sent me a congratulatory email about completing a difficult project just 3 weeks ago! Definitely saving that one.

anybody know how long before u get paid after ur approved? filed two weeks ago, got approval letter yesterday but nothing in my bank yet

wrong thread dude. but usually 3-5 business days after approval. make sure u did direct deposit setup right

I just remembered something important! When you file, PA will ask if you're able and available to work. ALWAYS say yes (assuming you are) and that you're actively looking for work. PA requires you to complete work search activities each week (applying to jobs, going to interviews, etc). You'll need to report these activities in your weekly claims. I almost messed this up when I first applied!

Thank you for the heads up! I'm definitely able to work and already started looking at job listings today. Do I need to apply to a specific number of jobs each week?

Yes, PA UC requires you to complete at least two work search activities per week. These can include:\n\n- Applying for positions\n- Taking a civil service test\n- Creating a profile on PA CareerLink\n- Attending job fairs\n- Going to interviews\n\nYou'll need to track the details of these activities as you may be asked to provide this information during your weekly claims or in a random audit. I recommend keeping a simple spreadsheet with dates, company names, positions, application methods, and any responses.\n\nRegarding your case, I'd also suggest checking if your employer had a formal disciplinary policy they failed to follow. If their handbook or policies outline a process for performance issues (warnings, PIPs, etc.) and they didn't follow it, that can strengthen your case further.

You've been so helpful, thank you! I'm going to start a job search log right away. I'll also check our employee handbook - pretty sure they have a 3-strike policy they completely ignored in my case. Hopefully that helps my claim!