What phone number to call for PA UC weekly claim certification? System keeps disconnecting me
I've been trying to file my weekly claim by phone since the website is giving me errors, but I can't remember the right number. I called 888-255-4728 but got disconnected after waiting 20 minutes. Is there a different number for just filing weekly claims? My benefit year started in January 2025 and I've already filed 6 weeks with no problems until now. Really don't want to miss this week's certification and mess up my claim!
22 comments
Jamal Harris
the main PA UC number is 888-313-7284 for filing weekly claims by phone. but honestly its always busy. i tried 29 times yesterday b4 i got thru
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Zoe Stavros
•Thanks! Is there a best time to call? I've tried mornings but keep getting hung up on.
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Mei Chen
The correct number for filing your weekly claim by phone is 888-255-4728, which is PAT (Pennsylvania Automated Teleclaims). However, there's a separate number for questions and issues: 888-313-7284. Make sure you're calling during their hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM. But remember you can also file online at www.uc.pa.gov which is usually more reliable than the phone system.
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Zoe Stavros
•I've been trying the online system too, but it keeps saying "system unavailable" whenever I try to submit my weekly certification. Is there another way to file online?
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Mei Chen
•That error usually means maintenance or high traffic. Try very early morning (6-7AM) or late evening. If you still can't get through online or by phone after 2-3 days, you might need to speak with an actual agent about your claim.
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Liam Sullivan
i had this EXACT problem last month!!! the whole UC system is BROKEN!! i ended up missing a week cuz i couldnt get through and they told me TOO BAD when i finally reached someone. now im fighting an appeal for that missed week. PA UC IS THE WORST!!!
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Zoe Stavros
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! Did they eventually backdate your claim or are you still waiting?
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Amara Okafor
After struggling with the same issue, I found out you can also file your weekly certification by fax as a last resort. I used the form UC-500 which you can download from their website. You need to include your claim confirmation number and SSN (last 4 digits only). Send it to fax number 717-772-0378 and keep your confirmation page as proof. Worked for me when both online and phone systems were down.
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CosmicCommander
•wait thats not right. theres no fax option for weekly claims. ur thinking of the initial application maybe? weekly claims HAVE to be done online or by phone.
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Amara Okafor
•You're right - I was confusing it with submitting additional info for an existing claim. Sorry for the misinformation! For weekly claims, it's definitely phone or online only.
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Giovanni Colombo
I was having the same problem last week with both the website AND phone system. Getting through to PA UC right now is nearly impossible with regular methods. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. It was the only way I could get my certification issue fixed after the system kept giving me errors.
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Zoe Stavros
•Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out if I can't get through tomorrow. Did they help you file your weekly claim or just connect you to someone who could?
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Giovanni Colombo
•They just connected me to a real UC agent, but then the agent was able to file my weekly claim over the phone and fix whatever was causing the website error for me. Saved me days of frustration.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
theres a trick to getting thru on the phone - call EXACTLY at 7:59am right before they open at 8. u usually only have to wait like 10min that way instead of hours or getting disconnected. worked for me 3 times now
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Zoe Stavros
•I'll try that tomorrow morning! Do I use the 888-255-4728 number or the 888-313-7284 one?
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•use the 7284 one to talk to a person. the 4728 one is just automated and wont help if ur having system problems
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Mei Chen
Just to clarify some confusion in this thread: 1. 888-255-4728 (PAT) is for filing weekly claims by phone when the system is working correctly 2. 888-313-7284 is for reaching an agent when you have issues 3. The online portal at www.uc.pa.gov is the primary method for filing weekly claims 4. Weekly claims MUST be filed during your designated window or you risk losing benefits 5. If you miss a week due to system issues, document your attempts (screenshots, dates/times of calls) The key is persistence - if you can't get through today, try different times tomorrow. But don't wait until the last day of your filing window.
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Zoe Stavros
•This is really helpful, thank you! I still have 2 days left in my filing window, so I'll keep trying. I've been taking screenshots of the error messages just in case.
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Dylan Cooper
I dunno if this helps but my cousin got locked out of filing for like 3 weeks and he had to go to the actual CareerLink office in person to get it fixed. They have computers there you can use to file your weekly claim and staff that can help if the system is messing up. Might be worth it if you keep having trouble.
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Zoe Stavros
•That's a good backup plan. There's a CareerLink about 30 minutes from me. Did your cousin need an appointment or could he just walk in?
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Dylan Cooper
•Pretty sure he just walked in but this was like 2 months ago so maybe call first? Good luck!
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Zoe Stavros
UPDATE: I finally got through! Called the 888-313-7284 number at exactly 8:00am and only waited about 15 minutes. The agent said there was a system-wide issue affecting some accounts, including mine. She filed my weekly claim manually over the phone and said the online system should work again for me next week. Thanks everyone for your help!
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