Why did PA UC send two identical disqualification letters? Do I need to appeal both?
I'm totally confused about my PA unemployment situation right now. Yesterday I logged into my dashboard and saw TWO separate disqualification letters! They look exactly the same - both just saying I'm denied unemployment compensation with the same explanation and everything. I went ahead and filed appeals for both of them online today, but now I'm second-guessing myself. Is this normal? Why would they send identical disqualification notices? And was I right to appeal both separately, or is that going to mess things up somehow? Has anyone dealt with duplicate disqualification letters before? I'm worried I might have done something wrong with my weekly certifications that triggered this.
20 comments
Nia Jackson
same thing happened to me last month!! idk why they do that but yeah u gotta appeal both just to be safe
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Luca Romano
•Did your appeals go through ok? I'm worried they'll think I'm being difficult by appealing twice for the same issue.
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NebulaNova
This actually happens more often than you'd think. They might be for different weeks or different issues, even though they look the same. When you appeal, make sure to note the reference number on each letter - they're probably different. PA UC sometimes batches similar issues together but technically they're separate determinations that each need their own appeal. You did the right thing by appealing both separately. Be sure to gather any supporting documentation for your appeal hearing.
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Luca Romano
•Thanks for explaining! I'll double-check the reference numbers. The letters came on the same day which is why I got confused. Should I prepare anything specific for the appeal hearing? The disqualification says something about "failure to provide sufficient information" but I submitted everything they asked for.
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Mateo Hernandez
I just went through this EXACT situation!!! The UC system is such a MESS!! They sent me TWO identical disqualification letters too, and when I finally got through to someone on the phone (after THREE DAYS of calling!!), they told me that one was for the initial claim and one was for the continued claim or something like that. But they couldn't even explain it properly!!! YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO APPEAL BOTH - I only appealed one and they denied my benefits completely because I "failed to appeal all determinations"!!! Now I'm stuck in an even longer appeal process!!!!
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NebulaNova
•That's unfortunate. The system does require each determination to be appealed separately, even if they seem identical. The appeal deadline is strict - 15 calendar days from the mailing date on each determination letter.
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Aisha Khan
I helped my cousin with something similar. Check the dates carefully on each letter - they might be for different weeks even though the reason is the same. For your appeal, make sure you write a detailed explanation addressing why you believe you qualify. Include any proof of job searches, income documentation, or whatever relates to the specific reason they gave for disqualification.
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Ethan Taylor
•Good advice about the dates. The system often generates separate determinations even when they seem identical. One might be for monetary eligibility and one for non-monetary issues.
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Yuki Ito
my sister works at the unemployment office (not in PA tho) and she says sometimes this happens when there's a glitch in their system or when two different claim examiners review the same file without realizing it. either way you definitely need to appeal both just to cover yourself
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Carmen Lopez
Has anyone tried Claimyr to get through to PA UC? I was in a similar situation with duplicate determination letters and needed to speak with someone ASAP. After trying for days to get through, I found this service at claimyr.com that got me connected to an actual UC rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The agent was able to explain that my duplicate letters were actually for different eligibility issues even though they looked identical. Saved me a ton of time and stress.
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Nia Jackson
•does it really work? i might try this cuz im tired of calling all day and getting nowhere
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Ethan Taylor
I see this frequently in my work. The PA UC system often generates separate determination letters when multiple issues affect your claim, even if the end result (disqualification) is the same. For example, one might be related to your separation reason and another to your availability for work. Check the section that says "Reason for determination" carefully on each letter. When you attend your appeal hearing, bring documentation addressing ALL potential issues: proof of job searches, proof you were able and available for work, documentation about your job separation, etc. Be prepared to explain any gaps in employment or reasons why you might have missed filing weekly claims. The referee will consider each issue separately.
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Luca Romano
•Thank you so much! I just double-checked and you're right - one mentions "separation from employment" and the other mentions "availability for work" though they both resulted in the same disqualification. I'll make sure to bring documentation for both issues to my hearing. Is it one hearing for both appeals or will I have separate hearings?
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Ethan Taylor
•They'll likely combine them into a single hearing since the issues are related, but be prepared for the possibility of separate hearings. Either way, the referee will address each determination individually. Make sure to arrive early and have all your documents organized by issue. Good luck!
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Aisha Khan
Don't worry too much - the appeal process is actually pretty straightforward! I got disqualified twice for different reasons and won both appeals. Just make sure you: 1. Keep filing your weekly claims while waiting for the appeal 2. Bring multiple copies of all your documentation 3. Be honest and direct when answering questions 4. Focus on facts rather than emotions during the hearing It took about 4 weeks for my appeal hearing to be scheduled after I filed, so be prepared to wait a bit.
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Nia Jackson
•wait we're supposed to keep filing weekly claims during appeal??? i stopped when i got disqualified cuz i thought there was no point! am i screwed now??
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Mateo Hernandez
This whole system is BROKEN!! I'm still fighting with them after 3 MONTHS over a similar issue! Two identical disqualifications that were supposedly for different things but looked exactly the same! Then they scheduled my hearings on the SAME DAY at DIFFERENT LOCATIONS!! How am I supposed to be in two places at once??? When I called to fix it the guy acted like I was the problem!
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NebulaNova
•If you ever face conflicting hearing schedules, you should immediately request a postponement for one of them. Contact the UC Appeals office (not the regular UC number) to resolve scheduling conflicts. They're required to accommodate reasonable scheduling issues.
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Luca Romano
Update: I called PA UC this morning (finally got through after trying for hours) and the rep confirmed that the two disqualification letters are for different issues even though they look nearly identical. One is questioning my reason for job separation and the other is about my availability for work. She said I was right to appeal both separately and that they'll likely schedule one hearing to address both issues. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
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Nia Jackson
•nice! glad u got thru to someone! let us know how the appeal goes
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