Would former PA UC reps offering filing, IDme, and appeal assistance be worth paying for?

I'd absolutely consider it depending on the cost. When my claim had that open issue last month, I spent literally HOURS trying to get through on the phone. Would've gladly paid someone who knew how to navigate the system. As long as they're not doing anything shady like promising approvals or trying to bypass legitimate requirements, I don't see why it wouldn't be legal. Former IRS employees become tax preparers all the time.

OMG I would pay SO MUCH for this!!! Been trying to file for 3 weeks and keep getting error messages. Called 27 times yesterday and nothing. Can't even get through to ask questions!

I think the ethics really depend on what they're offering. If they're just explaining how the system works, helping fill out forms correctly, and explaining appeal processes - that seems totally fine and valuable. If they're claiming they can "pull strings" or get special treatment because they used to work there, that would be sketchy. As for pricing, maybe a tiered system would make sense? Like $25-50 for basic filing help, more for complex appeals or serious issues. I'd pay that in a heartbeat versus losing weeks of benefits because of a simple mistake.

wait dont they already have those free help places? like legal aid? why would anyone pay when theres free options?

As someone who has been through the PA UC system multiple times, I think there's definitely a market for this service. The key would be transparency about what they can and can't do. They should be clear that they: 1. Can't guarantee approvals 2. Can't access your actual claim (they don't have system access anymore) 3. Can't speed up processing times What they COULD offer: 1. Explaining how to properly complete forms 2. Interpreting notices and claim statuses 3. Preparing for appeal hearings 4. Understanding job search requirements 5. Navigating IDme issues Those services would be valuable and completely ethical in my opinion. Many people struggle with the system not because they don't qualify, but because they don't understand the process or terminology.

am i the only 1 who thinks this is kinda wrong?? like these ppl worked for the govt and now wanna profit off the same broken system they were part of?? if they know all the secrets why didnt they make the system better when they worked there??

I filed for unemployment back in January and made a small mistake on my application. Couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Finally got my neighbor's daughter (who used to work at UC) to look at my paperwork and she immediately spotted the issue and told me how to fix it. Saved me weeks of waiting! I bought her dinner as thanks but would've paid actual money if needed. Sometimes you just need someone who knows what all those weird codes and terms mean.

I think the bottom line is: would this service help people get benefits they're LEGALLY entitled to but might miss out on due to confusion, mistakes, or system complexity? If yes, then it seems valuable and ethical. If it's about helping people game the system or get benefits they don't qualify for, that's a hard no. Based on my experience with PA UC (three claims over the past 5 years), I think most people just need help understanding the process and avoiding simple mistakes that can cause weeks of delays. If former reps can provide that service at a reasonable price, I'd support it.