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PA Unemployment Phone Number: How to Talk to a Live Person

Thomas Maxon, CEO & Co-founder of Claimyr | last updated: 04/06/2024

Been redialing the UC service center at 888-313-7284 to call a human? This guide covers how to call and reach a live human at the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation. Also, we provide you with a guaranteed way to speak with a PAUC agent within a few hours.

A single phone call to the Office of Unemployment Compensation (UC) can change your life. In 2020 a single phone call gave me $30,000 in backdated benefits. Yet it took 500 calls over a week just to reach them. Below are my hard-earned steps to maximize your chances of landing a successful Pennsylvania unemployment benefits claim via a phone call.

Table of contents

How do I talk to a live person at PA Unemployment?

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live UC customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the PA UC below, you can place an UC callback here to guarantee you reach a human.

For comprehensive assistance beyond unemployment, readers looking for unemployment services in Pennsylvania may also be interested in Medicaid services within the same state, which can provide additional support for those in need.

How can I speak to a live person by calling the PA unemployment phone number?

There are two methods to reach a live person:

  • 1.) by calling manually over and over again, get on a 1hr. and 45 min hold, and then hope the call doesn't drop -- and I'll show you how to do that,
  • 2.) use a calling tool that dials for you, stays on hold, and forwards a call to your phone when an agent is on the line. (RECOMMENDED)

For those needing assistance beyond speaking to a representative, such as obtaining details on their unemployment tax information, our guide on Individuals dealing with unemployment issues may need information about their 1099-G tax forms for unemployment benefits received in Pennsylvania can provide you with valuable insights and steps to access your 1099-G form.

Option 1 (SLOW): call manually - time to a human rep = 2+ hours.

Below is the best way to dial through their phone menu faster:

  • Step 1: dial (800) 692-7469
  • Step 2: Listen to the welcome message (or dial 2 for Spanish),
  • Step 3: Wait for 20 seconds,
  • Step 4: Press 2 to speak to a representative about an existing claim or to ask a question,
  • Step 5: Enter your social security number using the phone keypad,
  • Step 6: Wait on the line until a human representative answers.
  • repeat above steps as needed; usually between 20-100 attempts

At this point, the UC will either tell you they're too busy to take your call or you'll be put on hold. But again, I've called 500 times in a week without even getting on hold! It's just not realistic to call manually often, but you could get lucky.

If you find yourself overwhelmed with tax-related inquiries due to your unemployment situation, consider reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service for assistance with IRS issues by visiting Those dealing with unemployment may have tax-related questions or need assistance, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service can provide help with IRS-related issues.

Option 2 (FAST): use a call app - time to a human rep = 5-40 min.

By far the fastest option is to use software. Robots are simply better at this task than humans ever can be.

  • Step 1: head to Claimyr
  • Step 2: select the "Pennsylvania Unemployment" phone line
  • Step 3: let for Claimyr to call for you
  • Step 4: kick back, relax, and wait for your phone to ring with a UC agent on the line!

For those who need to provide additional documentation during the unemployment claim process, you can easily request a tax return transcript for verification purposes or to check the status of your tax filings before contacting the Pennsylvania Unemployment office.

About Claimyr

Like you, I was at wit's end trying to find a good way to reach a human at unemployment during the pandemic. After calling 500 times a week, I built a software program to dial for me automatically. This led to me sharing this tool with you. So far, a few hundred thousand people have used it to reach a live human not only at the PAUC but also at the IRS phone number, American Airlines, and many more.

Claimyr is a software-as-a-service that automates the entire calling process for you. We do this by programming software to

  • automatically dial the PAUC phone number,
  • navigate the phone menu,
  • stay on hold,
  • detect if a live agent has picked up the call,
  • then forward a call to your phone with a live human waiting for you

The value for you is you can quickly get paid without the hours, days, weeks, and months of manually dialing over and over, staying on hold for hours, and often redialing after a dropped call. Instead, using Claimyr, all you need to do is press a button and wait for a callback to your phone with a live PAUC agent on the call.

Yes, Claimyr is legit. We welcome you to search Google for "Claimyr". You'll see thousands of genuine happy reviews, news articles, and our location (San Francisco).

And no, Claimyr doesn't clog the lines or make matters worse. This is because Claimyr has a one-call-per-customer policy. We only place a single call at a time for you. We don't blast the phone lines as this would be cost-prohibitive for us (our calls would be preventing our own calls from reaching a human) and goes against our values. Also, if you use Claimyr, you stop calling yourself. This means that Claimyr doesn't add additional calls to the phone lines that wouldn't already be there anyways.

Here's what people usually say about Claimyr: a review of Claimyr

News coverage of Claimyr for the skeptical:

For those facing unemployment and struggling with tax payments, Claimyr also provides resources on how to set up an IRS payment plan, which can be a valuable step towards managing your finances during challenging times.

What is the 1 800 number for PA unemployment?

There is a little-known number you can call that is FAR less busy than the main phone number at 888-313-7284. That number is 800-692-7469. The main number will give you a busy signal. Trust me, it's fruitless to keep trying that number.

That's why we recommend you call the above 800-692-7469 number. According to the PA UC, this is the number for the fraud department. Yet we have verified that regular live agents answer this number and can either directly help you with your UI issues or they can direct you to the right person.

However, despite the 800-692-7469 phone number being easier to reach a live agent than the 888-313-7284 number, it is still difficult to reach anyone on this line. If it's too hard to call the PA UC below, you can place a callback with the widget below to guarantee you reach a human.

Seek help fast and cut through red tape when dealing with Pennsylvania government services. If you're dialing the UC service center at 888-313-7284 for unemployment issues, our comprehensive guide walks you through the steps to connect with a live agent swiftly. But your needs might go beyond just unemployment assistance. For additional support, especially if you're in need of food assistance, the Pennsylvania SNAP Phone Number is your go-to resource. Get in touch with knowledgeable staff who specialize in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and secure the food aid your family relies on without delay. Both the unemployment and SNAP phone numbers are your links to vital services, designed to guide you toward the help you require with speed and precision.

How do I speak to someone at PA unemployment?

First, try dialing 800-692-7469 instead of 888-313-7284. If you still get the busy message try using the Claimyr widget below. Claimyr is a software service that calls the 888 number for you, waits on hold, and forwards a call to you when an agent is on the line. It'll save you hours of painful redialing and waiting.

While wrestling with the ropes of unemployment and constantly dialing the Pennsylvania 1099G phone line at 888-313-7284, consider that your journey doesn't end with the receipt of unemployment benefits alone. Should your needs stretch further, spanning a wider landscape of financial challenges, tapping into additional support like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) could be the cornerstone in rebuilding your stability. This vital program offers monetary help for families striving to set their financial sails straight. By utilizing the Pennsylvania TANF Phone Number, you directly link up with counselors experienced in guiding you through eligibility and benefit queries. It's a steadfast move toward steady ground for anyone already braving the hurdles of unemployment and in need of an extra clasp of support.

What is the best time to call unemployment in PA?

The PA UC site says that their hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. According to our data, you should try calling the minute they open at 8 am. If you get a busy signal, try after lunch or before they close.

Mondays are usually the busiest and Wednesdays or Thursdays are the least busy. Try calling in the morning on those days. And if you are determined to reach a human, be sure to plan ahead to allocate a few hours to the process.

Referee Offices

If your claim is currently in appeals here is the list of your local referee offices. Please browse this list to find an office located near you. Remember these offices cannot help with claim information, nor transfer you. They are strickly only for appeals.

Referee Offices Address Phone Fax Email
Bethlehem 224 Nazareth Pike, Unit 11
Bethlehem, PA 18020-9080		 610-746-3804 610-746-3806 ra-li-ucbr-Bethlehem@pa.gov
Bristol 1250 Veterans Hwy, Suite G-11
Bristol, PA 19007-2563		 267-550-9578 215-781-3207 ra-li-ucbr-Bristol@pa.gov
Erie 3100 Lovell Place
Erie, PA 16503-2618		 814-871-4638 814-878-5814 ra-li-ucbr-Erie@pa.gov
Franklin 429 13th Street, Suite 1
Franklin, PA 16323-1397		 814-437-4103 814-437-4104 ra-li-ucbr-OilCity@pa.gov
Greensburg 144 N. Main Street, Suite 1B
Greensburg, PA 15601-2404		 724-858-3930 724-830-2049 ra-li-ucbr-Greensbur@pa.gov
Harrisburg 651 Boas Street, Room 402
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0751		 717-214-4300 717-705-0881 ra-li-ucbr-Harrisbur@pa.gov
Hermitage 1621 Dutch Lane, Suite 103
Hermitage, PA 16148-3010		 724-962-6092 724-962-6098 ra-li-ucbr-Sharon@pa.gov
Johnstown 319 Washington Street, Suite 226
Johnstown, PA 15901-1624		 814-533-2381 814-533-2412 ra-li-ucbr-Johnstown@pa.gov
King of Prussia 100 Ross Road, Suite 210
King of Prussia, PA 19406-2110		 484-250-7120 610-337-1877 ra-li-ucbr-King@pa.gov
Lancaster 1811 Olde Homestead Lane, Suite 105
Lancaster, PA 17601-5837		 717-299-7554 717-290-1952 ra-li-ucbr-Lancaster@pa.gov
Philadelphia 801 Market St., Suite 4027
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3119		 215-560-2845 215-560-2816 ra-li-ucbr-Philadelp@pa.gov
Pittsburgh 301 5th Avenue, Suite 340
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2438		 412-565-5388 412-565-2324 ra-li-ucbr-Pittsburg@pa.gov

How do I call the PA unemployment office?

Contacting the PA Unemployment Office for assistance related to Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (PA UC) is easy and convenient. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry staff are ready to help you with any questions or concerns related to your unemployment benefits. Here's how you can reach them:

  • Call the statewide toll-free number at 888-313-7284.
  • Phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Consider using Claimyr, a calling service
  • For TTY services, dial 888-334-4046.
  • Prepare to hold, as there may be a high call volume sometimes.
  • Have your personal information, such as your Social Security number, ready to verify your identity.
  • Be sure to provide a clear and concise description of your issue to expedite the process.

Remember that you can also find answers to common questions and access your PA UC account online through the Department of Labor & Industry website.

Why is PA unemployment taking so long?

The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (PA UC) system has been experiencing delays in processing claims, causing frustration for many individuals who rely on these benefits. This is mainly due to the unprecedented demand for assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with outdated systems and difficulties in processing new program rules.

  • Unprecedented demand: The surge in unemployment claims has put tremendous pressure on the PA UC system, which was not designed to handle such high volumes of applications in a short period.
  • Outdated technology: The system relies on an outdated mainframe, leading to inefficiencies that slow down the processing and payment of benefits.
  • New program rules: The multiple relief packages and legislative changes have introduced new rules and extensions, making it difficult for the PA UC system to adapt quickly.
  • Fraudulent claims and identity verification: The rise in fraudulent claims has led to tighter security measures, causing further delays as claimants must verify their identity before receiving benefits.
  • Staffing issues: The surge in demand also strained the available staff, leading to longer response times and slower claim resolution. The PA UC has been working to recruit additional staff and update its technology to address these issues better.

What do I do if I haven't received my unemployment benefits in PA?

If you have not received your unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania (PA) related to PA Unemployment Compensation (UC), it might be due to an oversight or unspecified issue. It is essential to act promptly to ensure you receive your entitled benefits. Follow these steps to resolve the matter:

  • Ensure you have filed your bi-weekly claims correctly, as missing or inaccurate information could cause a delay.
  • Check the status of your claim through the PA Unemployment Compensation website or by calling the UC Service Center.
  • Verify that your payment information, such as direct deposit information or debit card details, is accurate and up-to-date.
  • In case of unresolved issues, contact the PA UC Service Center by calling 888-313-7284 for guidance and assistance.
  • File an appeal within 15 days if you believe your benefits denial is unjust.
  • Consider consulting with a local legal aid organization for further assistance and guidance on your rights.

Remember that staying persistent is crucial to ensure you receive the unemployment benefits you deserve.