Pennsylvania Unemployment Phone Numbers

Pennsylvania Unemployment Phone Numbers

For general questions, call 888-313-7284 anytime between Monday and Friday, during the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call times will be busiest in the middle of the day, so trying to call right when they open can get you speaking to someone faster.

If sign language is your primary way of communicating, you can video call 717-704-8474 only on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Fridays from 12:00 to 4:00 PM.

Ready to file a claim over the phone? Call 888-255-4728 Monday through Friday, any time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 6:00 AM until 11:00 PM.

If you need to change your direct deposit information or track down a missing benefits payment, contact the PA Treasury Department at 877-869-1956.

If you are having issues with your ReliaCard, you will need to call US Bancorp at 888-233-5916. If you are having trouble using the online PAULA system to file your application or your weekly certification, call 1-833-755-0882.

To report fraud or identity theft, call 800-692-7469.

If Spanish is your primary language, you call 877-888-8104.

As you can see, there are lots of different phone numbers for different issues. Have a pen and paper handy when you call in case the person you are speaking with suggests contacting a different number. Even if they transfer you, having this number handy for future reference can save you a lot of frustration if you get disconnected.

When Calling a PA Unemployment Phone Number

As of 2022, the unemployment rate in PA was down below 4%…but with almost 13 million residents, that means over 500,000 other people are collecting unemployment this week. And some of those people are also going to be calling the PA Office of Unemployment Compensation.

Although the staff are trained to be helpful, you may find them more helpful and more amenable if you have certain types of information on hand when you call. If you don’t have this information and it ends up being needed after the phone call, you could see mistakes that result in delays or even denials of your benefit payments.

Helpful information to have on hand:

Social Security number: Of course, you need your SSN at the time of your initial application, although not when you make your weekly claim. Filing for your weekly benefit without it may mean you forget it, unless of course you’ve already committed it to memory. When speaking to UC staff, have the number handy, perhaps right from your Social Security Card.

Home address: Be prepared, when calling customer service about your unemployment benefits, to have your home address handy, plus your mailing address if it is different.

Email address: Many people these days have several email addresses. To avoid confusion, make sure that in regards to filing your unemployment claim or calling in with a question about your unemployment insurance benefits, that consistently use the same email address.

Dates of employment: Have your employment dates handy, including the day you began work at your most recent job, and the day you were terminated or quit with good reason.

Gross earnings: Pennsylvania law requires you to report this information on your initial claim for unemployment insurance. However, if you feel that the financial determination made by the Pennsylvania department administering unemployment benefits is inaccurate, have something like a W2, 1099, or tax return to discuss it over the phone.

Driver’s license number: Most people will not have this number memorized. Keep your wallet handy when you call customer service in case this number will need to be a piece of personal information that is needed to get you verified to discuss your benefits.

Direct deposit info: This includes things like your bank name, routing number, and account number. If you do not want your UI benefits (UC benefits, as they are called in PA) directly deposited to your account, you will be given a debit card managed by US Bancorp, which incidentally manages most unemployment cards around the United States. That said, if this banking info is not handy on the call, you may need to opt in for a debit card, although you can use online self-service to or call back to change that later.

UC System username if already registered: If you have already registered for the UC system, and especially if you are calling in about technical help navigating the portal, you will need this information handy.

Additional info may be required

If you are calling to file an initial claim or discuss how to contest a benefit amount, you may need some additional information like the names and addresses of your previous employers and the reasons for leaving. For instance, if you voluntarily quit, you will have to show that it was not because of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

As you can see, there are a lot of things you need to have handy. It often helps during the course of your working life to save employment information like this for several years in a folder or file cabinet.

  1. If you cannot get through on the 1-888-313-7284 number I highly suggest getting in contact with your local state representative. Mine was able to assist me almost immediately.

    • I’m having trouble getting through to pau employment and some places I try to use my card are saying my card expired 09/23 but just got my card last month but my benefits are still coming on it and I can use at stores some it’s confusing and atm left me draw money out also when am I going to get backdate request for my backdate money I sent them several emails my name Bridget Boychuck

      • Bridget,

        The Unemployment Office might be inundated with pending requests. Please visit the website to find the answers.

        • Sam — do you work for PA Unemployment? I filed December 2022 and have not received any payment for 12 weeks now. I cannot get anyone on the phone (always get a busy signal), sent an email to UCHelp, and can find no information on the website as to why this is taking so long. I need to speak to a person who works there but have no way of getting to them.

    • How? Is there another number? I’ve been trying and I’m confused what’s happening. I cant reach anyone. And i finally after 7 weeks got first payment for one week almost two fridays ago. Idk why I haven’got my second one if I filed this past sunday. Is there another way

    • Can they assist with finding out your letter of determination? My husband filed almost a month ago and he received his PIN but still no letter of determination. Can’t get through on the phone number or chat as it’s a constant busy signal. So stressed out right now!

    • I live in New Jersey but worked in Pennsylvania is where I was told to file in the state you worked in. So I guess state representative of Pennsylvania? Thanks for the advise

  2. I had surgery about a year ago and I was only working up to 20 hrs per week and disability was paying me the other 20 hrs per week. In January 2019, I was put on unpaid leave until I figured out a solution to my injury. At that point, I was collecting 100% long term disability. Last week I was released back to work full time, but this week my employer told me they don’t have a job for me. I need to find out what date I should put for my last day worked. Also, it asks how much I made the last week I worked. Do I include my 20hrs of regular salary and 20hrs of disability pay, or do I put my regular salary @ 40hrs per week? I too tried calling that worthless 1-888 number and of course no answer.

    • Scott,

      You’re required to declare all the income (including disability) at the time of application. With regard to your question on the ‘Last working day’, I suggest you get this clarified with the Unemployment Office. You can visit the official website for additional phone numbers.

      • Been trying for over a month to get thru have my pin n everything but when I try to file says my account is not activate n I can’t activate it, I filed my initial claim Feb 17th n I didn’t know I was suppose to call March 1st I’ve never claim unemployment before n I can’t correct it on line called my state representative been a week already n no answer n no money help me please

      • I’ve been eligible for unemployment since my last date of paid employment since 11/11. I’ve been calling every day all day and it’s always busy. My portal says I have an open claim but it is not active. My family Of 7 is depending on me being able to figure this out , and we are well behind on everything and it’s Christmas. Does anyone know how to get a hold of anyone? I’ve taken print screens of this entire process. It’s a loop and I don’t understand

  3. I haven’t received my pin in the mail and I filed 13 days ago. It says to call if you haven’t received your pin after 12 days. Now all I get is a busy signal when I try to call. What now?

    • I hope this is my first and last time ever unemployed! This is the worst experience ever. I can never get in contact with someone. The first and only time i was able to get through was after being on hold for literally 1 hr and 45 minutes. I need to correct my biweekly claim and cannot get in touch with anyone. Literally just a beeping sound every single time. Like do they have workers there? Are they literally only answering one call at a time wtf is going on there? Do they need help? How much are they paying? Clearly they need more employees!!! Absolutely the worst experience ever. You’re basically screwed if there is ever an urgent issue. Beware!

    • Corey,

      Please try calling during off-peak hours to connect. You can also visit the official website of the Unemployment Office to find out other contact numbers.

  4. Tried calling the number and every time I just get a busy tone. I just have a question about the appeal process, if anyone’s able to give me some information or suggestions. I filed during the last week of December and was denied due to insufficient wages (only appeared in one quarter). If I would’ve waited to file until this month, I would’ve had wages in two quarters. First time filing, unaware of the base year/quarter thing. If I file an appeal and do another file a bi weekly claim, will they review my wages again or base it solely on their previous decision??

  5. I tried calling 20 times and no answer it said my payments were issued but I have not gotten the money I’m set up for direct deposit and nothing someone help me

    • Still cannot get through. My benefits were supposed to start on 12/1 but I cannot get a hold of anyone to make sure.

    • Chris,

      You can also try looking up for answers on the official website of the Unemployment Office and also find additional phone numbers.

  6. I have been trying to call the 888-313-7284 for 4 hours today and keep getting “your call cannot be completed at this time. Please try again later.”

  7. I have received a number of text messages over the past couple of months to contact UC at the number provided. I have tried to reach someone/ anyone in reference to this request, only to CONSTANTLY either get a busy signal, or to be put on hold were I have to listen to music, and repeated instructions as to how to fill a claim. I have tried at least 100 times in the past two weeks to get to speak to someone. This is unbelievable, as well as annoying. Do you only have one person answering the phone??? Something needs to be done.

    • Edward,

      I can understand your frustration. Please note this is a private forum. You might be able to find an answer to your question by visiting the office’s website. You can also look up for additional phone numbers there.

  8. I just need to cancel my benefits. I recently accepted a job that I’ve since accepted working in Philly. Yet every time I try to call I either get the busy signal or a 2-3 hour wait time—which I cannot sit around on my phone doing since I now have a job. And it seems my only option for cancelling my benefits is to call that service center number? I’m assuming in the meantime, I’ll be able to declare that I’m employed and working for a paycheck when I do my bi-weekly claim filing?

    • Steve,

      If you received the payment during the period you were employed, you can always return it. Please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for further instructions.

  9. Why can I not get through on the 888 number? It’s constantly busy.
    And, why is it only available Mon, Tues, and Thurs??

    Please help, I need answers that can not be answered online.

  10. I all ready got approved and received my debit card. I go to the page and is saying the money isn’t available I would like to know what’s going on, plus I called and never being able to talk to someone.

    • If you’re unable to reach the authorities, please check the claim status and account info on the department’s official website.

  11. Why can i not get through to anyone? Why did it NOT allow me to claim union attached, why did it NOT allow me to do a combined claim from other states, and why did it not allow me to list other jobs that I have worked at? What kind of a scam are these people running?

  12. I reopen claim online but for some reason is t starting from my end date it starting from week after so I won’t get down if it’s
    From the week I was off I try to call have called :00 + times and keeps on being busy I just need to know what I am
    Doing wrong

    • Danielle,

      I suggest that you check the claim status and details on the internet or call the authorities during off-peak hours.

  13. just as an important heads up for all of you guys trying to get thru on the 888-313-7284 number, stop calling it over and over and over. I have literally called that number over 400 times today with no answer, just a busy signal. CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, and let them know. I had to finally do this today and the worker immediately took my information and passed it along to unemployment to call me back. She stated that this is an ongoing problem due to budget cuts.

  14. Just updating on 12/16/17. Still impossible to get through to 888-313-7234. Yes I know there was an “unprecedented shutdown” in the beginning of the year. Yes I know about my local Careerlink office. It is STILL frustrating, however, to get a phone call and not be able to return it!

  15. how would i find out if i am eligble for unemploment? hrs are getting cut back plus may be laid off thanks

    • Joseph,

      You should be eligible to apply for partial UI benefits for the hours cut. If you’re laid off completely due to involuntary reasons, you will be able to claim full benefits.

  16. Why am I constantly receiving a busy signal when i attempt to call the number provided to speak with a rep during regular business hours at 888-313-7284?

    • It may be a temporary glitch. Hope it’s working fine now.

      Alternatively, you can also visit the official website to find answers to your questions.

  17. I am currently getting benefits through MD due to that being where my employer was located. I only have 5 weeks left (26 weeks total) and was told there was no extension. Can I apply through PA since I live here after the 5 weeks is up?

    • Unemployment Insurance benefits are only a one-time affair. You will not be able to claim from another state after the expiry.

  18. my daughter did my filing 4 unemployment online she put the sec.no. wrong we refiled the next week i hope that is ok

    • Please ask your daughter to call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for further instructions in this regard.

  19. Hello I’ve been trying since Jan 8th to get in contact with unemployment because since Jan 22 I’ve been filing my biweekly claim and I still haven’t received any payments and I would like to know why. I’ve tried calling at lease 200 times a day. It it’s always busy. Please help. Thanks

    • Due to an unprecedented shutdown of at least three call centers in the state, many calls from claimants are going unanswered. We also have strong reasons to believe that there will be a delay in processing claims and this situation is expected to continue for a few more weeks. Please be patient or visit a local CareerLink Office to get faster access to the Claims System by phone. You can also try filing the weekly claim over the internet.

  20. I filed my claim on the 5th feb for the 22 and the 29 those weeks befor it said it was excepted but I never got it on card for Feb 7 and now about too file again on the 19 will I get the two weeks I filed for pluse these two weeks and where did it go if it was excepted and I never received it can you help me please thanks matthew

    • Due to an unprecedented shutdown of at least three call centers in the state, many calls from claimants are going unanswered. We also have strong reasons to believe that there will be a delay in processing claims and this situation is expected to continue for a few more weeks. Please be patient or visit a local CareerLink Office to get faster access to the Claims System by phone. You can also try filing the weekly claim over the internet.

  21. Hello! I was told to call in because the temp job I took in hopes of leading to a FT job after being laid off did not come through. I have spent five full days trying to get through on the toll free number as told to call in starting at 7:55am – 4:10pm. The one exception was when I actually got into queue, but was on hold for 3 hrs and 55 minutes (11:50am – 3:45pm) and had to hang up to lick up my son. The nearest unemployment office is over 90 minutes away driving one way. I have faxed the Lancaster and Indiana offices, and no response. Any other options ?

    • There seem to issues with the Unemployment Office in PA.

      Please wait for a couple of days before considering the option of visiting the office.

  22. On December 18 I filled out a claim for weeks ending December 10 and December 17 I printed out the conformation stating that my claim has been excepted. I also receive an email conformation that my claim has been excepted. I has now been a week and I have not received anything in my direct deposit. I’ve tried calling 888 313 7284 to inquire about my claim. I’ve put in 300 calls an hour for 8 hours and all I ever get is a busy signal. How do I talk to someone about my claim?

    • Please use the official website to check the status online. You can log-in to your account to get further information.

  23. I’m a politically appointed federal government employee and because of the upcoming change in presidential leadership, our resignations are being requested. We are told that resignation by request won’t pose a problem in UC benefits eligibility. Do you agree?

  24. I work for a company on a contract basis. Because I did not meet certain days worked requirements, I am paid by a third party (staffing company) and not directly by the employer. The staffing company did not find me this job, I have had it for 14 years, with the last 5 being contracted work. Am I eligible for unemployment when this current contract ends before the next one is negotiated?

    • Generally, contract jobs are not eligible.

      Please check with your employer if they pay relevant taxes into the system on your behalf and apply accordingly.

  25. I work for the USPS as a letter carrier in PA. My job requires driving.
    Nov 5, 2016 I had a seizure in my home, went to hospital where I was told the Dr. Would have to report my seizure to Penn DOT who would take my driver license for a period of 6 months as long as I stayed seizure-free.
    My employer will not allow me to drive and have offered me 2-3 hours a day work inside the post office.
    Am I eligible for either partial unemployment or disability for these 6 months of reduced income?

    • Generally, personal reasons are not considered. UI benefits are only extended to those who’re able and available for work.

      Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further information.

  26. I am a supervisor who was accused by one of my employees of sleeping. I have been suspended pending investigation based on my report and I believe the employees with no pay. I have been a supervisor for this co. for 16yrs. I have never had a incident on my record. I have been with this division since Jan. and it is a tight group whom does not like change, and stick together. I had written up one of them last wk. I think they will terminate me, it would be too hard for a sup. to look over staff without some rebuttal fro them. I have sleep apnea, for over 6yrs and recently put on anti depress. due to stress etc. do I have any chance of ueb?

    • Well, you will only be eligible to claim UI benefits if the reason for temporary time off from work was not your fault.

      Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further details.

    • Please note this website deals with questions pertaining to Unemployment Insurance.

      You can contact the builder for further information on the current openings.

  27. I am scheduled for surgery next month and my HR department has informed me since I used up my sick time for my last surgery I will not get paid. Am I eligible to collect unemployment for the time I am out for recovery

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

      Personal Reasons such as health are not considered.

  28. 5 years ago I signed up for early retirement, in two years I asked about withdrawing from the program and paying any penaty for withdrawing. The answer was no that once I signed nowithdraws were permitted.I have reached the 5 year time limit and out of work and been looking for employement for the past month. I have not been able to find employement in my field and not getting any younger,can I file a claim for UE I am 62 1/2 now and jobs are not plentiful?

    • To qualify, one needs to have employment in the last 5 calendar quarters.

      If you’ve worked during this period, please consider applying.

  29. Employee has been out of work for over a month having medical tests performed. If I do away with her position, will she be able to collect unemployment? My office has 30 employees.

    • If the employee is laid off due to lack of work, they can collect.

      Please confirm with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

  30. I was just looking for some help I have gotten so mixed answers and need to find the right one before its too late.
    Last year June 18,2014 I was let go after 10 years due to closing, I worked a temporary job until august. I did get unemployment for six month till sometime in Febuary of this year. The only job I could find was a seasonal job at a campground in April. We will be closing for the season on october 16 can I collect unemployment off of my last job? Because when I had called prior to losing unemployment after 6 month to see if there was an extension I was told I could refile after june and should have no problem getting it. Any info would be appreciated I am a single mom and need some help.
    Thank you
    Michelle Boyd

    • Please note there is no federal extension available. You will only be eligible to receive unemployment insurance for up to 26 weeks.

      If there is any remainder from your last claim, you can receive benefits for those weeks.

  31. I had to leave my job on April 30 with a small company to take care of me wife, who is already partially disabled, as a result of surgery to replace her shoulder—-she requires frequent trips for PT and home therphy 3 to 5 times a day for about 3 to 4 months. I can return to work in another 6 to 10weeks but my position has been filled already. Should I file now—wait until I can return to work–or am I not qualified to file for this reason. By the way–I had worked for this company for 20 years—my employer was in Pa. and I live in NJ

    thank you

    Leonard Bori

  32. I am accepting a voluntary early Retirement Incentive offer of $25,000. Am I eligible for benefits of unemployment compensation benefits on the ” voluntary layoff option ” proviso under the Law (“VLO Proviso”). The ( Diehl ) decision is notable because it increases the likelihood that employees who elect a retirement or severance package also will be granted unemployment compensation benefits. This incentive was offered for a reduction in force.They made me sign a paper that said in part that I could not get unemployment compensation and the next day I find THIS out. They mislead me into signing.What can I do now. I want to get that paper back and change my decision. Can you help me?

  33. Also, get it together, Unemployment. I’m sitting here, out of work, trying hard to get a job, and you take yours for granted?! “States Wise Questions” under the Q&A section of this page is misspelled. Should say “State Wide Questions.” Typos are unacceptable.

  34. We are not a govt organisation or sponsored by any state. The lines will be busy most of the times.Please try calling them during non peak hours to speak to the customer service.

  35. I am serving a term with Keystone Americorps; I am pregnant and will be having a the baby in 11 days; Americorps will be starting my suspension on June 28th; this suspension will be without pay; I need to know if I will be eligible to recieve unemployment until my maternity leave is over and I go back to work to finish my term of service.

  36. I got let go from Little Voyagers Daycare on June 17-2013 because the Center does have have enough children in the daycare to keep me working. I started working there on February 8-2012.

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