Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits
The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program in Pennsylvania (PA) is designed to support the transition of workers when they lose their jobs until they find a new career opportunity. If an individual becomes unemployed through no fault of his or her own, he or she may file for unemployment benefits in PA to get monetary support.
Explore the eligibility requirements, application process and all the other information related to Unemployment Insurance the applicant may need to successfully claim for benefits.
Eligibility To Apply For UI Benefits In Pennsylvania
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in PA, applicants need to prove that they qualify for the following criteria:
Monetary Eligibility
The applicants should qualify for unemployment benefits in PA if the applicant has earned sufficient wages during the base period. This base period is usually the first 4 quarters of the last 5 completed calendar quarters.
The applicants should qualify for UI Benefits if sufficient wages are earned during the base period. This base period is usually the first 4 quarters of the last 5 completed calendar quarters.
In order to qualify for the first condition, at least 37% of the total qualifying wages must be earned outside the High Quarter of the applicant’s base period. The High Quarter is the quarter in which the applicant has earned his or her highest wages, and the qualifying wage is the total wages earned in the entire base year.
The Minimum qualifying wages required to qualify for the weekly benefits is $2178. This would guarantee minimum weekly compensation of $68, and qualifying wages of $22,639 or more would ensure a maximum weekly benefit of $561.
The second condition is that the applicants must fulfill the credit week requirement in order to gain eligibility for unemployment compensation. In the state of Pennsylvania, a credit week is defined as any calendar week within the base period, in which the applicant has earned $116 or more. An applicant will not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits in PA if he or she has fewer than 18 credit weeks in the base year.
The applicants must note that the weekly benefit amount is calculated based on the total wages received in the base year. They must also provide the information on the total gross wages earned during the base year and must assign the wages to the respective quarters in which it was earned. It must be noted that the applicants must list the total gross wages and not the take-home pay.
Find out more about eligibility requirements
Job Separation
Once the financial eligibility is determined, the state of Pennsylvania will then take into consideration the reason for the separation of the applicant from his or her previous employment.
Unemployment benefits in PA are only given to those who have lost their jobs due to no mistake of their own and are willing and able to work full-time. An applicant will not be eligible if any of the following points applies to his or her case:
- If the applicant has voluntarily resigned from the job without a compelling reason
- If the applicant was removed from the organization due to misconduct or drug abuse
- If the applicant participated in stoppage of work in the form of strikes and protests. (This disqualification does not apply to a lock-out)
The concerned department will call the applicants and their previous employers to determine the cause of separation. In the event of a mismatch in the reason provided by the applicant and his or her employer, it may lead to disqualification of the application.
Eligibility Calculator
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
If an applicant must remain eligible for PA unemployment benefits, it’s then important that he or she regularly seeks new job opportunities. Since UI is meant to help between jobs, it is vital that the applicant meets the specific job requirements.
In order to receive weekly benefits unhindered every week, applicants must ensure that they maintain the eligibility by following these procedures:
- Be able-bodied and available for work
- The applicants must file timely biweekly claims and certify their their eligibility for each week. The applicants are also expected to serve an unpaid waiting week
- It is highly essential to record and present the work search details to the concerned authorities for each week
- Report wages from any other work-related income
- In the event of a job being offered, the applicant must not reject it unless there is a highly compelling reason to do so
- The applicant must take part in the mandatory reemployment services such as – Profile Reemployment Program (PREP) and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)
Find out on job search requirements
How To Apply For UI Benefits In PA?
In order to file an Initial Claim in Pennsylvania, applicants should keep this information available:
One can file an PA unemployment claim or reopen the existing claim through the following ways:
Online
In Pennsylvania it is easily accessible to fill an online application. The online portal will be open on Sunday, from 6 am to 11 pm, and Monday through Friday, from 6 am to 9 pm, at www.uc.pa.gov.
Register with the JobGateway, a work search website, within 30 days to maintain eligibility. https://www.careeronestop.org/
Telephone
The applicant can reach the Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT) to file claims via telephone by dialing 888-255-4728 or 877-888-8104 for correspondence in Spanish.
Some of the services offered by PAT are:
- Biweekly claims filing
- Information on benefit payment
- Information on federal withholding tax.
- UC-1099G information
- Change UC PIN
The applicants could file the biweekly claims using PAT on Sunday from 6 am to 11 pm, and Monday through Friday, from 6 am to 9 pm.
You can also call the statewide unemployment compensation toll-free number at 1-888-313-7284 to obtain more information on Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation program (TTY services for the deaf and hard of hearing at 1-888-334-4046).
Paper Form
You can file a paper application which is to be downloaded and mailed or faxed to a UC service center receiving applications from your County
Videophone Service
Videophone service is available every Wednesday from noon to 4 pm at 717-704-8474. (Sign language is the ONLY means of communication provided in this service).
How To File Weekly Claims?
Follow the step by step process to file for weekly claims in PA. This includes receiving the Claims Confirmation letter, using the 4 digit pin Number to file the claim and determining the date of filing the initial application for benefits. Applicants should file for two benefit weeks at a time and certify that they are eligible for each week separately.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefit Amount in PA
Unemployment benefits is a joint federal-state program in PA. It provides temporary benefit payments to partially replace lost wages. The following UI Benefits Calculator will help applicants determine the approximate UI Benefits amount that he or she can receive in Pennsylvania.
Benefits Calculator
Use the calculator to find out how much weekly benefits you may approximately earn in the state of Pennsylvania.
Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things To Know After Filing An Application
Once the application is filed, there is some more information that the applicant needs to know to make sure that they receive the services without any hindrance.
Overpayments And Collections
The state of Pennsylvania places a lot of importance on the fair distribution of unemployment benefits. If an instance of overpayment occurs, the claimants must inform the concerned authorities and payback the excessive funds received.
A non-fault Overpayment: An overpayment is considered non-fault when it involves no fault of the claimants whatsoever. In such a scenario, the overpaid amount is deducted from future benefit payments.
The deductions will not exceed one-third of the total weekly benefit amount. However, if the total amount owed is $99 or less, the deductions may be made in a single week. No interest will be levied on non-fault overpayments.
A fault Overpayment: This occurs when a claimant receives UC benefits that he or she is not entitled to due to the fault of the claimant. In such a scenario, the claimant will have to repay the excess fund with interest. The claimant will have to pay 100 percent of their weekly benefit amount until the amount is recovered.
A fraud Overpayment: This occurs when a claimant knowingly provides false information or withholds important material to obtain UC benefits or to extend the benefit period. The deductions made in such cases are much harsher than the previous scenarios.
The concerned department may assign penalty weeks to the claimants, where they may not receive any benefits in spite of their eligibility. In addition to this, the department may charge a monetary penalty of 15% of the amount of the overall benefits.
Benefits Extension
The federally funded Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) has become defunct as of Dec 28, 2013. Claimants are advised to depend on UI Benefits which last for a period of 26 weeks until EB and EUC are made available. The applicant can also visit the state’s UI agency website to determine the current available Reemployment Assistance plans.
Job Training Assistance
Make use of the Pennsylvania JobGatewaySM to obtain assistance in job training. This services in this portal include locating training services, obtaining vocational rehabilitation, and researching careers.
The applicants may also take a look at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), which offers various special programs, state grants and educational loans to help individuals attend college. For more information on this, log on to PHEAA’s website at www.pheaa.org .
The applicants in Pennsylvania may also explore programs offered by Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). TAA offers job training and other benefits to especially those who have lost their jobs due to adverse effects in imports or job relocation to other countries.
In order to be eligible for this program, workers must be laid off from a company that has a certified petition with the United States Department of Labor. Log on to http://www.doleta.gov/tradeactOpens for more information on the TAA program.
I was a teacher in VA and had to move when my husband relocated to PA to another job. I have not been able to find a teaching job in my area. Can I receive unemployment benefits?
Many schools do not pay into unemployment. Contact the pa unemployment office.
I worked for a company based in Pennsylvania but live in Michigan. Which state do i file for benefits?
Thank you
I am working part time and want to make sure if i am eligibly so.
Last year on August 2, 2012 i lost my job and went to rehab after that tried to look for work so finally on Feb. 12th 2013 got hired at Giants Stores in Bethlehem, pa. so far still working however my hours started to shrink so here i am seeking parial did my bi-weekly on july 7th and look like i might have a problem. Please response Quicly or call me at 484-769-4135. thank you.
I only worked 8 hours in one week! Can I file for unemployment benefits for that week?
i am losing 20% of my salary, am i eligible for 20% unemployement benifits?
My employer has decreased my weekly working hours again by 3 hours. Can I apply for partial unemployment benefits?
I took a job thru a temp service at UPS I was told the job would be mine after 90 days. After two weeks we were told the job was being outsourced to India. My contract keeps being renewed but is up 12/26/2012, UPS knew about this and let me go thru all the training and now want me to train someone in India which I am but can Icollect unemployment when my job is done Iwill have worked four months, with the possibility of being 7 months.
How can I find out how much unemployment compensation I have for 2012, I am trying to remortgage and they are asking for this information. I can only get 06/12/12 through 08/25/12 on the website
How can I find my August 2012 unemployment payment history
If I receive a severance package that pays me 2 weeks for every year of service, can I collect unemployment immediately after the layoff?
I have been calling for 3 weeks to get an answer on unemployment. I FINALLY got through today – was on hold for 50 MINUTES – and then was disconnected. This is absolutely ridiculous. Maybe PA unemployment should hire on more help. My 26 weeks runs out next week – Will I be able to get extended benefits?
If I get a busy signal because there aren’t enough employees to answer the phone, why do they not just hire some of these people on unemployment to answer the phone. I swear they just want us to give up and not file at all.
I applied for my unemployment benefits and received my conformation number but have not received my conformation email yet and I filed about a week and half ago. Can you tell me if I have qualified for any benefits?
If you contact with your unemployment office you can find out the status as well as how long your benefits will last. Most of the time you get an automated system and all you do is put in your info.
If you are in Pennsylvania, go to https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx – click on the EB link. Claim weeks. Get claim info. And enter SSN and other info required. It will give you all the info you are looking for regarding status: Benefit year, amount in account , amount sent in the check and date to claim
I am mandated by federal government to retire at age 57 in less then 2 years. People have said that PA changed law that mandated federal workers are no longer covered to receive unemployment benefits. Can you set me straight on this.
My job agreed that I can start work and finish at a certain time every day. have a 14 month old child I need to watch when I am done work because my wife works. If my job makes me try to work a different shift and I tell them I cant do it because I need to be home to care for my child and they let me go will I be able to get an unemployment claim?
If I worked in the state of PA 7/11 thru 10/11 and have 6 weeks here again do I qualify for UI or do I have to have 16 weeks this year?
I gave my two week notice at work last week. My boss told me today to leave and I didn’t have to finish my last week. Is that considered firing and can I collect unemployment. I did nothing wrong, I’m still not sure why I couldn’t finsh the last few days
when am i getting my first unemployment check
The first valid week is a waiting period week and no check is payable for that week. It will take nearly 2-3 weeks from the day you first file a new claim to obtain your first unemployment check.
i have been trying to call uc.gov with the number listed above for three days straight and keep getting a busy signal is there a place to go instead
Be ready for long wait as lots of people are trying to call at the same time. Remain patient and you will get through to someone who can assist you. Even if it is frustrating to wait so long, please be courteous to the person you get connected to. You may expect a lot more help from the staffs than if you are terse and rude. Please understand that the staffs on the other line are over worked and are helping you in every possible way.
The project I worked on ended and I wasn’t rehirable for any of the other available positions in the company, located in Utah,due to disability limtations. Thus, I decided to move back to Pennsylvania to be with family, and I plan to stay here. With which state do I file for unemployment benefits?
What are my obtions when my extended benefits run out?
When you finish extended benefits, depending on your resources, you might need to think about other options for financial assistance. Families with low income and financial resources might be eligible for cash assistance, food stamps, mortgage assistance and health care assistance, commonly known as Medicaid.
You can also make use of services such as job listings, career assessment and planning, computer access, resume and interviewing tips, advisories on job fairs and workshops near you and opportunities for financial aid in education and retraining programs.
Does anyone know if there is any new rule regarding seasonal employees in PA collecting?…I work on a golf course and have collected before in the winter…I went south last year and worked year round so I have over a year and a half of wages but am concerned that the law has changed since I last collected for seasonal employees….Any reply is appreciated….
I have worked for the United States Postal Service for over six years and was let go a couple of weeks ago. I am receiving Administration pay which is running out, and my question is what state can I file in. I lived in Nevada and worked with the USPS since 24 June 2006 and on 9 July 2012 I transferred to Erie Pa and was terminated on 10 Sept 2012 from the USPS. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely
Stephen Morton
This year my kid starts school & im the only one to get them on the bus, whitch makes me 20 minutes late on a daily basis. I informed my boss & he said i need to make other arrgments in whitch case i can not.. So being late has gotten me wrote up for tardyness, & they said if i get another one i will be fired.. So wanted to know if i got fired , will i be able to collect Unemployment benifits
Your unemployment benefits will be denied. You were fired as what you did is against company policy. You can’t receive unemployment benefits when this is true. You are usually granted unemployment benefits when you are laid off, fired without cause or if your hours were drastically cut.
I have been working at c.e.conover co. inc. for 16 yrs 3 weeks ago they cut my hre from 40 hrs per week to 24hrs per week I’am I eligible for unemployment. Thank You
I am financially eligble from a claim 3 months ago. I was not eligible to collect since I was fired for attendance. I just worked 1 day from a new job and because of lack of work am not currently working at that job through no fault of mine. Can I be eligble to collect from the new employer? I filed a new claim.
Two questions
I will be 66 on November 20, 2012. Social security advised me to take social security. Am I still elgible for unemployment
my 26 weeks end this week. Is it possible to apply again to gain another 26 weeks
Regards
Tom Getty
Can I collect unemployment benefits if i have to quit my job due to inability to perform accurately due to fibromyalgia, which is causing me to make mistakes and forgetting how to perform my job, which entails numbers and monetary figures which are crucial to my position.
can- i filed or re-open my unemployment on augost 13thto18th one weekthat i lay off?and how?
My wife had an extremely premature baby back in January of this year. She exhausted all of her family medical leave by March and her employer sent out a letter stating they could not hold her position beyond the expiration of her family medical leave time. Due to my sons condition we were not able to place him in daycare in time for her to reclaim her position. My wife is now ready to go back to work, but her company does not have any work available for her. Does she qualify for unemployment compensation?
I’m trying to file my weekly claim for the first time. I don’t know how to.
Have you actually applied and received a financial determination, handbook, debit card? If yes, then call or go online – either way you will be led through the process. Be sure to use gross wages, know how much you received in holiday pay or vacation pay. If you worked for someone new since opening the claim, have date started, employer’s address and phone #, and the last day of the last week you worked your normal full time hours. It is easy, always be honest, take your time – it will be fine.
what is the quaterly time frame in which someone would need to have work if applying mid to end november 2012.
what is the wage earlings required for filling a claim mid to end november.
does someone need to meet both the time in quarter and the wages .
Minimum requirements are 16 weeks earning at least $50. These weeks must have occurred in a completed quarter. If most of your work is in the quarter just before the layoff, have paystubs ready in case employer is slow to report.
if your job locks-out can i collect unemployment
Most likely. Union contract might have requirements that need to be considered, if this is an organized labor action.
I am currently receiving unemployment benefits. I started on April, 1, 2012. How long with this continue and do I need to file for an extension after 6 months?
Typically, most states allow an individual to collect unemployment for a maximum of 26 weeks, or half the benefit year but if your chances of landing a job by the end of the claim year are slim, you can apply for unemployment extension benefits.
The provision for granting extended benefits vary for each state. You can get an additional 13 weeks on your current program. In certain circumstances you may avail extended unemployment benefits for 20 weeks. Grim economy, high nationwide unemployment rates are the conditions which force the government to extend the period.
Iam a nanny and the little girl starts preschool sept 4 so my hours will be cut from 40 to 10 as they still need me to pick her up everyday at 3 and stay til 5– she pays into unemployment for me but when would I start the process and what do I do?
Call or go online the very first week of reduced hours and open a claim.
Can I stop an active claim until being settled in new area and reopen it at a later date.
Receiving unemployment benefits from Pennsylvania is not dependent upon you living in the state for the duration of your unemployment claim. If you move to new area with an active unemployment claim in Pennsylvania, you do not transfer the claim to the new area. Instead you simply continue your claim with Pennsylvania. The only thing that changes if your physical location.
The question that I have is that my employer is laying us off before the full year of the last lay off but only by week. how does this affect me and how would I sign back up for unemployment?
Thank you
Matthew Hafner
You could reopen the old claim for the remainder of the time and then either you will qualify for an extension or a new claim.
need to aply for unemployment benefits
Pennsylvania unemployment insurance benefits are available if you meet the certain requirements. To know about the criteria visit http://www.paunemployment.net/benefits-eligibility
Out of work and part time workers are eligible to apply for Pennsylvania unemployment benefits. To qualify you must meet certain minimum wage thresholds during the base period.
Moreover, you can claim benefits for 16-26 weeks and if your weekly benefit amount is $35 – $558.
I live in texas but was told to file in Penn. because that is where i worked. Ihave called the 888 number that i was given, and all i get is a busy signle. Is there another number i need to call?
You may file by calling the statewide UC Service Center toll-free number at 888-313-7284 between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The best times to call are later in the day and later in the week.
I relocated from Florida and haven’t been about to find work full time or part time am I eligible for unemployment.
i get the same i applied on line
Where on this site is the actual form where I can apply for unemployment benefits? I can’t find it anywhere.
Does working for eight months in a calendar year two four month periods make you eligible for unemployment. I am getting ready to lose my job. Two jobs in a row they are going out of business.
Hopefully you have had an answer…. But minimum requirements are 16 weeks earning at least $50 each.
How long does it take to get backpay after eligibility.
I am currently seasonally employeed for the summer by a local fireworks store. Will I be eligible to collect unemployment when I become laid off of this job in the fall?
I began working in Pennsylvania March 16, 2012. I am going to be laid off this Saturday. So I only have a few weeks in quarter 1, and all weeks in quarter 2. A friend just told me that I will be ineligible for unemployment because my 2nd quarter earnings are over 20% of my first quarter, is that correct?
misplaced benefit card
Am I eligible to collect both unemployment and Social Security at the same time?
Hope someone can answer my question….
On Saturday, May 5th, 2012, I applied for unemployment. It would not let me apply under reinstatement. I filed back in 2011 towards the end of the year when I was laid-off for a week. Does this count towards the holding week. Please let me know.
Shannon! It’s jessica…i have been tryin to get a hold of you and I googled your name and saw this post! Can you PLEASE email me back!! Thanks hun! [email protected]
Shannon – You should wait until you become legally unemployed before you file your claims. Generally you would need to provide previous 6 months of employment history and reasons for losing/leaving the previous job. Sorry I am very sure about the benefits week, it depends on many factors and you need to check the PA state unemployment office. Hope it helps.
I am done on active duty status on 31 dec 2009. I have been on active duty since 19 dec 2005. They say i will recieve 46 weeks up unemployment. Is that correct? Also what information will I need to provide proof of employment or active duty status. And do I have to wait till 31 dec 2009 to file or can I do it now knowing when my date is?
Thank your for your time.