
IMPORTANT: If you receive a letter notification and have NOT filed UC benefits, this means someone has falsely used your information to apply for benefits. Please notify our office by filing a fraud report. Visit our fraud page to learn more.
What if I’m having trouble getting unemployment benefits?
If you’re having trouble getting unemployment benefits, contact your state senator, representative, or even governor. They could help move things along.
Can I get a paper unemployment check in PA?
Paper checks will be issued in rare circumstances and are not an option. If you have payment method questions, call the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unemployment Compensation Disbursements at 877-869-1956 (toll-free) to inquire.
Why can’t I check the status of my unemployment claim?
Consequently, many states have a backlog of claims and are scrambling to process applications and distribute benefits to those who qualify. If you haven’t yet received payment and are unable to check the status of your claim, this could be the culprit. Did you receive your benefits from a state-issued debit card?
Are your unemployment benefits delayed in your state?
You’re not alone in your frustrations, many states like California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, and Virginia are amongst states who are continuing to see major delays in unemployment benefits. Either way, the bills are piling up, cash is running low, and you’re growing more and more anxious as the days pass. Why the delay?

How far behind is PA unemployment processing?
For your first, biweekly filing and claim, it can take up to four to six weeks to receive the approval determination.
How long does it take for unemployment benefits to be deposited PA?
Usually, benefits are paid biweekly and within four days after the biweekly claim is filed. At times, this can take up to 10 days before you receive your payment. Payments may be delayed if the eligibility issue is not resolved. Your benefits can be paid through your debit card or by a direct deposit.
Why haven't I received my unemployment this week?
Your state is overwhelmed with new jobless benefits applications. The most likely reason why you haven't yet received your unemployment check is probably also the most frustrating: State unemployment agencies have been inundated with new filings and are hard-pressed to process them in a timely manner.
Is PA unemployment having issues?
The state's unemployment system has struggled during the pandemic with a number of issues – a huge volume of claimants couldn't reach the department by phone even months into the pandemic, thousands of backlogged claims meant some out-of-work Pennsylvanians went months without being paid, and there were thousands of ...
Why is my direct deposit late?
One of the main reasons direct deposits take so long is that the banks are trying to ensure that the transfers are not fraudulent. Many financial institutions go by the “Three Days Good Funds Model” which says that deposits may be held up to three days to ensure that it is legitimate.
Why did my direct deposit not go through?
You may have entered the wrong date when processing payroll. Verify the check date first. If the check date is incorrect and you use a payroll processing company, call your payroll processer for support. If caught early enough, it may be possible to adjust the check date and have true same-day processing.
How do I know if my unemployment claim was approved?
Once your application has been approved, the Department of Labor will send a “Monetary Determination” with information on your weekly benefit amount. After making your claim, it will take between two to three weeks to receive it. Delays may be caused if the state needs additional information before sending payment.
What does it mean when your unemployment payment is on hold?
If you physically can't work, aren't available to work, or aren't looking for work, we will send you a questionnaire and place your benefits on hold. Your benefits will stay on hold until you are determined to be eligible again based on the information you provided on your questionnaire.
What time does Pua direct deposit hit your account?
within three business daysOnce you establish direct deposit, you should see your benefits deposited to your checking account within three business days after you claim your weekly benefits.
How do I speak to someone at pa unemployment?
You may call the UC service center at 888-313-7284.
How do I know if my pa unemployment claim was approved?
You can check online at 'View Benefit Payments' to see if you have received a payment. Your claim is currently being reviewed and you will receive notification of any action you need to take to resolve the currently outstanding issues.
What does active issues mean on pa unemployment?
Active Issues = payment will not be made until issues are resolved.
1099-G Tax Form Notice
If you believe someone filed and received UC or PUA benefit payments under your name or SSN without your permission, you should not wait for a revised 1099-G form to file your taxes. Per the IRS, the victim can move forward with filing their taxes, reporting only their true income and not fraudulent income reported in their name.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Service Information
On Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, online services and Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT) will be available. However, services through 888-313-7284 will not be available in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Direct Deposit – Application to Start Direct Deposit
Online: Start, stop or change your direct deposit online. All online requests will be completed within five business days. If you requested direct deposit online when you filed your initial application, we have received it. Because processing can take some time, you may still receive your first payment via debit card
Check Claim Status Online
Before calling or emailing L&I, you can check your claim status at: https://benefits.uc.pa.gov/.
Please answer our calls
You may see COPA on the caller ID when we call you. By answering our call, you will help in getting your claim processed faster. Note: Being confined to home does not necessarily mean you are not available to accept work.
Protect Your Identity
Please give careful consideration to any requests for your debit card numbers, direct deposit information, or other personal information. The department will never initiate contact with you by text message or email and request your personal information.
How to find out if you received a recent benefit payment?
Recent Payment Information: To find out if a recent benefit payment was made to you, log in to your UC Dashboard or call PAT @ 888-255-4728, Sunday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information about a payment is generally available the business day after the payment was made.
How long does it take to get your first benefit payment?
First Benefit Payment#N#If you are eligible for benefits and file timely biweekly claims, you should receive your first benefit payment within four weeks after filing your application for benefits. (Because of the Waiting Week, your first payment may be for only one week.)
1. You will file an Initial Claim
If you file online, you'll receive a confirmation page at the end of the online application AND a confirmation email that includes the date that you will file your "continued claim" or "biweekly claim." No matter which day you submit your initial (new) claim (Sunday through Saturday) it will be effective on Sunday and will remain active for one year with anywhere between 18 and 26 full weeks of benefit payments available..
2. You will receive your Claim Confirmation Letter in the Mail
Keep this letter in a safe place! It will have your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you will need to access your account AND file your biweekly claims.
3. File your Biweekly Claim
Similar to working for two weeks and getting a paycheck a couple weeks later, UC is similar.
4. You will receive your Financial Determination Letter
Keep this letter in a safe place! It states your financial eligibility.
5. If You have Claim Issues
If there is an issue with your claim, you will be asked to contact our team by the system; however, please due so via email at [email protected] and send only one email to prevent delays.
How many people have filed for unemployment?
More than 57 million people have filed for unemployment benefits since March, overwhelming state unemployment systems, and millions are still waiting to be paid, according to a Bloomberg analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.
Why did Jasmine Harris lose her job?
Jasmine Harris lost her job at an L.A.-based production company in late March due to the statewide shutdown. It took nearly six months to receive meaningful unemployment benefits—and she’s still waiting for her full pay. Unfortunately, Harris’ story isn’t unique. More than 57 million people have filed for unemployment benefits since March, ...
How many claims does EDD have?
The EDD says it has processed 11.9 million combined claims for the regular unemployment insurance program, as well as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Many states operate unemployment systems that are sorely out of date or didn’t have the staff to handle this deluge of applications.
How much did Jasmine Harris get back?
As a last ditch effort, Harris reached out to her state senator’s office, and says she was told they would send an inquiry on her behalf. About two weeks later, in late September, Harris received back pay totaling $10,000.
Did Jasmine Harris get unemployment?
She says she still hasn’t received her full unemployment pay, and has had great difficulty getting answers from California’s unemployment office. (Photo by Mercedes Barba)
Is unemployment a huge increase?
Across the country, state unemployment departments are overwhelmed by the huge increase in applications for benefits. This has led to many people experiencing long delays in getting what they are owed. Many people in this situation are finding it difficult to make progress, but there are some things you can do.
Can an attorney charge for unemployment?
A lot of states limit the fees an attorney can charge for unemployment representation, Kalish says. That prevents attorneys from gouging clients who are desperate and in need, he says. But in states where such caps are extremely low, it can be hard to find legal representation for unemployment cases.
Can I reapply for PUA?
You may be told to reapply to receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Be mindful that some states haven’t yet set up their PUA programs, and you will have to wait to apply for benefits. The good news is you will be eligible for retroactive pay, despite the delays, as it was written into the federal law.
Does unemployment have a backlog?
Your state has a backlog of claims. A historically higher number of Americans have filed for unemployment since the COVID-19 crisis began. Consequently, many states have a backlog of claims and are scrambling to process applications and distribute benefits to those who qualify.
