I'm going through this exact situation right now - 5 weeks of waiting and just got the "expedited" promise on Friday. Reading through all these experiences is both reassuring and nerve-wracking! It's wild how different everyone's timelines are, from a few days to months. I'm definitely taking notes on all the great advice here: getting a reference number for the expedite, following up in a few days to confirm it was actually submitted, and keeping detailed records of every interaction. The suggestion about contacting state reps is something I hadn't considered but makes total sense if this drags on much longer. Has anyone tried escalating through social media? Sometimes companies respond faster when complaints are public. Really hoping the "expedited" status actually means something this time around. Will update if I see any movement!

I'm in a similar situation - been waiting 8 weeks and was told last Tuesday that my claim would be "expedited." The agent was pretty vague about what that actually means too. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the timeline can vary wildly depending on what's causing the delay and possibly which examiner gets your case. I'm going to try calling back tomorrow to get that reference number for the expedite request like several people suggested - seems like that's a good way to confirm it was actually submitted and not just something they said to end the call. Also planning to keep better records of my interactions going forward. It's frustrating how inconsistent the process seems to be, but at least some people are seeing results within 1-2 weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed that "expedited" actually means something this time! Thanks for starting this thread - it's helpful to know we're not alone in this waiting game.

UPDATE: The benefit year transition was the issue! I checked my dashboard again this morning and there was a notice about my benefit year ending next week. Once I completed the renewal application, the direct deposit option became available again. Thanks everyone for your help!

This happened to me too about a month ago! I panicked thinking they discontinued direct deposit but it turned out my bank had updated their routing number and I needed to re-verify my account info. Sometimes banks make small changes that cause the UC system to flag your deposit method as invalid. Check with your bank to make sure all your account details are still current - that might be why the payment section isn't loading properly for you.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago - worked for my uncle's plumbing business for 4 years before he had to let me go due to a downturn in commercial contracts. PA UC did approve my claim, but like others mentioned, it took about 6-7 weeks longer than a typical claim. They scheduled a phone interview where they asked detailed questions about my job duties, pay structure, and the circumstances of the layoff. They also contacted my uncle to verify everything matched up. One thing that really helped was that I kept copies of all my timesheets and could show I worked the same hours and got paid the same rate as non-family employees. I also had documentation showing when the business started struggling (cancelled contracts, reduced work orders, etc.). The investigator told me they see a lot of fake family employment claims, so they're extra careful, but legitimate cases do get approved. Just make sure you and your dad are on the same page about all the details before they call - any inconsistencies will raise red flags. File your claim ASAP though - the sooner you start the process, the sooner you'll get through the review period!

I work as a paralegal at a law firm that handles employment cases, and I can confirm what others have said - family employment absolutely CAN qualify for PA UC benefits. The key legal standard is whether there was a legitimate employer-employee relationship. Based on your situation (3 years W-2 employment, proper tax withholding, genuine business downturn affecting multiple employees), you have a strong case. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. File immediately - don't wait. The review process for family employment claims typically adds 4-8 weeks, so start now. 2. Gather documentation: pay stubs, W-2s, any records showing the business decline (cancelled contracts, etc.) 3. Prepare your dad for a potential employer interview - they'll verify the layoff was business-related, not personal 4. Keep doing weekly certifications even during the review period The fact that other non-family employees were also laid off will really strengthen your case - it shows this wasn't just a scheme to get you benefits. PA UC sees those all the time and knows how to spot the difference between legitimate and fraudulent family employment claims. Don't let the extra scrutiny scare you off - you have every right to file if you were a legitimate employee!

I'm also waiting on an appeal decision - filed mine about 5 weeks ago after being denied for "misconduct" when I was actually terminated due to company restructuring. The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're running out of money. From everything I've read here and experienced myself, it seems like 6-10 weeks is the norm right now for getting a hearing scheduled. One thing that's helped me stay sane is setting up a simple tracking system - I write down every date (when I filed, when I got confirmations, etc.) and check the portal religiously even though it never changes. Also echoing what others said about continuing to file weekly - I almost made that mistake early on but thankfully someone on here warned me. The uncertainty is the worst part, but at least we're not alone in this mess of a system.

I went through the PA UC appeal process last year and it was a marathon, not a sprint. Filed my appeal in September after being wrongly denied for "refusing suitable work" (the job they wanted me to take was 2 hours away with no transit options). Didn't get my hearing until mid-November - about 9 weeks later. Then waited another 3 weeks for the written decision, but I won and got full backpay for all the weeks I had properly filed for. The key things that saved me: 1) Never stopped filing weekly claims, 2) Kept detailed records of everything including screenshots of job postings they claimed I refused, 3) Had all my documentation organized before the hearing. The waiting period is absolutely brutal financially and emotionally, but if you were genuinely wrongly denied, the referees do tend to be fair. Just be patient and stay organized - you've got this!

One last thing to keep in mind - after you receive your determination, either side (you or your employer) has 15 calendar days to appeal if they disagree with the decision. If your employer appeals, you'll need to attend an appeal hearing, which adds more time to the process. Just be prepared for that possibility. Based on what you've described, with your documentation of harassment and no evidence of tardiness warnings from your employer, you have a strong case.

I went through something similar last year - employer claimed I was fired for "poor performance" when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. The whole process is nerve-wracking but it sounds like you have solid evidence on your side! In my case, it took about 2 weeks after the interview to get a determination. The key thing that helped me was having everything organized - screenshots, emails, any documentation that contradicted their claims. Since you have proof of harassment and no tardiness warnings in your file, that's huge in your favor. Keep filing your weekly claims and try to stay patient (easier said than done, I know). The waiting is the worst part but once you get that approval letter, the backpay will come through. Hang in there!