UPDATE: Finally got through to PA UC! Turns out there WAS a data mismatch - they had my birth year wrong by one digit in their system (had me born in 1982 instead of 1983). The rep fixed it on their end and I was able to complete my claim right away. For anyone else having this issue, definitely call them - there's no way to fix it yourself online.

I used Claimyr and it actually worked! Got a call back within a few hours instead of spending days trying to get through. Definitely worth it for anyone stuck in my situation. Now I'm just waiting for my claim to be processed - keeping my fingers crossed there aren't any more issues!

Thanks everyone for all this advice. I contacted HR today and they confirmed they're processing my termination for "job abandonment" despite all my documentation showing I followed procedure. I'm going to file for UC tomorrow morning. I'm really nervous about the whole process but feeling better equipped with all your advice.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's incredibly stressful to deal with job termination while you're already recovering from surgery. Based on everything you've shared, you definitely have a strong case for unemployment benefits. The fact that you have text messages with your previous supervisor and doctor's notes proving you followed proper procedure is huge in your favor. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: when you file your claim tomorrow, make sure to upload copies of all your documentation right away if the system allows it. Sometimes having everything in your file from the beginning can speed up the process. Also, keep detailed notes of every conversation you have with your employer from this point forward - dates, times, who you spoke with, and what was said. You mentioned feeling nervous, but remember that you did everything right here. This situation is entirely on your employer for not having proper communication between supervisors about approved medical leave. Stay strong and don't let them intimidate you!

I went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago and it scared me to death! Got my approval letter, started receiving payments, then suddenly got that UC-45 form asking about my separation again. I called myself crazy thinking I must have missed something or filled something out wrong the first time. Turns out it really is just their random quality control process - like others said, about 10% of approved claims get selected. I filled it out with exactly the same info as my original application and never had any issues. The key thing is just being consistent with your answers and getting it back to them quickly. Don't stress too much about it - sounds like you're handling it perfectly!

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Got my approval about 3 weeks ago and just received what looks like the same UC-45 form yesterday. I was panicking thinking they were going to take back my approval, but after reading all these responses I feel so much better. It's crazy how they don't explain this process anywhere - like a simple note saying "this is routine verification" would save everyone so much stress! Going to fill mine out today with the exact same info I provided initially. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here, it really helps to know this is normal!

Quick update on my earlier comment - when you file those backdated weeks, make sure you answer the questions exactly the same way you would have at the time. Like if they ask if you were able and available to work, say yes (assuming you were). The system might flag your claim for review if your answers don't make sense for someone who was unemployed at the time. Also, once you do get all your backdated weeks processed, the payments usually come all at once, not spread out. So be on the lookout for a larger deposit to your Money Network card.

Congratulations on your successful appeal! That's such a huge relief after months of stress. Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I went through this process - after you file all your backdated weeks, keep checking your claim status daily in the system. Sometimes there can be small hiccups that require quick action, like if one of the weeks gets flagged for additional review. Also, make sure your direct deposit/Money Network card info is still current since it's been a few months. Nothing worse than having payments bounce back due to outdated banking info! Wishing you a smooth process getting those 8 weeks of backpay.

I'm going through something similar right now - won my appeal 3 weeks ago for 8 weeks of back pay and still nothing. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring and frustrating at the same time. It sounds like 4-9 weeks is pretty normal which is insane considering we already waited months just to get the appeal hearing. I'm going to try that Bureau of UC Benefits complaint route that Angel mentioned since I'm also facing financial hardship. Has anyone had luck with contacting their local state senator's office instead of just the representative? I'm wondering if senators might have more pull with the state agencies.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! Won my appeal 5 weeks ago for 10 weeks of back pay and still haven't seen a dime. What's really frustrating is that my claim status online still shows the original disqualification reasons even though I have the referee's written decision saying I'm eligible. After reading everyone's responses here, I'm planning to file that Bureau of UC Benefits complaint tomorrow and also contact both my state rep AND senator's office. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops after already proving we deserve the benefits. The system is completely broken when winning your case is only half the battle. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and timelines - at least now I know I'm not alone in this nightmare!