I've been struggling with the same issue for weeks! After reading through all these suggestions, I'm going to try the Pittsburgh regional number tomorrow at exactly 8 AM. It's encouraging to see that Anastasia finally got through and resolved her issue. I'll also make sure to have all my documents ready - termination letter, social security number, and PIN. Has anyone else had success with the regional numbers recently, or should I also consider the callback feature if it becomes available?

I've been following this thread and wow, what a journey! Just wanted to add another tip that helped me recently - if you're getting the busy signal or automatic disconnects, try calling from a different phone number. I was using my cell phone for weeks with no luck, then tried calling from my landline and got through on the third try. Not sure if there's some kind of system that flags numbers that call too frequently, but it seemed to make a difference. Also, for anyone still struggling, I'd definitely recommend the state representative route that NebulaNomad mentioned - my cousin had to go that route and got her issue resolved within a week after months of calling. The whole system is definitely broken but there are ways around it if you're persistent enough!

I'm really sorry you're going through this stress - having kids to support makes it so much worse. I went through something similar in 2023 and here's what I learned the hard way: You're absolutely right to be concerned - there are no extensions available right now after 26 weeks. But don't stop filing your weekly claims even after you exhaust benefits! I made that mistake and when I called UC later they told me I should have kept filing just in case anything changed. Since you mentioned manufacturing, have you considered looking into maintenance positions at hospitals, schools, or office buildings? The skills often transfer and these places are usually hiring. The pay might not be what you're used to, but it could bridge you until something better comes along. Also, if you haven't already, apply for SNAP benefits NOW - don't wait until your UC runs out completely. The application process can take a few weeks and you'll need that food assistance when the UC stops. PA Compass website makes it pretty easy to apply online. One last thing - check with your local food banks and churches even if you've never used them before. Many have programs specifically to help people who are between jobs, and some even have job networking opportunities. You've got this - two more weeks gives you time to prepare and line up other resources. Keep us updated!

I'm facing a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful. Just wanted to add that if you're in the Pittsburgh area, the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board has some programs that might help. They sometimes have rapid reemployment services and emergency assistance funds that aren't well advertised. Also, don't overlook temp agencies - I know it's not ideal, but some of the industrial temp agencies around here (like Labor Ready or Express Employment) can get you working within days, and many of their assignments turn into permanent positions if you show up consistently and work hard. The pay might be lower than what you're used to, but it's better than nothing while you're searching for something permanent. One more thing - if you have a local union hall (even if you weren't previously union), sometimes they have job boards or know about openings that aren't posted elsewhere. Worth a phone call at least. Hang in there - the fact that you're planning ahead instead of waiting until the last minute shows you're going to get through this. Keep applying everywhere and don't be too picky right now. You can always keep looking for something better once you have income coming in again.

One more tip from someone who's been through this multiple times with PA UC - when you do reopen your claim after the contract ends, the system might ask you to complete a "work separation" questionnaire about why your employment ended. For contract work, they sometimes make this confusing by asking things like "were you laid off?" or "did you quit?" The correct answer for ended contracts is usually "laid off" with the reason being "lack of work" or "end of temporary assignment." Don't overthink it - just be clear that it was always meant to be temporary work and the agreed-upon timeframe ended. Also, if your contract gets extended (which happens sometimes), you can always stop filing weekly certifications again and then restart when it actually ends. The flexibility is one of the good things about PA's system once you understand how it works!

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm actually in a very similar situation - just got my PA UC approval last week after months of waiting, but I'm starting a 4-month contract position on Monday. Reading through everyone's experiences has really put my mind at ease about being able to reopen my claim when the contract ends. I'm definitely going to bookmark this post and follow all the advice about keeping detailed records, using "lack of work" as the separation reason, and filing immediately on my last day. One question though - has anyone dealt with a situation where your contract employer offers to convert you to permanent but you're not sure if you want to stay? I'm wondering if turning down a permanent offer would affect my ability to collect UC benefits later if I end up needing them.

Just wanted to follow up - how's your claim status looking now? Has the second issue been resolved or are you still waiting?

That's awesome that you got through with Claimyr and finally have some clarity! I've been following your situation and it's so frustrating how they don't communicate what the actual issues are. At least now you know it's a separation reason questionnaire - those are usually pretty straightforward to fill out. Just make sure you're honest and detailed about why you left your job. Once you submit that, hopefully the last issue will clear quickly and you'll get all your backpay. Thanks for updating us - it gives hope to those of us still stuck in limbo!

I'm really impressed with how thoroughly you documented everything and followed through with filing your claim! Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like you have a really strong case - the financial impossibility of your situation ($130-140 daily transportation costs vs $120 take-home pay) combined with all your efforts to find alternatives should definitely qualify as necessitous and compelling. I've been following PA UC cases for a while, and transportation issues are one of the more successful categories on appeal when properly documented. The fact that you got the repair estimate in writing, saved all your Lyft receipts, and have proof of trying to work with your employer on solutions puts you in a much better position than most people who quit voluntarily. Even if you get initially denied, don't give up - appeals really do have higher success rates, especially with documentation like yours. Keep applying for those closer jobs while you wait, and definitely keep filing your weekly claims to preserve your benefit weeks. Wishing you the best of luck, and please update us when you hear back from UC!

Logan, your situation really resonates with me - I went through something almost identical about a year ago. My car needed major engine work that would have cost more than I made in two months, and I was facing a 45-minute commute each way to a retail job. Like you, I tried everything - rideshares, asking coworkers about carpooling, even looked into buying a cheap used car but couldn't get financing. The math just didn't work out. I want to echo what others have said about not giving up if you get initially denied. I was denied at first, but I won on appeal because I had documented everything just like you did. What really helped was creating a simple one-page summary showing my daily take-home pay versus transportation costs - it made the financial impossibility crystal clear to the referee. One thing I'd add to your documentation: if you looked at any used cars or considered other transportation options (bike, scooter, etc.), document those too and why they weren't viable. PA UC wants to see that you truly exhausted every reasonable alternative. You're doing everything right by continuing to apply for closer jobs while you wait. The whole process took about 10 weeks for me from initial filing to getting benefits after the appeal, but it was absolutely worth fighting for. Your case sounds very strong - hang in there!