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One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you do get this job and it doesn't work out, consider asking about severance or WARN Act notice if they do layoffs. Companies with a history of layoffs sometimes offer severance packages, and if they're laying off 50+ people, they're required to give 60 days notice under federal WARN Act (or 90 days in PA for larger layoffs). This could buy you time to job search while still employed or give you a financial cushion. Also, even if the company seems unstable, use the time there to network with coworkers - they might know about opportunities at other companies when things go south. Sometimes the connections you make at a "bad" job end up being more valuable than the job itself!
Great point about the WARN Act and severance! I hadn't even thought about those protections. Since the recruiter mentioned they've had layoffs twice in the past year, it sounds like this might be a larger company where WARN Act could apply. That 60-90 day notice period could be really valuable - gives you time to job search while still getting paid. And you're so right about networking! Even at unstable companies, the relationships you build with coworkers can lead to opportunities elsewhere. I'm definitely going to keep that in mind if I get the job. Thanks for bringing up these angles I wouldn't have considered!
Good luck with your interview tomorrow! One thing I wanted to mention that might ease your mind a bit - even if this company has had layoffs, you're actually in a pretty good position knowledge-wise going in. Most people get blindsided by layoffs, but you already know the company's history and can plan accordingly. If you do get the job, I'd suggest treating it as a bridge opportunity - keep your resume updated, maintain your professional network, and maybe even continue some light job searching just in case. That way if something does happen, you're not starting from scratch. Plus, having ANY job right now is better than explaining a long gap in employment to future employers. The fact that you're thinking strategically about this shows you'll handle whatever comes next!
Thanks everyone for the information! I'm going to file early Sunday morning and make sure all my work search requirements are perfect. I'll also talk to my landlord to see if I can get a few days extension just in case the payment is delayed. Really appreciate all the advice!
Great advice from everyone here! I went through this exact situation during Memorial Day weekend and my payment was delayed by 3 business days. One thing I'd add is to screenshot your weekly certification confirmation after you submit it on Sunday - sometimes the system glitches during high-volume periods and having that proof can save you headaches if there are any issues. Also, if you're really tight on money, some food banks and community organizations have special holiday assistance programs that can help bridge the gap during payment delays. Hope your payment comes through smoothly!
This is such helpful advice, thank you! I never thought about screenshotting the confirmation - that's really smart. Do you know if the community assistance programs you mentioned require proof of the payment delay, or can you apply based on just being between payments? I'm definitely going to look into this as a backup plan.
UPDATE: I was finally able to reach someone at the fraud department! After about 50 attempts over two days, I got through. The agent confirmed someone tried to file a fraudulent claim using my info in 2021. They added notes to my account about the identity theft and told me my current claim should process normally, but might take an extra week for review. They're also sending me a form to fill out to officially document the fraud. Thanks everyone for the advice and help!
So glad you were able to get through and get this resolved! 50 attempts is ridiculous but unfortunately typical for PA UC phone lines. The fact that they're proactively adding notes to your account is a good sign - it shows they're taking the identity theft seriously. That extra week of review time is totally worth it for the peace of mind. Keep us posted on how your claim progresses, and definitely follow through on that fraud documentation form. Your experience might help other people in similar situations!
This is really helpful to hear! I'm new to this community and just filed for unemployment for the first time. Reading through everyone's experiences with identity theft issues makes me want to double-check my account too. @Yara Nassar - glad you got it sorted out! The persistence definitely paid off. I m'going to follow the advice here and check my credit reports just to be safe. It s'crazy how common this fraud issue seems to be.
Just wanted to add my experience - I got my new blue Money Network card about 2 weeks ago. The envelope it comes in is really plain and thin, so I almost threw it away thinking it was a credit card offer! It just says "Important Financial Information" on the outside. Also, when you activate it, make sure you have your SSN ready because they ask for it during the phone activation process. The whole thing took me about 5 minutes once I got through. Hope this helps!
Just wanted to share that I received my PA UC Money Network card yesterday and can confirm it's the blue one with the silver stripe that others mentioned. Mine took exactly 7 business days from approval to arrival. One thing I didn't see mentioned - when you call to activate it, they also ask for your date of birth and zip code, not just SSN. Also, the card number starts with 5573 if anyone wants to double-check they got the right one. The activation was quick once I had all the info ready!
Liam Mendez
To answer the original question directly: The ideal timing to contact your state representative is after you've made at least 3-4 documented attempts to resolve the issue through normal PA UC channels over a 2-3 week period. This shows you've done your due diligence. When you contact them, be sure to mention exactly what steps you've already taken (dates of calls, emails, etc.) and provide them with all relevant claim information. For those wondering about jurisdiction, contact the representative for your home address district, not your work location. And to clarify something mentioned above - state representatives can help with ALL types of claims, including regular UC, Trade, and UC Connect claims.
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Andre Laurent
•i wishes i new this last year when my claim was stuck for 2 months! ended up almost getting evicted waiting for UC to figure things out. is there a website where you can find your correct state rep? not even sure who mine is tbh
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Jacob Smithson
I'm actually dealing with something similar right now... My benefits have been pending for 3 weeks and I can't get through to anyone. How exactly did you contact your state rep? Did you call their office or email them? Did you have to provide any specific info about your claim? Sorry for all the questions but I'm getting desperate here! My landlord isn't going to wait much longer...
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NeonNova
•I emailed them first with my basic info (name, address to prove I'm in their district, and phone number). I included my UC claim confirmation number and the dates I filed. They replied asking for the last 4 of my SSN and my birthdate to verify my identity. After that, their office sent an inquiry to a special UC department contact they have. The whole process was pretty straightforward! Just Google "[your town] PA state representative" to find yours.
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LongPeri
•@Jacob Smithson don t'wait any longer! I was in your exact situation last month - 3 weeks pending and landlord breathing down my neck. I used the PA House of Representatives website legis.state.pa.us (to) find my rep by entering my zip code. Called their office directly and spoke to a caseworker who specializes in UC issues. They had me email over my claim details and within 5 business days my payments were released. The key is being persistent but polite - these offices deal with UC problems daily and they know exactly who to contact. Also consider asking your landlord for a brief extension while explaining you re'working with your state rep - many are understanding about UC delays right now.
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