Thanks for sharing the follow-up @Zara Ahmed! This is really helpful for anyone else going through the same transition. It sounds like having both options worked out well in the end. For future readers - it's good to know that even if you set up direct deposit, PA still sends the Money Network card automatically, so you're not stuck waiting if there are any issues with the bank transfer. The 6-day timeline for card delivery seems pretty consistent with what others have reported too.

Just went through this exact transition last month! Can confirm PA automatically sends the Money Network card when your new claim is approved - mine took exactly 7 business days to arrive. One tip that saved me: while waiting for the card, I called Money Network customer service directly (not PA UC) and they were able to give me the card number and security info over the phone once it shipped, so I could add it to my digital wallet and start using it for purchases before the physical card arrived. Might be worth trying if you're in a time crunch with bills!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! My claim has been stuck on an "unsatisfactory performance" issue for about 4 weeks. My former employer claimed I was "chronically late" but I was never formally written up or given any warnings about attendance. It's so frustrating because I know they're probably just trying to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful - I had no idea that employers get so much time to respond while we have to jump through hoops immediately. I'm going to try calling and asking specifically for an examiner like @Ethan Brown suggested, and I'll also upload the few positive emails I have from my supervisor to show I was doing good work. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know I'm not alone in this mess!

I'm going through something very similar right now - 4 weeks stuck on an "attendance issue" even though I was never formally disciplined. What's really frustrating is that I keep hearing different timelines from different UC reps when I call. One told me employers have 10 days to respond, another said 21 days, and then someone else mentioned they can request extensions! It's like they make up the rules as they go along. I've been documenting every call I make with dates and what they tell me because the information is so inconsistent. At least from reading everyone's experiences here it seems like most people do eventually get approved when employers can't provide actual documentation. Definitely going to try asking for an examiner specifically next time I call - that seems to be the key based on what others have shared. This whole process is such a nightmare but it helps knowing we're all dealing with the same broken system.

Great news! This is actually a common issue that many people encounter - old claims creating problems with new ones. Glad you got it resolved. Make sure to print out or screenshot the determination letter when you get it for your records. PA UC sometimes has system glitches where documents disappear from your dashboard.

Wow, what a relief that you finally got through and resolved it! That's exactly why I always recommend people keep trying different approaches when the regular phone lines aren't working. The old claim issue is definitely something PA UC should flag better in their system - so many people get stuck on that without realizing it. Congrats on getting it sorted out, and hopefully your determination letter comes through quickly as promised. This whole thread will probably help other people who are dealing with similar delays!

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Filed my last claim during COVID in 2021 and now the system is completely stuck at the SSN screen. It's been 4 days of trying and I'm starting to panic about my rent payment. One thing I discovered is that you can also try reaching out through the PA CareerLink offices - they sometimes have direct lines to UC staff that bypass the main phone system. The office locator is on the PA.gov website. I'm planning to visit mine tomorrow morning since calling hasn't worked at all. Also, does anyone know if there's a specific time during the week when the phone lines are less busy? I've been trying random times throughout the day but maybe there's a pattern to when you're more likely to get through? This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with job loss. Hoping we can all get this resolved soon! 🤞

I'm having this EXACT same problem! Filed for COVID unemployment in 2020 and now the system completely freezes when I enter my SSN for a new claim. Been trying for over a week with no success. Based on what everyone's saying here, it definitely sounds like a database issue with old COVID claims. I'm going to try the CareerLink office approach - there's one about 45 minutes from me but it might be worth the drive if I can actually talk to someone in person. Has anyone had success with the early morning calling strategy? I've been calling randomly throughout the day but maybe timing matters. I'm also going to start documenting everything like @Sarah Ali suggested - screenshots, call attempts, dates, etc. in case I need to prove I've been trying to file since my layoff date. This is so frustrating when you're already stressed about losing your job. At least it's reassuring to know this is a known technical issue and not something I'm doing wrong! Hopefully PA gets their system sorted out soon.

I made a similar mistake a few months back but with a different question - accidentally said I received pension payments when I didn't. The anxiety is real! Just want to echo what others have said about calling ASAP. One tip that helped me get through faster: try calling right at 8am when they open, or around 11:30am-12pm when some people break for lunch and the lines might be slightly less busy. Also, have your Social Security number and confirmation number from your weekly cert ready before you call - it speeds up the process once you do get through. The rep I spoke with said these kinds of simple mistakes are actually pretty common and they can usually fix them in just a few minutes once you're connected. Hang in there!

Just went through this exact same situation last week! I also accidentally clicked "yes" to being absent from work when I meant "no" - it's so easy to make that mistake when you're rushing through the weekly cert. I was freaking out too because I really needed that payment. Here's what worked for me: I called the main PA UC number (1-888-313-7284) first thing Monday morning at exactly 8:00am and got through after about 45 minutes of waiting. The rep was actually really understanding and said it happens all the time. She fixed it right there on the call and told me my payment would only be delayed by 1-2 business days instead of the usual week processing time. The key is calling as early as possible and being ready to explain exactly what happened. Don't panic - they can definitely fix this for you!