An important point that hasn't been mentioned: In 2025, PA UC has been more thoroughly reviewing self-employment situations because of the high number of overpayments they had to process during the pandemic years. They're being extra cautious with these claims now. The good news is that if your self-employment is just getting started and you're making under the Partial Benefit Credit (PBC) amount, you should still qualify for at least partial benefits assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements and are truly available for full-time work.

Update: I finally got through to UC yesterday! The agent explained that the active issue was indeed related to my self-employment. They're sending me a questionnaire asking about my business hours, whether I'd accept full-time work, and details about my work search activities. She said once I return that with proper documentation, they should be able to process my claim. Will post another update when I hear back.

One more thing to consider - if you hire an attorney, make sure they specialize in unemployment cases specifically. I initially talked to a general practice lawyer who gave me completely wrong information about the appeal process. PA unemployment hearings have very specific rules and procedures that not all attorneys understand. Ask potential lawyers how many UC appeals they've handled in the past year.

My friend who works at the unemployment office (not in appeals tho) says a lot of people represent themselves and win. Just depends on how complicated your case is and how well you can organize your thoughts when you're nervous.

ohhh and dont interrupt the ref when their talking!! my friend got yelled at for that and it made the ref all mad lol. just wait ur turn even if the employer is saying stuff thats not true you get chance to respond after

Remember to follow up after the hearing. If you win, make sure to file any backdated weekly claims for the weeks you were waiting for the appeal. If you lose, you have 15 days to appeal to the UC Board of Review (the next level up). Good luck with your hearing! Come back and let us know how it went - your experience could help others in the same situation.

i forgot to ask, did u check ur determination letter carefully?? sometimes they deny ppl for dumb technical reasons like u answered a question wrong or didnt report some tiny income. might be easier to fix that than fight about the separation if thats actually the problem

One more important tip - when you file your appeal (do it online if possible), clearly explain the specific facts that disprove the job abandonment claim. Don't just say "I disagree" or "This is unfair." For example: "I appeal this determination because I did NOT abandon my position. I provided written two-week notice on [date], worked all scheduled shifts through my final day on [date], and even trained my replacement. My manager [name] acknowledged my notice and final day. I have text messages and witness testimony to verify these facts." This approach immediately focuses the referee on the key dispute. Good luck with your appeal!

forgot to mention - make sure ur bank acct info is 100% correct. my friend put the wrong routing number and it delayed everything by another 3 weeks

Honestly the whole PA system is designed to make it as difficult as possible to get your benefits. I bet they'll keep sending checks just to make it harder for you. Not trying to be negative but that's just how they operate. They hope you'll miss a check in the mail and then they save money. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!!