Excellent progress! The 3-day wait is standard for the ICON database updates. Make sure when you call PA, you specifically mention that NJ has updated your status in the ICON system and provide that confirmation number. This will prevent them from simply telling you to call NJ again. Good luck!

FINAL UPDATE: Success! After waiting the 3 days, I couldn't get through to PA UC on the phone, so I used the Claimyr service someone mentioned here. Got connected to a UC rep in about 30 minutes. They confirmed they could now see the NJ claim was closed in their system. The rep processed my PA claim on the spot and said I should see payment for all weeks (including the ones during this mess) within 2-3 business days. What a relief! Thanks everyone for your help - this forum saved me!

UPDATE: I finally got in! System is working now but super slow. For anyone still trying, be patient after you enter your PIN - it took almost 3 minutes for the next screen to load but it eventually did. Make sure you don't refresh or you'll have to start over!

For future reference, the best times to file your weekly claim are usually Tuesday or Wednesday mornings between 9-11am. The system has the least traffic then. Sundays and Mondays are always nightmares because everyone tries to file as soon as the week opens up. Also, if you ever can't file online, remember you can use the PA UC phone filing system at 888-255-4728, though it's pretty tedious to use.

if u cant get thru to PA UC try calling right at 8am when they open. thats how i finally got someone. or try at like 2:57pm when most people probably given up for the day

As a follow-up on your situation - pregnancy is protected under PA's unemployment rules. You are still considered "able and available" for work unless there's a specific medical restriction. If your claim is being held up because of your pregnancy (which would be discrimination), you should contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as well as the UC appeals office. In terms of immediate financial assistance while waiting, have you contacted local community action agencies? Many have emergency rental/utility assistance programs that don't use the same income calculations as state programs and can help bridge the gap while your UC claim is processing.

I just got through to someone!!! They said there was a system-wide issue with direct deposits in the last batch and about 15% of claimants were affected. They're sending checks to everyone who was impacted. The person said checks are being mailed in batches and most should arrive within 7-14 days but they always say 3-4 weeks just in case of postal delays. Hope this helps people here!

UPDATE: My check arrived today - exactly 11 days after the status changed to processed! Much faster than the 3-4 weeks they quoted. For anyone else dealing with this, make sure your address is up to date in the system. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice and support!

hey just wonderin did u ever get that direct deposit setup?? way better than checks trust me

If your employer is challenging a layoff vs. quit determination and you already won at the examiner level, you're in a strong position. The burden of proof shifts to them during the appeal. Make sure you have written documentation of the layoff if possible (emails, texts, termination letter, etc). Also, in my experience, many employers file appeals automatically but then don't show up for the hearing - if that happens, you basically win by default. And yes, your benefits WILL continue during this process, that's the law in PA.