One thing to prepare for: the employer might bring up previous incidents or try to make it seem like there's a pattern of behavior. Stick to the facts of THIS incident. If they start bringing up unrelated issues, politely remind the referee that those weren't part of the stated reason for termination. I've seen employers try this tactic many times in these hearings. Also, take detailed notes during the employer's testimony so you can point out any inconsistencies during your testimony or cross-examination. If they say something that contradicts their written policies or previous statements, point it out respectfully.

dont forget to update us after ur hearing! im curious what happens!!

I had almost the same situation in April. After trying for weeks to get through i managed to talk to someone who told me there was a "wage investigation" happening because I had worked in both PA and Delaware last year. Nobody told me this was happening! Once I knew what was going on I was able to upload my W2s and within a week it was resolved. You HAVE to talk to someone to find out what's happening.

@OP - were you able to get through? Any updates on your claim?

THE WHOLE PA UC SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!!! I had a similar situation last year - claim from December but payments in January and they STILL haven't corrected my tax forms even after THREE CALLS!!! Now the IRS is after me saying I underreported income but it's PA UC's fault! They issued the 1099-G for the wrong year. GOOD LUCK getting anyone to fix anything in this broken system!!!!

My sister works in accounting and she says that for income tax purposes it's always about when you receive the money, not when you earned it. That's why your W2 shows what was paid to you during the calendar year. So for UC benefits, it would be when you actually received the payments. But for reporting work to UC while collecting benefits, that's different - you report when you work even if not paid yet. It's confusing because they're different systems with different rules!

Also be prepared to wait FOREVER even after you get the card to access your money!!! When I finally got mine, the website made me wait 24 MORE HOURS after activating before I could transfer the money to my bank!!! Why?? Just another way they make it IMPOSSIBLE to get OUR MONEY that WE PAID INTO THE SYSTEM!!!

Just following up - did you ever get your Money Network card? Did calling them help resolve the issue?

My brother in law had this exact problem!!!!! he waited like 10 weeks to get approved and then only got 1 payment, they said his benfit year was ending. He ended up having to wait almost 2 months for a new claim. PA system is broken and they dont care about us at all

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and managed to get through to an actual person at UC! I used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned and got connected in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed that I do have enough qualifying wages from my work last year to file a new claim right now! Apparently the system wasn't recognizing my wages correctly because of when they were reported. She overrode something in the system and helped me file a new claim right there on the phone. Should get a determination in 2-3 weeks she said. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions! Definitely worth calling and speaking to an actual person rather than just trusting what the online system says.