Quick update - I tried that Claimyr service I mentioned and it worked again. Got through to an agent in about 35 minutes today (way better than my previous attempts). Just sharing since a few people asked. The rep I spoke with said they're training new staff right now so phone lines are worse than usual.

Update us after your appointment next week if you don't get through by phone before then. The in-person appointments can actually be really helpful because you get dedicated time with someone who can look at your specific situation. Bring all your documentation about both claims - denial letter from the previous claim, pay stubs from your November job, any separation paperwork. The more prepared you are, the smoother it will go.

Just to clarify for anyone reading this thread later - here's how to handle missed interviews for different PA benefit programs: 1. For UC (unemployment): Use your dashboard messaging system or call 1-888-313-7284 2. For SNAP/food stamps: Contact your County Assistance Office (each county has its own) 3. For Medical Assistance: Call 1-866-550-4355 Missed interviews generally need to be rescheduled within 30 days, though some programs like SNAP have shorter deadlines. Always check your specific notice for the exact timeframe.

UPDATE: Got through to the County Assistance Office! They rescheduled my mom's SNAP interview for next Tuesday. They said there was a backup in processing applications due to their new system update. Thank you all for your help - especially for pointing out I was calling the wrong department entirely. Would have never figured that out on my own.

let us know what happens with your refund! im filing next week and am terrified

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at UC Overpayment Services! I used the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above and it actually worked - got through in about 30 minutes. The agent confirmed that since I've been on my payment plan for over 8 months with consistent payments, I HAVE been removed from the Treasury Offset Program. She said it might take up to 2 weeks to show up when I call the offset line, but my refund should be safe. Such a relief! She's also sending me an email confirmation, which I'll be saving forever as suggested. Thanks everyone for your help!

I remember when I had open issues the system would show random things all the time but at least in my case it was a good sign when the payment date appeared! They ended up disqualifying me for 2 weeks because of how I answered the job search questions (be careful with those!) but then approved me going forward. Hopefully you get ALL your money!

Since your status has changed to "Benefits Paid" with a transaction number, you're in excellent shape. That confirms the payment has been processed and is on its way to your Money Network card. At this point, it's just waiting for the banking transfer to complete, which typically takes 1-3 business days depending on when the payment was initiated. Regarding your backpay question - yes, you should receive payment for all eligible weeks you certified for during the waiting period. The system automatically includes those weeks once your issues are resolved, as long as you properly filed your weekly certifications during that time. If you're missing any weeks when the payment arrives, that would be the time to contact them.

Based on everything you've shared, I think you're in a pretty good position. You've submitted strong documentation (doctor's notes, school emergency logs) that directly addresses the reason for disqualification. The fact that they're proceeding without a hearing suggests your documentation was clear and comprehensive. Keep in mind that your decision will come in the mail first, before the online system updates. Watch your mailbox carefully over the next week or two. And if you do need to call for a status update, try early morning (7:58am, right before they open) for the best chance of getting through.

update us when u get ur decision!! i'm curious if yours turns out better than mine did lol