I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Filed my initial claim about 10 days ago and it just switched to "in progress" 2 days ago. This whole thread has been incredibly helpful - it's amazing how much more informative this community discussion is compared to the official UC website. The uncertainty is definitely the most stressful part, especially when you're already dealing with the financial pressure of being unemployed. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like "in progress" for first-time claims can range anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on verification requirements. I'm going to follow the advice about checking once daily instead of obsessively refreshing and setting up those Money Network text alerts. It's reassuring to know that "in progress" is generally a positive sign that things are moving forward. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and practical tips - it really helps to feel less alone in this confusing process!

I'm currently in week 3 since filing my initial claim and have been stuck on "in progress" for about 8 days now. This thread has been absolutely invaluable - way more helpful than anything I could find on the official UC site! Reading everyone's experiences has helped me understand that this timeline is actually pretty normal for first-time claims, even though the waiting is incredibly stressful when you're unemployed and bills are piling up. I just set up the Money Network text alerts that several people mentioned, which should help reduce my compulsive balance-checking habit. It's frustrating that UC doesn't clearly communicate what "in progress" means or provide realistic timelines, but at least this community has filled in those gaps. Based on everyone's shared experiences, I'm planning to give it another few days before trying one of those callback services to reach an actual person. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their stories and practical advice - it really helps knowing we're all navigating this confusing process together!

I went through a PA UC appeal hearing about 6 weeks ago and wanted to offer some perspective as someone who was in your exact shoes! The nervousness is totally normal - I was a wreck leading up to mine. My employer did show up with their HR manager and supervisor. The hearing lasted about 75 minutes, but it went by faster than I expected once we got started. Here's what really helped me prepare: 1. I wrote out a simple chronological timeline of events with dates 2. I organized all my documentation (emails, performance reviews, etc.) in date order 3. I practiced explaining my situation to my spouse beforehand so I wouldn't stumble over words 4. I prepared specific questions to ask them about their policies and why they didn't follow progressive discipline Your case sounds really strong honestly. Firing someone for a 5-minute lunch extension with zero warnings after 3 years of perfect attendance? The referee is going to question why they jumped straight to termination without any progressive discipline steps. That's exactly what happened in my hearing - they kept pressing my employer on why they didn't give warnings first. Make sure to emphasize your clean 3-year record and ask them to show where and when this lunch timing policy was clearly communicated to you. If they can't prove you received specific training or warnings about exact timing, it's going to be very hard for them to prove willful misconduct. You've got this! Stay calm, stick to facts, and remember they have to prove their case, not you.

I had my PA UC appeal hearing about 2 weeks ago and wanted to share my experience since I know how nerve-wracking this whole process can be! My employer did show up - it was my former manager and someone from their HR department. The hearing lasted about an hour. Your situation honestly sounds very similar to mine, except mine was even more ridiculous - they terminated me for allegedly "excessive personal phone use" despite never giving me a single warning about it in my 4 years there. Just like your lunch break issue, it felt like they were grasping at straws to justify letting me go. Here's what really helped me during the hearing: I stayed super calm and factual, even when they made claims that weren't true. I had organized all my documentation beforehand and could reference specific dates and incidents. The referee spent a lot of time asking them about their progressive discipline policy and why they skipped straight to termination. The biggest thing that worked in my favor (and will work in yours too) was the complete lack of any prior warnings or documentation. With your 3 years of perfect attendance and no history of lunch timing issues, you have an incredibly strong case. The referee is going to want to know why a 5-minute difference warranted immediate termination without any attempt at correction first. I won my case and got my benefits approved! Stay confident - you're well-prepared and your situation screams wrongful termination to me. Good luck!

hey did anyone ever figure out if u need to keep filing the weekly claims even after benefits run out??? seems pointless but im worried about messing something up

I'm dealing with a similar situation - just exhausted my 26 weeks last month and the whole process has been so confusing! Reading through everyone's responses here has been more helpful than anything I found on the official PA website. One thing I wanted to add is that when I went to my local CareerLink office (took the advice from this thread), they helped me apply for several programs I didn't even know existed - including some emergency assistance funds that aren't well publicized. They also connected me with a job placement specialist who's been way more helpful than just applying online alone. Also wanted to confirm what others said about continuing to certify - I kept doing it for 3 weeks after my benefits ended and I'm glad I did because it helped when I applied for SNAP benefits. They wanted proof I was still actively looking for work and unemployed. Hang in there @Lilah Brooks - the healthcare job market is tough right now but there are people and resources out there to help bridge the gap!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who's been dealing with PA UC for about 8 months now - you're definitely on the right track! Having those transaction numbers show up already is a great sign. In my experience, when you see transaction numbers with a Wednesday payment date like yours (6/3), the money typically hits the Money Network card by Thursday evening or Friday morning. I've had probably 15+ payments at this point and it's been pretty consistent with the 1-2 business day timeline. Since you mentioned urgent bills on Friday, I'd suggest checking your card balance Thursday afternoon and again Friday morning. The Money Network app is your best friend here - much better than calling that automated line! Also, don't stress too much if it takes until Friday - I've learned that once those transaction numbers appear, the payment is essentially guaranteed. The state has already processed it and sent it to Money Network for deposit. You got this!

I'm also new to PA UC and went through this exact same worry just a couple weeks ago! When I saw my transaction numbers appear with a Wednesday payment date, the funds hit my Money Network card Thursday around noon. Since you already have those transaction numbers showing for today (6/3), you're in really good shape - that means PA has already processed and sent your payment to Money Network. Based on my experience and what I've seen from others, you should definitely have your money by Friday morning, probably Thursday afternoon. The Money Network app is essential - download it if you haven't and set up the push notifications so you'll know immediately when it hits. For your Friday bills, I'd recommend being proactive and calling those companies today to let them know you have a payment processing - most are understanding about unemployment situations and will often give you a few extra days without penalties when you can show proof it's coming. You've got this!

I just went through this exact situation about 2 months ago after getting laid off from my manufacturing job, so I can share some real experience here! The waiting week is definitely unpaid for regular UC claims - I learned this the hard way when I was counting on that money for bills. Here's what actually happens: You file your first weekly certification during the waiting week but receive no payment. You still MUST file it though - skipping it can mess up your claim. The waiting week only gets paid if you end up using every single benefit week available to you during your entire benefit year (usually 26 weeks, but can be extended with federal programs). Since most people find work before exhausting all benefits, don't plan on ever seeing that money. For job search records, I keep a simple spreadsheet with company, position, date, and how I applied - PA expects at least 3 applications per week. The system is confusing at first but becomes routine once you get past that initial unpaid week. My advice: budget without that first week's payment and focus on filing your certifications on time. Good luck everyone!

I'm going through this right now and can confirm what most people are saying here - the waiting week is unpaid for regular UC claims. I filed my claim 3 weeks ago after being laid off from my retail job and definitely didn't get paid for that first week. What helped me was calling it my "system orientation week" - you're learning how everything works but not getting compensated yet. The key things I wish I'd known from day one: 1) You MUST still file your weekly certification for the waiting week even though you won't get paid, 2) Keep detailed job search records from the start (I do company name, position, date, application method in a simple spreadsheet), and 3) Don't budget for that first week's payment - plan as if you'll never see it. The only exception is if you exhaust ALL your benefit weeks during the entire benefit year, but most people find work before that happens. Once you get past that first unpaid week, the payments come regularly as long as you file your biweekly certifications on time. The process definitely becomes routine after a few weeks!