


Ask the community...
Just checking back - any updates on your situation? Were you able to get through to anyone who could help?
Small progress! I called my state rep yesterday and their office took all my info. They said they've been handling dozens of similar cases and have a direct contact at UC who can expedite these issues. They promised to call me back by Friday with an update. I also mailed my withdrawal letter via certified mail yesterday. Fingers crossed!
One more thing I forgot to mention - make sure to continue filing your weekly claims even while this is being sorted out. Once your appeal issue is resolved, they'll release all back payments, but only for weeks you properly certified. Many people forget this step and lose out on backdated payments.
For your upcoming hearing, make sure you have organized all your evidence and documentation. Have a clear timeline of events written down, and if possible, submit any new evidence before the hearing (at least 5 days prior). During the hearing itself, be concise, stick to facts, and directly address the reason for disqualification. If you were denied due to a voluntary quit, make sure you can clearly explain how it was for a necessitous and compelling reason. If it's a discharge case, be ready to show you didn't commit willful misconduct. Being prepared makes a huge difference in the outcome.
This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you! Mine is a voluntary quit situation (had to resign after they changed my schedule to overnight shifts when I have documented medical reasons why I can't work nights). I've got doctor's notes and emails showing I requested accommodation. Should I fax these to the referee before the hearing?
Yes, definitely fax or upload those medical documents and accommodation requests before the hearing! Make sure they're received at least 5 business days before your new hearing date. Medical restrictions that prevent you from working the new schedule can absolutely qualify as a necessitous and compelling reason to quit, but having the documentation is crucial. Also, be prepared to explain exactly how you tried to preserve your employment before quitting (requested accommodation, asked for different shifts, etc). That's a key factor the referee will be looking for.
I finally resolved my IDme issue last month after similar frustrations. Here are the exact steps that worked for me: 1. Complete a new IDme verification through their website directly (not through the PA UC portal) 2. After verification, take screenshots of your completed verification and confirmation 3. Email those screenshots to [email protected] with your claim number in the subject line 4. Call the PA UC number at exactly 7:59am (right before they open) - this increased my chances of getting through 5. When connected, ask specifically for a "manual synchronization of IDme verification" It took about 4 days after these steps, but my claim finally processed. Hope this helps someone else stuck in this nightmare!
I sent multiple emails to [email protected] and NEVER received a single response. Total black hole. Did they actually respond to you or did calling do the trick?
UPDATE: Finally got through using the Claimyr service mentioned above! After 4 weeks of nothing, I had a PA UC rep on the phone within 45 minutes of trying Claimyr. The rep confirmed my IDme verification was actually complete on their end but hadn't updated in their system. She manually released my claim and my payment should process in 2-3 business days. For anyone else stuck in this mess, getting to an actual human was the only solution. The rep said they're seeing tons of these "stuck in verification" issues and only a live person can fix them. Worth every penny to not spend weeks more waiting!
This is exactly what I've been saying! The system is DESIGNED to create these obstacles. Glad you got through but it's ridiculous you had to pay a third-party service to access a government benefit you're entitled to. The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.
Good to hear you got resolution! For anyone else reading this thread later - if you do get through to a rep, be sure to ask them to add notes to your file about the manual verification. This helps if you end up with the same issue during your benefit year, as they can see it was previously resolved.
One more bit of advice for your hearing: if your employer brings up any new accusations during the hearing that weren't part of their initial appeal, you can request a continuance (basically a postponement) so you have time to prepare a response to these new allegations. Judges will typically grant this if the employer tries to introduce completely new reasons for termination during the hearing.
Nalani Liu
Update: FINALLY got through to Money Network! Was on hold for 45 min but the rep was actually helpful. Turns out my card got flagged because I made a large purchase yesterday and then tried using it at a store I've never used before today. They call it "unusual pattern" or something. They verified my identity and unblocked it right away. For anyone else who has this happen - definitely call the number on the back of your card asap. They asked for my SSN (last 4 digits), birthdate, and to confirm my last transaction amount. Card is working again now! Thanks everyone for your help!
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Norman Fraser
•Glad you got it resolved! Still ridiculous they put us through this stress on weekends when we're just trying to live our lives. But at least you can get your groceries now!
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Fernanda Marquez
•Thanks for updating us! For future reference, you can also set up text alerts for your Money Network card through their website or app. This way you'll get notified immediately if there are any security blocks or issues with your card. It can save you from finding out at the register next time.
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Destiny Bryant
This is kinda off topic but does anyone know when they load the cards each week? I just started getting PA unemployment and my first payment was supposed to be today but nothing's there yet. Is it always late on weekends or should I be worried?
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Axel Bourke
•Payments typically process on business days, so if your payment was supposed to arrive today (Saturday), it will likely show up on Monday. The first payment often takes longer than subsequent ones. If it doesn't show up by Tuesday, then I'd contact PA UC to check on it.
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