Just wanted to update everyone - I was able to get through around 3:30pm and successfully filed my weekly claim! For anyone still having issues, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. I was stuck on Chrome but it worked immediately when I switched to Firefox. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helped calm my nerves knowing this was a system-wide issue and not something wrong with my account!

Same thing happened to me around 8am this morning! I was panicking because I've never had to deal with a system outage on my filing day before. Really glad to see from the comments that the system is back up and running now. Just successfully filed my claim after reading everyone's advice about trying different browsers. The Firefox tip from Ava really worked for me too - Chrome kept timing out but Firefox went right through. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and keeping each other updated throughout the day!

Just went through this exact process with IBEW Local 98 about 4 months ago! Definitely file the UC-480 form ASAP but here's something nobody mentioned - when you submit it online through the PA UC portal, take screenshots of EVERY page including the confirmation page with the submission number. I had to resubmit mine twice because they claimed they never received it, even though I had the confirmation emails. Also, after your union rep fills out their section, have them make a copy and email it to you before they send it in. That way if PA UC "loses" it again, you can resubmit immediately instead of waiting for your rep to fill out a whole new form. The whole process took about 5 weeks for me once they actually received it properly, but those backup documents saved me weeks of hassle when they initially claimed it was never submitted.

Pro tip from someone who just went through this with Operating Engineers Local 542 last month - when you file the UC-480 form, also send a follow-up email to PA UC customer service with your confirmation number and a copy of the form attached. I did this about a week after submitting online and it seemed to help expedite the process. My exemption was approved in about 4 weeks instead of the 6-8 weeks other people were telling me to expect. The email address is [email protected] - just reference your UC claim number and the UC-480 submission in the subject line. It's an extra step but worth it to avoid the "lost paperwork" nightmare that seems way too common with PA UC. Also, Local 401 usually requires members to check the hall board twice a week minimum, so make sure you're clear on their specific requirements before filing the exemption.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually in a somewhat similar situation - I'm currently working but my company just announced they're "evaluating staffing levels" which usually means layoffs are coming. I've been collecting UC benefits earlier this year too and still have weeks remaining in my benefit year. One question I haven't seen addressed yet - does anyone know if there's a minimum amount of time you need to work between collecting benefits? Like, if I only worked for 6 weeks at this current job before getting laid off, would that cause any issues with reopening my claim? I'm worried PA might think I'm not making a "good faith effort" to stay employed or something. Also, for those who successfully reopened online - did the system ask for any documentation about your most recent job (like pay stubs or termination letter) or was it just the basic questions about dates and reason for separation?

I just wanted to jump in and say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I'm not in Pennsylvania (I'm dealing with unemployment issues in another state), but reading through everyone's experiences has given me a much better understanding of how benefit years and claim reopening works in general. It's really reassuring to see so many people who have successfully navigated similar situations. The practical tips about taking screenshots of claim details, filing immediately when you become unemployed again, and keeping documentation ready are things I never would have thought of but make total sense. @Logan Stewart - it sounds like you've gotten some excellent advice here from people who have been through almost identical situations. The consensus seems pretty clear that you should be able to reopen your existing claim if you get laid off again since you're still in your benefit year and have weeks remaining. Hopefully your current job situation stabilizes, but at least you're well-prepared if it doesn't! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world knowledge that's so hard to find elsewhere!

I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more important point: Even though your claim has been approved by the Board of Review, sometimes there's paperwork that must be manually updated in the system. The Board's decision gets sent to a separate unit that has to implement it. If you do decide to call, make sure you mention you had a Board of Review decision in your favor, as those require special handling. Ask specifically if there's any action needed from you or if it's just in queue for processing.

Congrats on getting through to someone and figuring out the issue! This is such a good reminder that sometimes the "prevent payment" status is just a simple verification thing that looks way scarier than it actually is. Your situation gives me hope - I'm dealing with something similar where my payment has been stuck for about 10 days now. How did you finally manage to get through to an agent? I've been calling the main number but just get busy signals or disconnected.

I went through this exact same situation about 4 months ago when I switched from the ReliaCard to CashApp for my PA UC payments. The first payment took 11 business days to show up! I was panicking because like you, rent was due and I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone. What I learned is that CashApp has a "first government deposit" verification process that they don't really advertise - they basically hold the funds while they verify it's legitimate. After that first payment though, all my subsequent payments have arrived within 2-3 days. If you're at 8-9 business days now, I'd give it until day 12-13 before really worrying. But honestly, after going through that stress, I switched back to direct deposit with my regular bank and haven't had any issues since. The peace of mind is worth it when you're already dealing with unemployment stress!

Just wanted to add another perspective for anyone considering CashApp for PA UC payments. I've been using it for about 8 months now and while the first payment did take about 6 business days (which was stressful!), I've found that subsequent payments are actually pretty reliable - usually arrive within 2-3 days after the "total payment" status shows up. The key thing I learned is to make sure you have your CashApp account fully verified BEFORE switching your direct deposit. This means uploading your ID, confirming your SSN, etc. I think this helps speed up the process for government deposits since they've already verified your identity. That said, reading through everyone's experiences here, it's clear that traditional banks are definitely more predictable for timing. If you can't afford to wait potentially 7-10+ days for that first payment, definitely stick with a regular bank account for your UC direct deposit!