COVID-19 - Employment Issues and Unemployment Benefits
Legal Information
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
Waiver of Benefit Overpayment - PUA, PEUC or FPUC
A waiver is available for non-fraud overpayments of benefits for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
Unemployment Benefit Information: UCHelp.org
UCHelp.org is a website that is a project of Philadelphia Legal Assistance and partner organizations in Pennsylvania that support workers. The site is intended to be a comprehensive resource for workers navigating unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania. This classroom provides access to the resources of UCHelp.org.
Guide on Applying for Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment Compensation benefits help you replace your income when you have lost work through no fault of your own. Generally, you must be a W2 worker and have enough work history from the last 18 months to qualify for unemployment compensation benefits. However, after a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision, app based gig drivers are also now eligible for state unemployment compensation. This guide explains how to apply for benefits.
How to Unfreeze Your PUA Benefits: Use ID.Me (Video)
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claimants: have your benefits stopped or gone ‘In Progress’ because your account was flagged for fraud? Watch this video from Philadelphia Legal Assistance to learn how to unfreeze your benefits using ID.Me, a website where you can verify your identity to the PA government.
How to Choose your Reason for Separation on the UC Application
When you apply for Unemployment Compensation you have to state a "reason for separation" Here are common scenarios during the coronavirus crisis to help you figure out what to select under "reason for separation".
How to Appeal Unemployment Compensation Denials
Information on how to file an appeal if your application for Unemployment Compensation is denied, including information about denials during the COVID-19 Crisis.
Filing Claims
Information from UCHelp.org on filing weekly claims for unemployment insurance benefits.
How to Appeal a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Determination on the Portal
This two-part video demonstrates how to file a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the online PUA Portal and what happens after the appeal is filed through the Portal.
Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19
If you are employed in Pennsylvania and are unable to work because of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers' Compensation benefits. The Department of Labor & Industry will continue to provide important employment benefit updates on this page as the situation evolves.
Mistakes and Misinformation from Employers about Unemployment Compensation
There are many misconceptions about unemployment compensation so it is important that workers know their rights and the rules around UC benefits. Many employers are uncertain about information regarding unemployment compensation and may furnish you incorrect information. Here are facts to help you determine if what you are told is correct.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Information on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program from UCHelp.org. This program is available to workers who are not eligible for regular Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) and lost work due to COVID-19.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in Pennsylvania.
Returning to Work During Coronavirus
Answers to some frequently asked questions from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia about returning to work following a shutdown during the COVID-19 crisis.
The New UC System
Information on the new system implemented to administer Unemployment insurance claims in Pennsylvania in June 2021.
The New UC System: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the new Unemployment Compensation system implemented in Pennsylvania in June 2021.
The New UC System: What’s Changed?
Information on changes in the Unemployment Compensation system that are in effect with the implementation of a new computer system at the Pennsylvania Department and Labor & Industry in June 2021 to admininister claims.
UCHelp.org
UCHelp.org, is a project of Philadelphia Legal Assistance and partner organizations in Pennsylvania that support workers. The site is intended to be a comprehensive resource for workers navigating unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania.
UC Service Center Busy Signals: What is an Unemployed Person to Do?
Information on options Unemployment Compensation claimants have for dealing with problems reaching the UC Service Centers.
Understanding & Challenging PUA Monetary Determinations in Pennsylvania
You’ve applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and received your Monetary Determination. This guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance will explain how your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated for your PUA claim and what you can do if you believe your WBA is incorrect.
Unemployment Benefits: Tax Issues
Information on whether your unemployment compensation benefits are taxable and some tips on how to address some issues related to paying taxes on them.
Unemployment Compensation and COVID-19
Resources and information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance for Pensylvanians seeking unemployment compensation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unemployment Compensation Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the regular unemployment compensation benefits from UCHelp.org.
Unemployment Compensation in Pennsylvania FAQs
Answers to common questions about Unemployment Compensation, including issues arising during the COVID-19 crisis from Philadelphia Legal Assistance.
Unemployment Compensation Overpayments and COVID-19
Information and answers to your questions about Unemployment Compensation Overpayments.
Waiver of Benefit Overpayment - PUA, PEUC or FPUC
A waiver is available for non-fraud overpayments of benefits for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
What Is A Keystone ID?
Information on Keystone ID - a username and password that you will use to log into the new online UC system. It is replacing the old way of logging in with your Social Security Number and a PIN.
Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19 - Frequently Asked Questions
The COVID-19 public health crisis is creating many challenges for immigrant workers and their families. An estimated six million immigrants are in essential jobs at the front lines of the response to this pandemic. This provides answers to frequently asked questions from immigrant workers and their advocates about COVID-19-related topics.
Learn how to file for unemployment benefits online (Video)
Informative video describing how to file for unemployment compensation benefits online in Pennsylvania.
Benefit Appeals - Important Information for UC Appeal Hearings
Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on appeals of unemployment compensation claims.
COVID-19 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides unemployment assistance to “covered individuals,” i.e., self-employed, those seeking parttime employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history, and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular UC or extended benefits under state or Federal law or the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program created by Section 2107 of the CARES Act of 2020. These individuals include certain gig economy workers, clergy, and those working for religious organizations who are not covered by regular UC. This brochure offers detailed information on the program.
FILE AN INITIAL CLAIM - Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
With the COVID-19 pandemic and the federal CARES act, there are federal unemployment programs available to assist in the event you have exhausted regular unemployment or typically ineligible. Here is information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on applying for regular unemployment benefits and the the special pandemic-related programs, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
Filing for Benefits - Unemployment Benefits
Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on filing Initial Claims for Unemployment Compensation and on filing a weekly claim; reopening an existing claim. Information is also provided on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
Payment/1099G FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry about Form UC-1099G related to unemployment compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
People should be on the lookout for identity theft involving unemployment benefits
Scammers took advantage of the pandemic by filing fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation using stolen personal information of individuals who had not filed claims. Payments made as a result of these fraudulent claims went to the identity thieves. This Tax Tip from the IRS offers advice on what to do if you receive an incorrect form 1099-G regarding unemployment benefits.
Unemployment Benefits - Guide
This guide will help you navigate the process of applying for unemployment compensation and connect you with additional resources available as part of the federal and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What's wrong with my UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM? -- TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
This troubleshooting guide explains common issues that many claimants may experience with unemployment compensation claims and offers suggested action steps that can help speed up the process or fix the issue.