Unemployment Compensation & Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Unemployment Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Able and Available for Work and Refusal of Suitable Work
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on the "able and available for suitable work" and "refusal of suitable work" requirements for unemployment compensation.
About Unemployment Compensation: An Information Session
On March 25, 2025, UC Navigators from Mon Valley Unemployed Committee, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, Philadelphia Legal Assistance, and VietLead, along with a representative from the Department of Labor and Industry hosted a virtual UC info session. The informative slides from the presentation are available for viewing in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese.
A Guide to Unemployment Compensation (UC) for Federal Workers in Pennsylvania
If you are a federal employee or contractor who worked in Pennsylvania who lost work through no fault of your own, you should apply for for UC benefits. This guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance explains your right to receive unemployment compensation.
Basics of Unemployment Compensation
General information from Neighborhood Legal Services about receiving unemployment compensation benefits.
Federal Employees Furloughed Due to the Government Shutdown May Be Eligible for Unemployment Compensation
Federal employees or contractors who worked in Pennsylvania and were furloughed due to the government shutdown may be eligible for unemployment compensation. UCHelp.org provides information on eligibility requirements, how to get benefits and what happens if you receive back pay after the shutdown.
Immigration and Unemployment Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many common questions about immigration status and unemployment compensation benefits.
Independent Contractor or Employee - Worker Misclassification (Video)
In Pennsylvania, over 580,000 workers are misclassified each year. This recorded webinar provides an overview of the types of worker classification, tax consequences for each, and remedies available to a person misclassified by their employer. June 8, 2021
Know Your Employment Rights in Philadelphia!
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on employment rights including wages, unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, discrimination, workplace injuries, and unions. (January 2014)
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.
Unemployment Compensation (UC) Videos
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & industry has created videos to help guide you through Pennsylvania's UC process and to provide helpful information on how to navigate and complete necessary steps for UC benefits. PLEASE NOTE: The video on filing claims mentions filing claims biweekly, however since June of 2021 the biweekly process changed to a weekly process. This video has not yet been updated to reflect that change.
Voluntary Quit
You will be ineligible for unemployment compensation if you voluntarily quit your job without “good cause”. However, if you can prove that you quit your job with “good cause”, you may be able to receive unemployment compensation. This information from Neighborhood Legal Services provides guidance on eligibility for unemployment compensation when you voluntarily quit your job.
Willful Misconduct
If you have been fired, you are entitled to Unemployment Compensation benefits, unless you were fired for “willful misconduct”. This information from Neighborhood Legal Services explains eligibility for unemployment compensation when you are laid off or fired from your job.
Appealing an Unemployment Compensation Decision
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on how to appeal a denial of unemployment compensation.
Apply for Unemployment Compensation Benefits
This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry allows you to file an initial application or file weekly clams and reopen their existing claims for UC benefits via the Internet, telephone or video phone for individuals using American Sign Language.
Benefit Appeals - Important Information for UC Appeal Hearings
Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on appeals of unemployment compensation claims.
Downloadable Forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Links to downloadable forms from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Filing Weekly Claim Certification for Unemployment Compensation
After filing an application for UC benefits, you must file claims for weeks when you are totally or partially unemployed in order to receive UC. This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will allow you to file your claims online.
How To Appeal an Unemployment Compensation Denial
If you received a Notice of Determination finding you ineligible for UC benefits, you must file an appeal within 21 days of the date the determination was mailed. This section provides guidance on the appeal process.
Reopen an Existing Unemployment Compensation Claim
If you established an initial claim for UC benefits within the past year, stopped filing for those benefits and wish to resume filing, you can reopen your claim using the methods listed on this website.
Representing Yourself at a Unemployment Compensation Referee Hearing
Tips and suggestions for persons representing themselves at an unemployment compensation hearing from Neighborhood Legal Services.
Unemployment Compensation Complaint
If you have had problems reaching representatives from Unemployment Compensation (UC), you can submit a complaint using this site.
Unemployment Compensation (UC) Videos
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & industry has created videos to help guide you through Pennsylvania's UC process and to provide helpful information on how to navigate and complete necessary steps for UC benefits. PLEASE NOTE: The video on filing claims mentions filing claims biweekly, however since June of 2021 the biweekly process changed to a weekly process. This video has not yet been updated to reflect that change.
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).
Apply for Unemployment Compensation Benefits
This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry allows you to file an initial application or file weekly clams and reopen their existing claims for UC benefits via the Internet, telephone or video phone for individuals using American Sign Language.
Filing Weekly Claim Certification for Unemployment Compensation
After filing an application for UC benefits, you must file claims for weeks when you are totally or partially unemployed in order to receive UC. This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will allow you to file your claims online.
Reopen an Existing Unemployment Compensation Claim
If you established an initial claim for UC benefits within the past year, stopped filing for those benefits and wish to resume filing, you can reopen your claim using the methods listed on this website.
Downloadable Forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Links to downloadable forms from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Pennsylvania CareerLink - Commonwealth Workforce Development System
The Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) is an Internet-based system of services for use by customers and potential customers of the PA CareerLink® offices. CWDS provides online access to job openings; information about employers; services and training opportunities for job seekers; and labor market information. All of this is available by enrolling on-line with CWDS.
Unemployment Compensation Complaint
If you have had problems reaching representatives from Unemployment Compensation (UC), you can submit a complaint using this site.
Unemployment Compensation (UC) Videos
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & industry has created videos to help guide you through Pennsylvania's UC process and to provide helpful information on how to navigate and complete necessary steps for UC benefits. PLEASE NOTE: The video on filing claims mentions filing claims biweekly, however since June of 2021 the biweekly process changed to a weekly process. This video has not yet been updated to reflect that change.
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).
Able and Available for Work and Refusal of Suitable Work
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on the "able and available for suitable work" and "refusal of suitable work" requirements for unemployment compensation.
A Guide to Unemployment Compensation (UC) for Federal Workers in Pennsylvania
If you are a federal employee or contractor who worked in Pennsylvania who lost work through no fault of your own, you should apply for for UC benefits. This guide from Philadelphia Legal Assistance explains your right to receive unemployment compensation.
Appealing an Unemployment Compensation Decision
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on how to appeal a denial of unemployment compensation.
Basics of Unemployment Compensation
General information from Neighborhood Legal Services about receiving unemployment compensation benefits.
Federal Employees Furloughed Due to the Government Shutdown May Be Eligible for Unemployment Compensation
Federal employees or contractors who worked in Pennsylvania and were furloughed due to the government shutdown may be eligible for unemployment compensation. UCHelp.org provides information on eligibility requirements, how to get benefits and what happens if you receive back pay after the shutdown.
How To Appeal an Unemployment Compensation Denial
If you received a Notice of Determination finding you ineligible for UC benefits, you must file an appeal within 21 days of the date the determination was mailed. This section provides guidance on the appeal process.
How to Apply for Unemployment Compensation
Learn how to apply for Unemployment Compensation and get guidance on filling out your application and working your way through the process.
Immigration and Unemployment Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many common questions about immigration status and unemployment compensation benefits.
Independent Contractor or Employee - Worker Misclassification (Video)
In Pennsylvania, over 580,000 workers are misclassified each year. This recorded webinar provides an overview of the types of worker classification, tax consequences for each, and remedies available to a person misclassified by their employer. June 8, 2021
Know Your Employment Rights in Philadelphia!
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on employment rights including wages, unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, discrimination, workplace injuries, and unions. (January 2014)
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.
Regular UC Overpayments
Unemployment overpayments happen when the government determines a person was not eligible for benefits they previously received. Find out if, when and how you have to pay back benefits that were incorrectly given to you.
Representing Yourself at a Unemployment Compensation Referee Hearing
Tips and suggestions for persons representing themselves at an unemployment compensation hearing from Neighborhood Legal Services.
The UC System: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the new Unemployment Compensation system implemented in Pennsylvania in June 2021.
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.
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 Frequently Asked Questions
UC Basics. Answers to frequently asked questions about the regular unemployment compensation benefits from UCHelp.org.
Unemployment Compensation - Philadelphia Legal Assistance
Resources and information from Philadelphia Legal Assistance for Pennsylvanians seeking unemployment compensation.
Unemployment Compensation - Summit Legal Aid
This link will direct you to Summit Legal Aid, formerly Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid. It offers information on applying for unemployment and the referee process at the county level. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Voluntary Quit
You will be ineligible for unemployment compensation if you voluntarily quit your job without “good cause”. However, if you can prove that you quit your job with “good cause”, you may be able to receive unemployment compensation. This information from Neighborhood Legal Services provides guidance on eligibility for unemployment compensation when you voluntarily quit your job.
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).
Willful Misconduct
If you have been fired, you are entitled to Unemployment Compensation benefits, unless you were fired for “willful misconduct”. This information from Neighborhood Legal Services explains eligibility for unemployment compensation when you are laid off or fired from your job.
Your Right to Unemployment Compensation
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. on the operation of the Unemployment Compensation system in Pennsylvania for worker who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Unemployment Compensation
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association discussing Unemployment Compensation. [PDF] (April 2013)
Unemployment Compensation
Information on Unemployment Compensation benefits from the Erie County Bar Association. (August 2018)
Apply for Unemployment Compensation Benefits
This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry allows you to file an initial application or file weekly clams and reopen their existing claims for UC benefits via the Internet, telephone or video phone for individuals using American Sign Language.
Benefit Appeals - Important Information for UC Appeal Hearings
Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on appeals of unemployment compensation claims.
Downloadable Forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Links to downloadable forms from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
1099G Tax Form - FAQs
The Statement for Recipients of Certain Government Payments (1099-G) tax forms are mailed by January 31st of each year for Pennsylvanians who received unemployment benefits. This tax form shows your total benefits from the Office of Unemployment Compensation for the previous year, along with any adjustments or tax withholding. Benefits paid to you are considered taxable income. You must include information from this form when filing your taxes for the applicable year.
How to file an Initial Claim for Unemployment Benefits (Video)
Need to file for unemployment benefits? This video from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Office of Unemployment Compensation provides a how-to video on filing an initial unemployment compensation claim. (Feb 1, 2024)
Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits
Information on the signs that you may be the victim of identity theft through the filing of fraudulent unemployment claims and what to do to report it. (30-Oct-2025)
Office of Unemployment Compensation - PA.gov
Launch page to information on Unemployment Compensation from the PA Department of Labor and Industry
Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Handbook
This booklet, the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Handbook, will answer many of your questions about the benefits available to you and provide information about your responsibilities as a participant in the program. Read this booklet carefully and retain it for reference for one year. Visit www.uc.pa.gov for additional information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions. [02-2023]
Reopen an Existing Unemployment Compensation Claim
If you established an initial claim for UC benefits within the past year, stopped filing for those benefits and wish to resume filing, you can reopen your claim using the methods listed on this website.
Report Unemployment Compensation (UC) Fraud
Unemployment Compensation fraud increases unemployment taxes for businesses, threatens the availability of funds for people with legitimate Unemployment Compensation claims, and strains the Commonwealth's unemployment trust fund. Unemployment Compensation fraud typically falls into one of three categories: 1. Identity Theft; 2. Claimant Fraud; and 3. Employer Fraud. Learn how to report it from the Department of Labor & Industry.
Support Withholding from Unemployment Compensation Benefits
A brochure from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry providing information on support withholding from Unemployment Compensation Benefits. [PDF] (June 2015)
Unemployment Compensation (UC) Videos
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & industry has created videos to help guide you through Pennsylvania's UC process and to provide helpful information on how to navigate and complete necessary steps for UC benefits. PLEASE NOTE: The video on filing claims mentions filing claims biweekly, however since June of 2021 the biweekly process changed to a weekly process. This video has not yet been updated to reflect that change.
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. [12-2022]
Immigrant's Eligibility for Unemployment Compensation
Information from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) for immigrant worker advocates. This NELP information thoroughly explains eligibility requirements for immigrant workers in order to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Please consult an attorney to get an evaluation of your claims.