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.
Basics of Unemployment Compensation
General information from Neighborhood Legal Services about receiving unemployment compensation benefits.
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.
Voluntary Quit
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on eligibility for unemployment compensation when you voluntarily quit your job.
Willful Misconduct
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on eligibility for unemployment compensation when you are laid off or fired from your job.
Know Your Employment Rights!
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)
Know Your Rights: Unemployment Compensation Overpayments (Video)
On Monday, May 22, 2023 Philadelphia Legal Assistance UC attorneys Aaron Sommer and Meghan Binford gave a presentation on UC overpayments on Facebook Live. The presentation talked about the different types of UC overpayments, how the government can recover the overpayment, and overpayment waivers.
Apply for Unemployment Compensation Benefits - Initial Claim
This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry allows you to file an initial application or reopen their existing claims for UC benefits via the Internet, telephone or video phone for individuals using American Sign Language.
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.
Filing Bi-Weekly Claims 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.
Filing Claims
Information from UCHelp.org on filing weekly claims for unemployment insurance benefits.
How to File for Unemployment Compensation Benefits Online (Video)
Need to file for unemployment benefits? This video from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will show you everything you need to know and how you can save time in the process!
Appealing an Unemployment Compensation Decision
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on how to appeal a denial of unemployment compensation.
Representing Yourself at a Unemployment Compensation Referee Hearing
Tips and suggestions for persons representing themselves at an unemployment compensation hearing from Neighborhood Legal Services.
Downloadable Forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Links to downloadable forms from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
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.
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).
Benefit Appeals - Important Information for UC Appeal Hearings
Information from the PA Department of Labor & Industry on appeals of unemployment compensation claims.
Did You Get Unemployment Compensation During the Pandemic? Tips for Filing a New UC Application
If you received Unemployment Compensation (UC) during the pandemic and now need to apply again because you lost your job, you may be confused about how to get started. Here’s some advice from Community Legal Services that may help you file your new application.
Extending Your Regular Unemployment Compensation Benefits
Information on extensions enacted to extend regular unemployment compensation benefits.
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 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.
How To Appeal A Regular UC Denial
If you received a Notice of Determination finding you ineligible for UC benefits, you must file an appeal within 15 days of the date the determination was mailed. This section provides guidance on the appeal process.
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.
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 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.
Unemployment Compensation Complaint
If you have had problems reaching representatives from Unemployment Compensation (UC), you can submit a complaint using this site.
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 - Initial Claim
This site from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry allows you to file an initial application or reopen their existing claims for UC benefits via the Internet, telephone or video phone for individuals using American Sign Language.
Filing Bi-Weekly Claims 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.
Did You Get Unemployment Compensation During the Pandemic? Tips for Filing a New UC Application
If you received Unemployment Compensation (UC) during the pandemic and now need to apply again because you lost your job, you may be confused about how to get started. Here’s some advice from Community Legal Services that may help you file your new application.
Pennsylvania 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.
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).
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.
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 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.
The New UC System
Information on the new system implemented to administer Unemployment insurance claims in Pennsylvania in June 2021.
Filing Claims
Information from UCHelp.org on filing weekly claims for unemployment insurance benefits.
Basics of Unemployment Compensation
General information from Neighborhood Legal Services about receiving unemployment compensation benefits.
Appealing an Unemployment Compensation Decision
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on how to appeal a denial of unemployment compensation.
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.
Qualifying for Unemployment Compensation (Audio-MP3)
6/2/2008: A summary of the Unemployment Compensation benefit process in Pennsylvania by Northwestern Legal Services. Includes information on qualifying when you quit or are terminated, how to apply, financial eligibility requirements, the hearing process, and information on appealing a case. Audio recording with written transcript. (2008)
Representing Yourself at a Unemployment Compensation Referee Hearing
Tips and suggestions for persons representing themselves at an unemployment compensation hearing from Neighborhood Legal Services.
Temporary Jobs - When on Unemployment Compensation Benefits
Information from Northwestern Legal Services on how temporary employment can affect the receipt of unemployment compensation benefit.
Unemployment Compensation
Information from Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services about the eligibility requirements and process to obtain unemployment compensation.
Voluntary Quit
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on eligibility for unemployment compensation when you voluntarily quit your job.
Willful Misconduct
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services on eligibility for unemployment compensation when you are laid off or fired from your job.
Know Your Employment Rights!
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)
Pennsylvania Employment Law Information (Audio-MP3)
Episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 5/31/07. information on PA Employment Law such as wage cases and barriers to employment such as a criminal record. (28:08)
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.
Did You Get Unemployment Compensation During the Pandemic? Tips for Filing a New UC Application
If you received Unemployment Compensation (UC) during the pandemic and now need to apply again because you lost your job, you may be confused about how to get started. Here’s some advice from Community Legal Services that may help you file your new application.
Do I qualify for unemployment compensation?
Unemployment compensation is income replacement for workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Find out if your circumstances make you eligible for benefits.
Extending Your Regular Unemployment Compensation Benefits
Information on extensions enacted to extend regular unemployment compensation benefits.
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 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.
How To Appeal A Regular UC Denial
If you received a Notice of Determination finding you ineligible for UC benefits, you must file an appeal within 15 days of the date the determination was mailed. This section provides guidance on the appeal process.
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.
How To Apply For Benefits
Learn how to apply for Unemployment Compensation and get guidance on filling out your application and working your way through the process.
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 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.
Immigration and Unemployment Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many comman 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
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.
Know Your Rights: Unemployment Compensation Overpayments (Video)
On Monday, May 22, 2023 Philadelphia Legal Assistance UC attorneys Aaron Sommer and Meghan Binford gave a presentation on UC overpayments on Facebook Live. The presentation talked about the different types of UC overpayments, how the government can recover the overpayment, and overpayment waivers.
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.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Overpayments
Overpayments happen when the government determines that you received unemployment compensation benefits that you were not eligible for, even though they paid you. Learn what to do if an overpayment occurs and when and how you have to pay back the overpaid 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.
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.
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.
Unemployment Compensation
Information on Unemployment Compensation benefits from the Erie County Bar Association. (August 2018)
Unemployment Compensation
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] (April 2013)
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.
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.
How to File for Unemployment Compensation Benefits Online (Video)
Need to file for unemployment benefits? This video from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will show you everything you need to know and how you can save time in the process!
Downloadable Forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Links to downloadable forms 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.
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.
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).
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) which provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have exhausted all rights to such benefits. PUA benefits are only for individuals who are unemployed due to COVID-19 reasons, it does not cover individuals without an attachment to the labor market or individuals who are unemployed for non-COVID-19 reasons.
Groups Who Should NOT File for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (Video)
This video from the Department of Labor & Industry describes who should not file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
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.
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.
Learn how to file for unemployment benefits online (Video)
Informative video describing how to file for unemployment compensation benefits online in Pennsylvania.
Office of Unemployment Compensation - PA.gov
Launch page to information on Unemployment Compensation from the PA Department of Labor and Industry
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.
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 FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding unemployment compensation benefits in Pennsylvania, answered by the PA Department of Labor & Industry.
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.
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.
National Employment Law Project
Website of the National Employment Law Project. The Project works to promote policies and programs that create good jobs, strengthen upward mobility, enforce hard-won worker rights, and help unemployed workers regain their economic footing through improved benefits and services.