How Do I Apply for Unemployment Benefits with the Pennsylvania Unemployment Claims?

In a nutshell: If you live in Pennsylvania and have recently become unemployed, you need to file for unemployment benefits as quickly as possible. The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation System recommends doing it by the end of the week in which you become unemployed if you don't want to risk losing benefits. Also, the faster you get your benefits, the better the chance that you won't be late on any bill payments. Fortunately, filing is quick and easy with Pennsylvania's online filing system.

Introduction

If you live in Pennsylvania and have recently become unemployed, you need to file for unemployment benefits as quickly as possible. The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation System recommends doing it by the end of the week in which you become unemployed if you don't want to risk losing benefits. Also, the faster you get your benefits, the better the chance that you won't be late on any bill payments. Fortunately, filing is quick and easy with Pennsylvania's online filing system.

What You'll Need

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania:You cannot be self employed.You must have worked for long enough and have made enough money to be eligible. These requirements are subject to change and can vary with job type. Generally, you will need to have worked 18 weeks in the last year for your former employer.You must have lost your job through no fault of your own, such as through a layoff.You must actively be looking for a new job.If you are eligible for benefits, you will receive them for a period ranging from 18 to 26 weeks, depending on the circumstances of your case.

You will need to file a weekly certification if you get unemployment benefits if you wish to keep receiving them. Instructions will be provided if your claim is approved.

You will not receive compensation for your first week of unemployment.

Go to the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation System benefits page.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation System benefits page

How Do I Apply for Unemployment Benefits with the Pennsylvania Unemployment Claims? (Step 1)

Click on the Sign In/Register button in the upper right hand corner of the screen and either sign into your Pennsylvania UCS account or register for one.

Click the "Start an unemployment compensation claim" link in the list on the right hand side of the screen.

Click on the id.me button in the upper right corner to either sign in to or sign up for an id.me account.

Follow the prompts and answer the questions about yourself and how you came to be unemployed to finish filling out your initial claim.

Certify that you have entered truthful, accurate information on the Applicant Certification page.

Click on the Submit button.

Enter the requested banking information to set up direct deposit, so if you are approved for unemployment benefits, you can get them immediately deposited in your bank.

Read the information on work search requirements.

Register for Career Link, a job search service, which is required to get unemployment benefits.

Select your preferred method of communication from the drop down menu.

Wait for a decision on your case.

Conclusion

If you have any questions about the application process, or while you are waiting to hear about your vase, call a Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation System customer service representative for answers. The call center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm EST from Monday to Friday. It is not open on weekends.

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for Pennsylvania Unemployment Claims Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like Comcast in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our What do I do if my Xfinity TV or internet is out? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.