Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits
There are three primary methods for filing a new unemployment claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Using the secure website, Pennsylvania residents can submit a claim any time of the day or night. For those who would rather submit a paper application, the required forms can be obtained from the local unemployment office or can be downloaded online. Finally, Pennsylvania benefits can be filed over the phone by calling 1-888-313-7284.
Eligibility for Pennsylvania unemployment benefits is determined by several factors. The first of which is determining whether your job qualifies for benefits, and if you earned the state minimum in wages in order to be eligible. The second step that determines whether you qualify depends on why the job was lost. In certain cases, the reason for termination may void your claim. Thirdly, those seeking Pennsylvania unemployment benefits must be actively searching for new employment in order to maintain their eligibility.
In Pennsylvania, it’s important to file a claim within the first week of unemployment. Failure to do so may make securing payment more difficult and may limit the amount of money you are eligible for. The state also requires recipients of unemployment funds to file biweekly claims in order to keep receiving benefits. If at any time you stop filing these claims, the state will stop your compensation. It is possible to reopen an existing claim and start receiving benefits again depending on the situation.
In addition to traditional unemployment benefits, Pennsylvania offers assistance to those who lose their jobs because of military service and disasters. Extended benefits are also available for those who qualify and during times when the state’s rate of unemployment is higher than average. Additional information can be found by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website or contacting the number listed above.
