The new UC system will require a log-in using a username and password. You can create one when you access the UC system for the first time.

• If you forgot your username or password, simply choose the "Forgot Username/Password?" link from the login page. You will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed. If you do not receive an email, you must call the UC Service Center at 888-313-7284 to make sure the correct email address is on file. 
  

If you forgot your username or password, simply choose the "Forgot Username/Password?" link from the login page. You will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed. If you do not receive an email, you must call the UC Service Center at 888-313-7284 to make sure the correct email address is on file. 

​The URL for the new UC system and all unemployment claims activity is benefits.uc.pa.gov.

With the new UC system, you can file for benefits on a weekly or biweekly basis. However, in the system you will only see a “weekly” certification option. You do not need to select whether to file on a “weekly” or biweekly” basis. You will get paid according to when you file.

​You can now file for benefits in the new system on a weekly basis; the old system required biweekly certifications. Each weekly certification period begins on Sunday at 12am and ends on the following Saturday at 11:59pm.  You can only file for each claim week one time.  

Currently, individuals may file for any missed weeks up to eight weeks preceding the day you are filing. You can expect to receive payments 2-3 business days after you file.

​The new system will NOT provide you with a confirmation email after filing. Instead, you will see a confirmation page within the new UC system. As you are filing, you may track your progress by referencing the green status bar at the top of each page. When the “Complete” section is checked green you are done filing for that week.  

Weekly Certification Confirmation Example (click to expand):

​The browsers that are supported are Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.

​Yes, the URL for the application is responsive web design, which means it will detect the device type and size itself to "fit" the screen.

Your existing payment method – whether through direct deposit or debit cards – will stay the same.

​No, the Reliacard you have will not change. Access to your card will not change and your future payments from the new unemployment benefits system will continue to be placed on your card if that is the current method of payment.

​There is no editing functionality once fact finding is saved. Claimants should ensure all the information is complete and accurate before they save. If claimants require changes, they can upload documentation to support their requested changes. The new UC system is designed to prevent modifying information used in the determination and appeal process.

​The interactive system is not suited to a paper application due to the interactive nature of the application. You will need to process an application via the system or speak to a UC claim representative.

The ability to file for weekly claims using telephone interactive voice response Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT) will be available starting June 10.

For claimants filing a continued claim: Yes, you will use your existing PIN number if you want to file for benefits using the telephone. Your existing PIN number has been moved into the new system. 

For claimants filing a NEW claim: If you are filing for benefits for the first time, you need to contact the UC Service Center (888-313-7284; Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm) and let them know  you’ll need to file by phone in the future. The UC Service Center will file an initial claim and provide you a PIN number to use while filing over the phone in the future.

​Currently, the new system will automatically give you the option to certify up to the previous three weeks if you haven't already certified them online or over the phone. You will be able to file for one week at a time, from the oldest available week to the newest available week.

If you are trying to file for more than three weeks you will need to request backdating through your dashboard online. 

Your claim now shows an "in progress" message when you have filed a claim and have not yet received payments. This message will show while L&I determines whether or not you are eligible for benefits, including during the determination period.

If no issues exist on your claim, you should expect the Benefit Pay Date to display the date (Month/Day/Year) on the following business day, indicating that the payment was released.

Once you see a payment date, you should expect to receive your payment via debit card or direct deposit within 1 to 2 business days. Please allow extra days for holidays and weekends.

Learn more about your Benefit Summary. 

​The new URL, benefits.uc.pa.gov, will be available beginning June 8, 2021. 

The new UC system is replacing the current benefits and appeals system. It is not replacing UCMS (UC Management System), which employers separately use to manage UC tax issues.

​No, the Unemployment Compensation Management System (UCMS) will not be affected.​

​If you are established as the TPA “Primary Contact” within UCMS for your businesses, your information will be converted to the new UC system. Once you have logged into the new UC system, you will be able to switch between the various accounts that you currently manage.

​The new UC system gives employers the opportunity to opt into electronic communications. We encourage employers to use this option as a more efficient way to process your documents.  

When you select this communication preference, you will begin to receive email notifications when you have new, unread messages in the new UC system. You will then be able to manage your account, respond to claims online, and upload additional attachments directly into the system.

​You may change your communication preferences in the “General Information” tab. If you choose to opt into receiving electronic communications, you will begin to receive email notifications when you have new, unread messages in the new UC system.

​When we notify you that a claim is filed, you will have an option to indicate whether you believe the claim is fraudulent. This is the most effective way to notify us. You may also choose to report fraud on the UC website. 

Please do not report the potential fraud in both places as this will delay processing.

​Multiple contacts can access the information for one claimant, but fact-finding documents can only be submitted once.

​No, the new UC system is not replacing the SIDES system. You will be able to access SIDES directly through the new UC system.

​No, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program is not affected.

​Yes, you'll be able to see all your current claims in the new system. 

Yes, you can see claim weeks filed and payments made, including any deductions or reductions. ​

​L&I plans to use a variety of methods to let people know if something changes from our plan. Issues that affect only certain small groups of people may be communicated directly to these claimants by email or through the messaging dashboard in the new system.

Issues that are more widespread may be communicated through broader messaging channels, such as L&I's social media pages, banners on the website and UC system login page and press engagement.

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