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File a Biweekly or Weekly Certification


Reminder: 

  • Filing for the same claim weeks on more than one program is considered fraud.
  • With the UC System, you can now file for benefits on a weekly or biweekly basis. However, in the system, you will see only 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.  

​Unemployment Compensation

After filing your initial application for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits, you will receive a Claims Confirmation letter via your UC dashboard communication preference or in the mail. This letter will provide

    • The date you will file your first claim -- generally the second Sunday after completing your initial application for benefits.
    • Your 4-digit PIN will only be necessary to file your weekly claim if you file via Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT)

You will file a weekly claim certifying your eligibility for each week separately. For UC purposes, a week is a calendar week that begins Sunday and ends Saturday.

Quick Tips on Filing Weekly Claims

To be unemployed, you must have a loss in both work hours and pay or "earnings."


​Did You Work?

​Answer Yes if you worked at all during the week or if your employer paid you (regular wages, supplemental payments or any type of paid leave including vacation pay, sick leave or Paid Time Off (PTO). You must report your earnings. ​

When you answer "Yes", the next question will be:

You worked; (if you worked your normal full-time hours or will be paid the equivalent of your normal full-time hours, you are not entitled to benefits for the week.) Did you work your normal full-time hours, or will you be paid wages equal to your normal full-time wages?

​To avoid claim delays, properly report your earnings.


  • Earnings include your gross earnings from any work performed, as well as full or partial salary, even if actual work was not performed. 
  • Potential earnings are any earnings you could have made, but you turned down the work.
  • Vacation pay: Answer "No" to the question “Did you or will you receive vacation pay?” if you did not receive vacation pay. If you received vacation pay, you will report it by answering "YES" to “Did you Work?” and reporting that vacation pay as earnings.

​​Were you able and available for work? 

Being confined to home does not necessarily mean you are not available to accept work. If you could work from home if requested, you are Available. You are Able to work if you are mentally and physically capable of performing a job for which a labor market exists.

 

NOTE: THE DEPARTMENT CANNOT PAY YOU FOR WEEKS UNLESS A TIMELY CLAIM HAS BEEN FILED.

The best way to file your weekly claim is online.

You also can file by phone by using the PA Teleclaims (PAT) system. Call 888-255-4728 (TTY services for the deaf and hard of hearing: 888-334-4046), Sunday through Friday 24 hours a day.

 

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