• Pennsylvania is extending unemployment compensation for residents by an additional 13 weeks through a program called Unemployment Compensation Extended Benefits.
    • ​Are you eligible?  You are if you meet the following requirements...
      • ​You are totally or partially unemployed
      • You have exhausted your regular state benefits on your most recent Unemployment Compensation claim, or your most recent Unemployment Compensation benefit year has ended
      • You have received the maximum amount of pandemic unemployment compensation that you were eligible to receive.
      • For more information on eligibility and how to apply, go here.
  • The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation or PEUC program, has been extended for individuals whose regular unemployment benefits have expired or will expire soon and will provide 13 more weeks of benefits to the unemployed.  Click HERE for more information and to fill out an application.
WHO SHOULD BE FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT?​
  • You are not unemployed if you receive a regular salary, even if you are not working.  
  • Only individuals who are working less and are receiving less pay are considered unemployed.​

​DON'T CALL OR ASK ABOUT ELIGIBILITY, JUST FILE. 
  • ​We cannot say for certain if you are eligible, ineligible, or what your repayment may be until you open a claim.  
  • Please do not call the service center to ask general questions before opening your claim. 
  • Our UC Guide will help you decide if you should file and to help you through the process. We will reach out if we need more information and you'll receive an eligibility determination.

​WHEN SHOULD YOU BE OPENING A CLAIM?
  • You should be opening a claim on the Sunday – Saturday of the week when your hours are actually reduced or eliminated. Opening a claim earlier will result in delays. 

​EXPECTED DATE OF RETURN TO WORK?
  • ​If you do not have an expected date of return, select "No" to the written notice question and do not fill in a date. 

​ABLE AND AVAILABLE?
  • ​Being quarantined at home or otherwise confined to home does not necessarily mean you are not available to accept work. 
  • IF you could conceivably accept some type of work – such as work from home jobs – you can consider yourself available.  "Able" refers to physically being able.

EMPLOYER SEPARATION - WHAT TO ENTER FOR COVID-19?
  • If your employer reduced your hours partially or completely, that is a lack of work.
  • If your hours have been reduced or completely cut and you are no longer being paid as much as you were, do not choose "still employed."  Any reduction in hours is simply a lack of work or layoff.  

How to File and Initial Claim

What you need before you get started Personal Information:
  • SSN
  • Home address and mailing address (if different)
  • Telephone number
  • Valid email
  • PIN - Personal Identification Number (optional)- If you have previously filed a UC claim using your previous PIN can prevent you from having to re-enter information
  • Direct deposit bank information (optional) - bank name, address, account and routing number.
In some cases additional information is needed. For a complete list, view our requirements checklist.

Information about Separating Employer:
  • Employer's name, address and phone number
  • Employer's PA UC account number (if known)
  • First and last day worked with employer
  • Reason for leaving
  • Pension or severance package information (if applicable)
Tools to help you file You should file your UC application for benefits using one of the following methods:
  • Online: An online application can be filed using our secure website 7 days a week, 24 hours
  • Telephone: An application can be filed on the statewide unemployment compensation toll-free number at 1-888-313-7284.
  • Mail: A paper application can be mailed to a UC service center.
  • Videophone service: For individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) videophone service is available every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. at 717-704-8474.
    • *Sign language is the ONLY means of communication provided through the Videophone.
  • PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (PUA) PROGRAM - This is a newly available emergency unemployment assistance program under the federal CARES Act.  PUA provides assistance for unemployed or partially unemployed individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance and who are unable or unavailable to work due to COVID-19 related circumstances, for example general contractors or self employed individuals etc.
    •  The Employment Development Department (EDD) will be accepting on-line applications for this program beginning on Tuesday, April 28.  Check HERE for the latest updates.