Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

By Sabrina E.
Last update:

Looking for tips to access the Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Pennsylvania Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry is in charge of the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

Unemployment insurance benefits are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry to temporarily assist out-of-work Pennsylvania workers who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own.

Unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania are intended to give financial stability while a worker searches for new employment.

Image: Official Pennsylvania Unemployment Website

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Pennsylvania Unemployment Contact 

Claimant Contacts

UC and General Questions

  • Phone: 888-313-7284
  • Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (EST)

Videophone Service for ASL Users

  • Phone: 717-704-8474 
  • Sign language is the ONLY means of communication provided at this number. 
  • Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (EST)

​Self-Service Options

  • PAULA virtual assistance (general questions): 1-833-755-0882
  • Weekly claims filing: 888-255-4728 | Español: 877-888-8104
  • PA Treasury for changes to your payment method or tracking a lost payment: 877-869-1956
  • U.S. Bank ReliacardOpens In A New Window for questions regarding your debit card account: 888-233-5916

Contacts for Employers 

UC Employer Service Center:

  • Phone: 833-728-2367
  • Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (EST)

UC Tax Employer Contact Center

  • Phone: 866-403-6163
  • Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (EST)

Report Fraud & Identity Theft

  • ​PA Fraud Hotline: 800-692-7469

How To Qualify for Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits

Individual eligibility cannot be determined until the claimant submits a claim for review. Most qualified claimants, however, will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • A minimum of 18 credit weeks throughout the base year and sufficient qualifying income
  • A qualifying separation is one in which the claimant lost his or her job for no fault of his or her own or quit for good reason.
  • Availability and willingness to take acceptable job whenever it is provided

Your information will be checked once you file your initial unemployment compensation claim, and you will be notified of your eligibility.

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How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Pennsylvania? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 18-26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $68 to Max $572
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $14,872

How Do I Apply for Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits?

You may submit your initial unemployment assistance claim in one of the following ways:

  • Online submission: Complete the online application using Pennsylvania’s secure website
  • Telephone claim: Use the statewide unemployment compensation toll-free number at 888-313-7284 to file your unemployment claim
  • Mail: Submit a paper application by mail to an Unemployment Compensation service center.
  • Videophone:  For individuals whose chief mode of communication is American Sign Language, video 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 this method.

After submitting your unemployment claim, you will receive a confirmation letter within seven to ten business days with the Personal Identification Number you will need to check your claim status and file your biweekly claim.

How do I Manage My Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits

Once your first claim has been granted, you must make a biweekly claim for the unemployment compensation payments you want for the preceding two weeks. You’ll be asked questions about any money you’ve made in the preceding weeks, activities relevant to your job hunt, and any job offers you’ve had since your last claim as part of this process.

If you would like to file a weekly claim, you can do so online or by calling 888-255-4728.

How Do I Appeal a Pennsylvania Unemployment Decision?

You have the right to seek an appeal if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your original unemployment claim. You can request a hearing either online or via mail.

You can use the appeal form that came with your determination letter to seek a hearing by mail, or you can send your own letter to the address shown on your determination letter.

f you want to send your appeal request by fax, the determination letter will give a fax number for appeals. You can also send an email to UCAppeals@pa.gov to request an appeal.

You have 15 days from the day your determination letter was postmarked to file an appeal. Your case will be reviewed by a Referee at this stage, who will make a second decision. The decision might then be appealed to the Board of Appeals. The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania will hear any final appeals.

How Do I Report a Pennsylvania Unemployment Fraud?

All accusations of unemployment benefit fraud are taken extremely seriously by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. You can submit false unemployment compensation claims using the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s secure online reporting form if you feel someone is exploiting your identity to receive benefits.

You can also report fraud over the phone by calling Pennsylvania’s Fraud Hotline at 800-692-7469.

Submit an Unemployment Claims Fraud Form if you think someone is getting UI benefits fraudulently. This might include claimants who are working but are not reporting their pay correctly, as well as those who are unable to work due to illness, disability, or jail.

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How Do I Talk to a Person in Pennsylvania Unemployment Customer Service?

You may call the UC service center at 888-313-7284.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes a good cause, and you can make your case for receiving benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because policies and terms differ from state to state.

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Pennsylvania Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Pennsylvania Unemployment  OfficePennsylvania Unemployment Office LocationsPennsylvania Unemployment Phone Number
Unemployment Office – Lehigh Valley555 Union BoulevardAllentown, PA 18109610-437-5627
Unemployment Office – Blair County1600 5th AveSuite 200Altoona, PA 16602814-940-6200
Unemployment Office – Bedford County1 Corporate DriveSuite 103Bedford, PA 15522814-623-6107
Unemployment Office Centre County240 Match Factory PlaceBellefonte, PA 16823814-548-7587
Unemployment Office – Columbia/Montour County415 Central Road Suite 2Bloomsburg, PA 17815570-387-6288
Unemployment Office – McKean County40 Davis StreetBradford, PA 16701814-363-9100
Unemployment Office – Bucks County at Bristol1260 Veterans HighwayBristol, PA 19007215-781-1073
Unemployment Office – Butler County112 Hollywood DriveSuite 203Butler, PA 16001724-431-4000
Unemployment Office – Cumberland County1 Alexandra CourtCarlisle, PA 17015717-243-4431
Unemployment Office – Franklin County600 Norland AvenueChambersburg, PA 17201717-264-4584
Unemployment Office – Chester City701 Crosby StreetSuite BChester, PA 19013610-447-3350
Unemployment Office – Clearfield County at Clearfield1125 Linden StreetSuite 2Clearfield, PA 16830814-765-8118
Unemployment Office – Potter County279 Rt 6 WestCoudersport, PA 16915814-274-9330
Unemployment Office – Mon Valley570 Galiffa DriveDonora Industrial ParkDonora, PA 15033724-379-4750
Unemployment Office – Clearfield County at DuBois602 West DuBois Ave Unit # 1Dubois, PA 15801814-371-0250
Unemployment Office – Erie County1647 Sassafras StreetErie, PA 16502814-455-9966
Unemployment Office – Chester County479 Thomas Jones WaySuite 500Exton, PA 19341610-280-1010
Unemployment Office – Adams County150 V-Twin DriveGettysburg, PA 17325717-334-1173
Unemployment Office – Capitol Region100 N Cameron StreetSuite 101Harrisburg, PA 17101717-783-3270
Unemployment Office – Luzerne County75 North Laurel StreetHazleton, PA 18201570-459-3854
Unemployment Office Wayne County650 1/2 W Park St.Honesdale, PA 18431570-229-3420
Unemployment Office – Huntingdon County54 Pennsylvania AvenueHuntingdon, PA 16652-1299814-641-6408
Unemployment Office – Indiana County300 Indian Springs RoadIndiana, PA 15701724-471-7220
Unemployment Office – Cambria County248 Main Street Suite 100Johnstown, PA 15901814-534-2500
Unemployment Office – Armstrong County11931 State Route 85 Suite EKittanning, PA 16201724-548-5693
Unemployment Office – Lancaster County1016 North Charlotte StreetLancaster, PA 17603-2764717-509-5613
Unemployment Office – Lebanon County243 Schneider DriveLebanon, PA 17046-4875717-274-2554
Unemployment Office – Fayette County112 Commonwealth DriveLemont Furnace, PA 15456724-434-5627
Unemployment Office – Lewistown6395 SR 103 NorthMCIDC Plaza Building 58Lewistown, PA 17044717-248-4942
Unemployment Office – Clinton County8 North Grove StreetSuite FLock Haven, PA 17745570-893-4022
Employment & Training Inc. Fulton Site122 West Market StreetSuite 100Mcconnellsburg, PA 17233717-485-5131
Unemployment Office – Delaware County901 Media Line RoadMedia, PA 19063610-723-1220
Unemployment Office – Beaver County285 Beaver Valley MallRoute 18Monaca, PA 15061724-728-4860
Unemployment Office – Carbon County50 E Locust StNesquehoning, PA 18240570-325-2701
Unemployment Office – Lawrence County101 South Mercer StreetSuite 101New Castle, PA 16101724-656-3165
Unemployment Office – Alle-Kiski1150 5th AvenueSuite 200New Kensington, PA 15068724-334-8600
Unemployment Office – Montgomery County1430 DeKalb StreetNorristown, PA 19401610-270-3429
Unemployment Office – Oil Region255 Elm Street Suite 1Oil City, PA 16301-1412814-678-5050
Unemployment Office – Northwest Philadelphia5847 Germantown AvePhiladelphia, PA 19144215-978-6503
Unemployment Office – Suburban Station1617 JFK BoulevardSuite 200Philadelphia, PA 19103215-557-2592
Unemployment Office – West Philadelphia3901 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104215-473-3630
Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center5321 Penn AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15224412-362-8580
Unemployment Office – Allegheny East2040 Ardmore BoulevardPittsburgh, PA 15221412-436-2225
Unemployment Office – Downtown Pittsburgh304 Wood StreetPittsburgh, PA 15222412-552-7100
Unemployment Office – Schuylkill County201 – 203 East Arch StreetPottsville, PA 17901570-622-5253
Unemployment Office – Jefferson County103 East Union StreetSuite 2Punxsutawney, PA 15767814-938-0504
Unemployment Office – Berks County1920 Kutztown Road Suite FReading, PA 19604610-988-1300
Unemployment Office – Lackawanna County135 Franklin AvenueScranton, PA 18503570-963-4671
Unemployment Office – Mercer County217 West State StreetSharon, PA 16146724-347-9257
Pike County Workforce Development Agency837 Route 6 Unit 2Shohola, PA 18458570-296-2909
Unemployment Office – Somerset County6022 Glades PikeSuite 100Somerset, PA 15501-1461814-445-4161
Somerset County Office of  Veterans Services300 North Center AvenueSte. 380Somerset, PA 15501814-445-1551
Unemployment Office – Elk County245 Depot StreetSt. Marys, PA 15857814-834-2857
Unemployment Office – Sunbury225 Market StreetSunbury, PA 17801570-988-7300
Unemployment Office – Susquehanna County1302 Main StSusquehanna, PA 18847570-853-1103
Unemployment Office – Monroe CountyP.O. box 869, 2937 Route 611Merchants PlazaTannersville, PA 18372-0789570-620-2850
Unemployment Office – Bradford/Sullivan Counties312 Main StreetSuite 1Towanda, PA 18848-1844570-265-2171
Unemployment Office – Wyoming County1 Kim AvenueWarner Complex Suite 10Tunkhannock, PA 18657570-836-6840
Unemployment Office – Washington County90 West Chestnut StreetSuite 150 LLWashington, PA 15301724-223-4500
Unemployment Office – Greene County200 Greene PlazaWaynesburg, PA 15370-1324724-852-2900
Unemployment Office – Tioga County56 Plaza LaneWellsboro, PA 16901-1763570-724-1939
Unemployment Office – Wilkes-Barre32 East Union StreetWilkes Barre, PA 18701570-822-1101
Unemployment Office – Lycoming County329 Pine StreetWilliamsport, PA 17701570-601-5465
Unemployment Office – York County841 Vogelsong RoadYork, PA 17404-0868717-767-7600
Unemployment Office – Youngwood151 Pavilion LaneYoungwood, PA 15697-1814724-755-2330

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself.
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina E.
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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