How to File an Unemployment Claim in Pennsylvania

File an Unemployment Claim in PA

File an unemployment claim quickly if you have recently lost your job in Pennsylvania. If you have been let go, Pennsylvania allows you to file the unemployment application online in as little as 30 minutes.

Instructions

1. First gather the following information prior to filing your unemployment claim in PA:

   1. Social Security number

   2. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation photo ID or alien registration number (for non-United States citizens)

   3. The name and address of your last employer (full or part-time)

   4. Your most recent pay stub

   5. If you worked in another state in the last 18 months, have all employer names and mailing addresses.

   6. If you worked for the federal government in the last 18 months, you will need information from Standard Form 8, Standard Form 50, W-2's and/or pay stubs.

   7. If you were in the military in the last 18 months, have a copy of from DD 214, Member Copy 4.

2. Make sure your computer is adequate to access the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website. You will need Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher or Netscape Navigator 6.0 or higher. Make sure your browser has JAVAScript enabled.

3. To file your unemployment application go to the Department of Labor and Industry website through the link in the References section. Click on your language preference to proceed.

4. Fill out all of the information on the form. All fields are required unless there is an (optional) message at the field. When you have finished entering data in a field, use the TAB key to move to the next field. If you want to go back to a previous field, hold the SHIFT key and press TAB. When you have finished entering data on a screen, click on the NEXT button at the bottom of the screen to advance to the next screen. If you want to go back to a previous page, click on the BACK button at the bottom of the page. Do not use the BACK arrow on your browser. If you exit the application before receiving a confirmation page, the information you have provided will be deleted.

5. Once you complete the form you will receive a confirmation number. After this time period there is a mandatory one week waiting period before unemployment benefits can earned. The waiting period does not start until you file the unemployment application. If you are eligible, you can expect to receive the first benefit within four weeks of filing the application.

   After the initial filing, Pennsylvania requires that you continue to file bi-weekly. You can do this through your online account. Report any income including cash, meal allowances, lodging, tips, Military Reserve or National Guard Pay for federal active duty and the two-week training camp, and any other kind of compensation you have received in exchange for work or service you performed. It is important to continue to file the bi-weekly unemployment filing to continue to receive unemployment payments.

Tips & Warnings

• You will not be eligible for unemployment if the unemployment is considered your fault (in other words, if you quit without good reason, or you were fired for willful misconduct).

References

• Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Unemployment Compensation