Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Pennsylvania unemployment benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
  • You must be unemployed.
  • You must have worked in Pennsylvania during the past 18 months (or longer in some cases).
  • You must have earned a minimum amount of wages during your base period.
  • You must be able, available, and actively seeking work.

Base period wages

Your base period is the four calendar quarters of your earnings that were highest during the past 5 completed calendar quarters. To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned at least $116 in each of at least two of the four quarters of your base period.

Work search requirements

You must be able, available, and actively seeking work each week you are collecting unemployment benefits. This means that you must be willing and able to work full-time and that you must be taking steps to find a job. You must also be able to document your job search efforts.

Exceptions to the work search requirements

There are some exceptions to the work search requirements. For example, you may be exempt from the work search requirements if you are:

  • Under the age of 18.
  • Over the age of 65.
  • Disabled.
  • A pregnant woman.
  • A parent or guardian of a child under the age of 6.
  • A student who is enrolled in at least half-time classes at an accredited educational institution.
  • You are participating in certain training or retraining programs.
  • You are actively seeking work through a union hiring hall.

Other eligibility requirements

In addition to the above requirements, you may also be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if you:

  • Quit your job without good cause.
  • Were fired for misconduct.
  • Are self-employed.
  • Are a school employee.
  • Are receiving certain types of government benefits.

How to apply for unemployment benefits

To apply for unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website or call the unemployment benefits hotline at (888) 313-7284.

Appealing a denied unemployment claim

If your unemployment claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. To appeal a denied claim, you must file a written appeal with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry within 30 days of the date of the denial letter.

For more information on Pennsylvania unemployment benefits eligibility requirements, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *