If you've been laid off in Pennsylvania, you're likely eligible for Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. With maximum benefits of $617 per week (plus dependent allowances), Pennsylvania provides solid support during your job transition. This guide covers everything you need to know about filing for and receiving Pennsylvania unemployment benefits.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits Overview

Benefit Amounts

How Benefits Are Calculated:

Your weekly benefit rate (WBR) is calculated based on your earnings in the highest two quarters of your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters).

Formula: (Two highest quarters ÷ 25) × 0.5 = Weekly Benefit Rate (capped at $617)

Dependent Allowances:

• $8 per week for each dependent child under 18
• Can increase total benefit, but subject to maximum limits

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Pennsylvania UC:

1. Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least $1,688 in one quarter plus total wages at least 18× your weekly benefit rate)
2. Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
3. Be able and available to work full-time
4. Actively seek suitable work each week
5. Register with PA CareerLink
6. Be legally authorized to work in the United States

How to File for Pennsylvania Unemployment

Before You File

Gather the following information:

• Social Security number
• Pennsylvania driver's license or ID number
• Mailing address, email, and phone number
• Last employer information:
  • Company name, address, phone number
  • Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN) if available
  • Dates of employment
  • Reason for separation
• Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
• Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
• Dependent information (children under 18)
• Alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)

Filing Online (Recommended)

Step 1: Create a Keystone ID

• Visit benefits.uc.pa.gov
• Create a Keystone ID account
• Complete identity verification

Step 2: File Your Initial Claim

• Log in and select "File an Initial Claim"
• Complete all sections thoroughly
• Answer separation questions accurately
• Add dependent information if applicable

Step 3: Register with PA CareerLink

• Required to receive benefits
• Visit pacareerlink.pa.gov
• Create a profile and upload your resume

Step 4: File Biweekly Claims

• After your initial claim, file every two weeks
• Answer questions about work, earnings, and job search
• File on your designated day (based on SSN)

Filing by Phone

Call UC Service Center: 1-888-313-7284

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

Filing Days (based on last two digits of SSN):

Filing Timeline

After You File

The Waiting Week

Pennsylvania has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week of unemployment serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment for that week.

Filing Biweekly Claims

Every two weeks, you must file a claim by:

• Logging into benefits.uc.pa.gov
• Selecting "File Biweekly Claim"
• Answering questions about each week
• Reporting any work and gross earnings
• Confirming work search activities

Important Deadlines:

• Claims must be filed within 7 days of becoming available
• Late claims may result in lost benefits
• File on your designated day based on SSN

Work Search Requirements

Pennsylvania requires you to actively seek work each week:

Minimum 2 Work Search Activities Per Week:

Acceptable Activities:

• Applying for jobs (online or in-person)
• Submitting resumes to employers
• Interviewing for positions
• Attending job fairs
• Registering with employment agencies
• Attending approved training programs
• Using PA CareerLink services

You Must Also:

• Register on PA CareerLink within 30 days
• Keep detailed records of work search activities
• Be able to provide proof if requested
• Accept suitable work offers

Receiving Your Benefits

Payment Methods

Direct Deposit:

• Fastest payment method
• Set up during initial application
• Funds available within 24-48 hours of processing

ReliaCard (US Bank Debit Card):

• Default if no direct deposit elected
• Card mailed after claim approval
• Takes 7-10 business days to arrive
• Can use at ATMs or for purchases

Payment Schedule

• File biweekly claims on your designated day
• Payments processed within 1-2 business days
• Direct deposit typically arrives 2 days after filing
• Debit card may take an additional day

Taxes on Unemployment

Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.

Federal Tax:

• Optional 10% withholding
• If not withheld, you'll owe when filing

Pennsylvania State Tax:

• PA flat income tax rate of 3.07%
• Optional state withholding available
• Philadelphia residents also owe city wage tax

Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid surprises at tax time.

Working While Receiving Benefits

Partial Benefits (Part-Time Work Credit)

Pennsylvania allows you to work part-time and still receive partial benefits:

Earnings Formula:

• You can earn up to 30% of your weekly benefit rate without reduction
• Earnings above 30% reduce your benefit by the excess amount
• If you earn more than 1.3× your weekly benefit, no payment that week

Example:

• Weekly benefit: $500
• 30% earnings allowance: $150
• Your earnings: $300
• Excess: $150 ($300 - $150)
• Benefit paid: $350 ($500 - $150)
• Total income: $650

Reporting Requirements

When filing biweekly claims:

• Report all work, including part-time, temporary, and self-employment
• Report gross earnings (before deductions)
• Report for the week worked, not the week paid
• Report job offers and refusals

Failure to report accurately can result in overpayments, penalties, and fraud prosecution.

Dependent Allowances

Pennsylvania provides a modest additional benefit for dependents.

Who Qualifies

Dependent Children:

• Must be under 18 years old
• You must provide more than half of their support
• Provides $8/week per dependent

How to Claim

• Include dependent information when filing your initial claim
• Provide dependent names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers
• You may be asked to provide verification

Common Issues and Solutions

Claim Under Review

Your claim may need review if:

• Your employer disputes the separation reason
• You have wages from multiple states
• There are eligibility questions
• Previous claims had issues

What to Do:

• Respond promptly to all L&I requests
• Attend scheduled telephone interviews
• Gather documentation (termination letter, emails)
• Be prepared to explain your situation thoroughly

Benefit Denial

If your claim is denied:

1. You'll receive a Notice of Determination
2. You have 21 calendar days to appeal
3. File appeal online or by mail
4. A hearing will be scheduled with a Referee
5. Many denials are reversed on appeal

Non-Fraud Overpayments

If you were overpaid through no fault of your own:

• You'll receive an overpayment notice
• You can request a waiver if repayment causes hardship
• Overpayments may be deducted from future benefits
• You can appeal if you disagree

Fraud Penalties

If you intentionally misrepresent information:

• Repayment of overpayment
• 15% penalty in addition to overpayment
• Disqualification from future benefits
• Possible criminal prosecution

Special Situations

Pittsburgh Tech Workers

If you were laid off from a Pittsburgh tech company:

• Your higher wages typically qualify you for maximum benefits
• Pittsburgh's growing tech scene offers opportunities
• Consider remote positions with out-of-state companies
• See our Tech Industry Guide

Philadelphia Workers

If you were laid off in Philadelphia:

• Same state benefits apply
• Remember Philadelphia wage tax still applies to earnings
• Consider both PA and NJ job markets
• Many companies headquartered in the region

Multi-State Employment

If you worked in multiple states:

• File in the state where you worked most recently
• Combined wage claims are available
• PA will contact other states to verify wages

Severance Pay

In Pennsylvania:

• Severance is generally not deducted from UC benefits
• You can file immediately upon separation
• Report severance when filing—L&I will determine impact
• Vacation pay may be allocated and affect specific weeks

Union Members

If you're a union member:

• Being on union referral may satisfy work search requirements
• Report union status when filing
• Benefits are still available if you meet requirements

PA CareerLink Services

PA CareerLink offers free services to help you find work:

Available Services:

• Job search assistance
• Resume and cover letter help
• Interview preparation
• Skills assessments
• Training program referrals
• Job fairs and networking events

Locations:
PA CareerLink has offices throughout the state. Find your nearest location at pacareerlink.pa.gov.

L&I Contact Information

Online: benefits.uc.pa.gov

Phone:

• UC Service Center: 1-888-313-7284
• TTY: 1-888-334-4046

Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

Mail:
PA Department of Labor & Industry
Office of Unemployment Compensation
651 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17121

Related Resources

• Unemployment Benefits Overview
• COBRA vs ACA Calculator
• Budget Planner Tool
• Unemployment Calculator
• First 24 Hours After Layoff
• State Comparison Tool

Key Takeaways

1. Pennsylvania pays up to $617/week plus $8 per dependent
2. File immediately during your first week of unemployment
3. One waiting week before benefits begin
4. File biweekly claims on your designated day (based on SSN)
5. Complete 2 work search activities per week
6. Register on PA CareerLink within 30 days
7. Part-time work allowed—30% earnings disregard
8. Severance doesn't affect your benefits
9. Both state and federal taxes apply
10. Appeal if denied—you have 21 days

Pennsylvania's unemployment system requires attention to deadlines and consistent compliance with work search requirements. File your initial claim promptly, meet your biweekly filing deadlines, and use PA CareerLink resources to accelerate your job search.