Unemployment Compensation: The Basics
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Q: What is unemployment compensation?
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A: Unemployment compensation is insurance that protects workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. People who qualify to receive unemployment compensation get a weekly check and help finding a new job. Most people receiving unemployment compensation receive about ½ of what they earned at their job. However, you may receive more money if you have a dependant spouse or child. Unemployment compensation usually can last for up to 26 weeks. However, your unemployment compensation benefits can end after 16 weeks, or you can be denied benefits altogether, if you didn't work enough in the previous year.
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Q: Can you get unemployment compensation?
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A: You are eligible to receive unemployment compensation if you:
1. Were fired or laid off through no fault of your own, or if you were forced to quit because of a compelling reason, and
2. Are able and available to work at another job that is suitable, considering your skills, education, or training, and
3. Worked for a company that paid unemployment compensation taxes, and
4. Earned enough money to qualify for unemployment compensation.
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Q: Can you get partial unemployment compensation if your hours are cut back?
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A: You may be able to receive partial unemployment compensation if your work hours are cut back because of a lack of work. At your job, you can earn up to 40% of your weekly unemployment compensation amount without losing any unemployment benefits. Anything you earn over this amount is deducted from your weekly check.
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Q: What are some reasons you could be denied unemployment compensation?
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A: You could be denied unemployment compensation if you:
Voluntarily quit your job, without a compelling reason
Were fired because of willful misconduct -
Refuse suitable work
Are unable or unavailable to work
Are incarcerated following a conviction
Are participating in a strike
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Q: If you are pregnant, can you collect unemployment compensation?
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A: Yes. The same rules apply to pregnant women as apply to everyone else. However, pregnancy is not considered good cause to voluntarily quit a job. If you choose not to work because you are pregnant, you cannot receive unemployment compensation. However, if your company fires you because of your pregnancy (and you are "able and available" for work), you can receive unemployment compensation. You can continue to receive your unemployment compensation benefits after the child is born if you are able and available to work.
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Q: How do you apply for unemployment compensation?
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A: Pennsylvania has recently changed the process of how we apply for unemployment compensation benefits. All applications are done over the phone with UC Service Centers at 1-888-313-7284 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday or online anytime at www.paclaims.state.pa.us/UCEN/Login.asp. You should apply for unemployment compensation benefits as soon as you possibly can after losing or leaving your job. The UC Service Center will interview you and your former employer to determine if you should receive unemployment compensation. You will receive a written notice telling you whether or not you will receive unemployment benefits.
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Q: What if you are denied unemployment compensation?
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A: If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal. (Your former employer can appeal the decision too.) The appeals process can be a little complex. So, for more guidance, please see the NLSA pamphlet on appealing unemployment compensation decisions.
Main Office: 928 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3799
Telephone: (412) 255-6700
Toll-Free: 1-866-761-6572
Fax: (412) 355-0168
Site last updated
Friday, April 16, 2010 10:33
