How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 1
How to open a new unemployment claim – Initial Claims Guide
Welcome! Before you proceed with the instructions for opening a claim, read the
below information to find out if you are filing your claim at the right time.
Unemployment law is specific about not filing claims early or late; it must be done
during the correct week to help prevent claim delays and not miss any benefits.
A common error: Opening your claim a week too early or too late
You must open/reopen your unemployment claim the first week when you are fully/partially
unemployed.
Month
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
If you submit your new
claim Monday-Saturday,
the effective date is the
preceding Sunday. If you
submit it on a Sunday, the
effective date is the same
day.
“Claims weeks” are always Sunday -
Saturday
When the department asks questions about
specific weeks, we are referring to what
occurred from Sunday – Saturday. Your
employer’s week-to-week schedule may be
different, but you must provide us information
for Sunday-Saturday for our purposes. The
claim week ending date, or “CWE,” is always a
Saturday.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 2
EXAMPLE OF BEING TOO EARLY: You normally work Monday-Friday. You are told on Friday not to
return to work next week. Do not open your claim when you get home. Wait until SUNDAY to open
your claim. You have seven days – Sunday through Saturday – to submit your new claim.
Consequence: Filing early causes the effective date of your claim to be the Sunday of the last
week you worked, NOT the first week you were unemployed. This will cause a delay because staff
will need to speak with you, and they must adjust the effective date of your claim one week later.
EXAMPLE OF BEING TOO LATE: You go to work Tuesday and are told to go home; your services are
no longer needed. You can open a claim right away, or any day through Saturday (four days later). DO
NOT wait for Sunday.
Consequence: Filing late does not prevent you from requesting backdating. However, there is
no guarantee the request will be granted. Your reason for filing late must allowable according to
PA regulations in order for you to be paid, so you may be denied benefits for weeks of
unemployment that you missed.
Related information to help you through the rest of your claim
The weekly certifications that you will file in order to receive payments have similar, strict
deadlines when it comes to timing. The system will prevent you from filing weekly claims early.
However, filing late means you run the same risk of benefits not being granted that week. See our File
Weekly Certifications guide for steps on how to certify your weeks for claim weeks.
All the information you provide to us is validated, whether you provided it on your new claim
application or on your weekly certifications.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 3
Individual
Welcome to Pennsylvania's
Unemployment Compensation (UC)
system. Apply and manage your UC
benefits anytime, anywhere.
Self-Services available include:
• File or Reopen a Claim
• File for Weekly UC Benefits
• Check Claim Status
• View Benefit Payments
• File a Benefit Appeal
Employers
The UC system provides employers a
helpful online tool to manage UC
benefit requests and account
information.
Self-Services available include:
• Respond to Requests, Fact-finding
inquiries, and Trade Readjustment
Allowances.
• View Determinations
• SIDES E-Response Portal
Third Party
Administrators
The UC System also offers TPAs the
opportunity to manage UC benefit
requests and account information on
behalf of their clients. Self-Services
available will vary depending on the
TPA/Employer relationship.
• SIDES Portal
• Respond to Requests, Fact-finding
Go to https://benefits.uc.pa.gov/
File for Benefits
Benefits Information
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 4
Sign In
Please enter your User Name and Password below before
you continue. If you have not previously registered on this
system, follow the instructions in the Create a User Account
section to create a new account that allows you to access
additional system features.
For help click the information icon next to each section.
🔒
Option 1 - Already Registered
User Name:
Password:
If you have forgotten your user name and/or password,
please click Retrieve User Name or Password.
Option 2 – Create a User Account
If you would like to become a fully registered user with
Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation (UC) Benefits
System and have access to all of our online services, select
one of the following account types. If you are not sure if you
need to register on the system, learn more about the
benefits of registering on page: Why Register?
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 5
Return to Previous Page
Individual Registration
Agents
Individual
30 min(s) estimated
Agents
6 min(s) estimated
Register as this account
type if you are an individual
and wish to file a claim for
unemployment.
Please contact 888-313-7284
to file for UC if English is not
your primary language. The
Department will provide you
with a translator over the
phone at no cost to you.
Register as the account
type if you wish to
manage any unemployment
claim associated with your
company. You can register
on behalf of your
company or on behalf of
another company acting as
their agent with a valid
Power of Attorney.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 6
Next >>
Please review the information below.
Click Next to continue.
*Indicates required fields.
Unemployment Insurance Compensation
This system allows you to file an Unemployment Insurance
compensation claim. Please confirm your actions below.
*Are you attempting to file an
Unemployment Insurance claim at this
time?
🔘 Yes ⭕ No
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 7
Next >>
Welcome to Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation (UC) Benefits
System
On the next screen, you will be asked to enter your social security number to begin the application
process. Why do I have to provide my social security number?
You MUST use your correct social security number, name, and date of birth to complete the
application process.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry routinely exchanges information with other state,
federal and local agencies. Computer resources are used to detect illegal receipt of benefits and to
verify information provided. Providing correct and complete information will ensure the accuracy of
your claim. Providing incorrect information, or information on someone other than yourself, may be
considered fraud. False statements are punishable pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities. A person who knowingly makes a false statement or knowingly withholds
information to obtain UC benefits commits a criminal offense under section 801 of the UC Law, 43 P.S.
§871, and may be subject to a fine, imprisonment, restitution, and loss of future benefits.
NOTE: Your session will time out after 120 minutes of inactivity. Gather all the necessary information
before you continue. For a complete list, view our application requirements checklist.
Click Next to proceed to the next screen.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 8
<< Back
Next >>
We need to verify whether you are in the system or not - Please enter your
social security number and click "Next" to continue.
Click "Back" to return to the previous page.
Eligibility Registration Work History Certification Complete
⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕
*Indicates required fields.
Social Security Number
*Social Security Number (SSN):
Do not enter dashes (for example, 999001111)
*Re-enter Social Security
Number:
123456789
123456789
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 9
<< Back
Next >>
Identity Verification Required for Initial Application
Identity Verification Required for Initial Unemployment Application
In order to continue your application for Unemployment Insurance in this online portal, you must
verify your identity using the ID.me service.
ID.me is a federally certified identity verification provider specializing in digital identity protection.
This secure, online service helps the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry make sure you are
who you say you are - and not someone who has stolen your identity. More information about ID.me,
including how it protects your privacy, is available here. You will need to have your driver's license or
state-issued identification and your Social Security number available.
To begin the process, please click and you will be directed to ID.Me.
Si usted desea utilizar este servicio en español, por favor haga clic aquí y será dirigido a ID.me.
You must verify your identity using this service in order to continue the online application. If
you do not verify your identity with ID.me, you can choose to file for Unemployment Insurance
by calling the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Claim Center at (888) 313-7284.
If you are under 18 years of age, you MUST file by calling the Pennsylvania Department of
Labor & Industry Claim Center at (888) 313-7284.
ID.me
| Verify with ID.me
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 10
<< Back
Next >>
Please enter the following information below and click the Next button
when you are finished.
Unemployment Insurance Claim Filing Process
Eligibility Registration Work History Certification Complete
⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕
*Indicates required fields.
Workers' Compensation Information
Did you receive Workers' Compensation payments?
*In the last 18 months, did you receive Workers' Compensation payments?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Workers' Compensation
Impact of Workers'
Compensation on UC base year
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 11
<< Back
Next >>
<< Back
Next >>
Work History Verification
*Did you work between MM/DD/YYYY and
MM/DD/YYYY?
🔘 Yes ⭕ No
If you answer Yes to this question, you will have to enter
at least 1 Employment History while filing this claim.
States You Have Worked In
*Have you worked in two or more states between
MM/DD/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
States Where You Have Claimed Unemployment
*Have you claimed unemployment insurance benefits
within the last 12 months?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Two or more
states
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 12
<< Back
Next >>
<< Back
Next >>
Federal Service
*Have you worked for, or earned wages from, the United States federal
government (not military) between MM/DD/YYYY and [Today’s Date]?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Military Service
*Were any of your wages earned in the military from MM/DD/YYYY to
MM/DD/YYYY?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Federal Service
Military Service
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 13
Please enter the following information below and click the Next button
when you are finished.
Be sure to remember your User Name and Password. You will need them to
access this system again.
Unemployment Insurance Claim Filing Process
Eligibility Registration Work History Certification Complete
⭕ ⭕ ⭕ ⭕
*Indicates required fields.
Login Information
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 14
E-mail Address
Your email cannot be changed by you after a claim has been filed. Please contact
staff for assistance.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 15
Next >>
Demographic Information
Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Your Date Of Birth cannot be changed by you after a claim has been filed. Please
contact staff for assistance.
Age: [Age is displayed here]
*Gender ⭕ Female ⭕ Male
*Have you registered with the Selective Service?
[ Selective Services web site ]
No 🔽
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 16
Name
First Name: [FIRST NAME]
Middle Initial: [MIDDLE INITIAL]
Last Name: [LAST NAME]
Residential Address
This is where you live.
*Address Line 1: [ADDRESS LINE 1]
Address Line 2:
*Zip Code: [ZIP CODE]
*City: [CITY]
*State: [State]
*Country: [Country]
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 17
Mailing Address
This is where you receive your mail.
*Address Line 1: [ADDRESS LINE 1]
Address Line 2:
*Zip Code: [ZIP CODE]
*City: [CITY]
*State: [State]
*Country: [Country]
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 18
<< Back
Next >>
Phone Numbers
Your phone number cannot be changed by you after a claim
has been filed. Please contact staff for assistance.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 19
Preferred Notification Method
*Please select a method in which you
prefer to receive your notifications:
Selecting Postal Mail means your determinations and
correspondence will take longer to reach you.
UC System Resources
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 20
<< Back
Next >>
Dependents
*Do you have dependents? ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
A dependent can be a legally married spouse who lives
with you. Children under the age of 18 or children older
than 18 with a mental or physical infirmity.
Citizenship
*Citizenship:
Disability
*Do you wish to disclose a disability?
⭕ Yes, I have a disability I wish to disclose.
🔘 No, I do not have a disability.
⭕ I do not wish to answer.
Citizen of U.S. or U.S. Territory
U.S. Permanent Resident
Alien/Refugee Lawfully Admitted to U.S.
Dependents
Citizen of U.S. or U.S. Territory 🔽
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 21
Education Information
*Your Highest Education Level Achieved:
If you have a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma, please
select the appropriate value of High School Diploma or High School Equivalency
Diploma.
High School Diploma 🔽
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 22
<< Back
Next >>
Employment – Status
*Are you self-employed, or the owner, or operator of a
business or farm? ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
*Are you in an elected, appointed or in a major policy
making position? ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Able and Available
Self-employed
Elected / Appointed /
Policy Making
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 23
<< Back
Next >>
Employment – Miscellaneous
*Since you have become unemployed, are you working
on a commission basis?
*Are you attending school or training?
*Did you become unemployed or partially unemployed
as a direct result of a foreign trade competition
covered by a Certified Trade Petition? (If not sure,
answer No.)
*Have you been employed by a public or private
school, college, or university during the past 18
months?
*In the last 18 months, have you worked as a
professional athlete?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Certified Trade Petition
School, College, or University
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 24
<< Back
Next >>
<< Back
Next >>
Labor Union Member
*Are you a member of a labor union or union hiring hall
which finds / obtains work for its members?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Job Title
What is your desired job title?
Your desired job and occupation titles can be changed at any time after
registration.
Job Occupation
Suggested occupation(s):
[ Search for an occupation ]
Occupation Title:
Occupation Code:
Ethnic Origin
*Are you of Hispanic or Latino heritage?
⭕ Yes
[Job Title]
None Selected 🔽
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 25
<< Back
Next >>
⭕ No
⭕ Information Not Provided
Race
*Race – Please check all that apply:
🔲 African American/Black
🔲 American Indian/Alaskan Native
🔲 Asian
🔲 Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
🔲 White
🔲 I do not wish to answer
Identification Information
*Do you have a valid driver's license?
🔘 Yes ⭕ No
Driver's License Number:
U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 26
<< Back
Next >>
<< Back
Next >>
State Issued:
Military Service
Veterans may be entitled to additional State and Federal
benefits. Please answer the following questions.
*Did you ever serve over 180 consecutive days in active duty
for the US military?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
*Have you been classified as a disabled veteran?
No
Yes, Disabled
None Selected 🔽
No 🔽
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 27
Payment Information
If you are determined financially eligible, you will receive a debit card. The card will be mailed in a plain white
envelope, so please watch the mail closely.
If you would prefer direct deposit of UC benefits, you can apply now. You will need your bank account and
routing number. If you skip the application now, but later change your mind, you can apply anytime by
logging into Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation (UC) Benefits System and following the Direct
Deposit UC Benefits link on your dashboard.
If you do sign up for direct deposit, be advised it takes time for direct deposit to begin. In the meantime,
benefits will continue to be paid to you through your debit card. Retain your debit card in a secure location
until the expiration date on the card.
View the Unemployment Compensation Pre-Acquisition Disclosure to learn more about the debit card.
I have read the Unemployment Compensation Pre-Acquisition Disclosure Information. You are required to
click the Unemployment Compensation Pre-Acquisition Disclosure Information Link and read the disclosure
to proceed.
Debit Card
Direct Deposit
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 28
<< Back
Next >>
Next >>
Payment Deductions
*Do you want Federal Tax withheld? 🔘 Yes ⭕ No
(If yes, it would be 10.00% of the weekly benefit amount):
Unemployment Compensation Claim
To proceed with your Unemployment Compensation claim, you must provide 18
months of previous employment histories. Click Next below to continue. Please
note that you have not completed the filing of your Unemployment
Compensation claim until you have completed this step.
Please review the information listed below.
Taxes
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 29
Unemployment Insurance Claim Filing Process
Eligibility Registration Work History Certification Complete
⭕ ⭕ ⭕
Previous Employment History
Our records indicate that you have previously worked for one of the employers listed
below. Please identify the employer you worked for by clicking the Select link to the right
of that employer’s name. If you did not work for any of the employers listed, please click
the I have not worked for any of these employers link.
Employer
Address
Action
EMPLOYER NAME 1
EMPLOYER ADDRESS 1
Select
EMPLOYER NAME 2
EMPLOYER ADDRESS 2
Select
EMPLOYER NAME 3
EMPLOYER ADDRESS 3
Select
EMPLOYER NAME 4
EMPLOYER ADDRESS 4
Select
EMPLOYER NAME 5
EMPLOYER ADDRESS 5
Select
…..
…..
…..
EMPLOYER NAME 10
EMPLOYER ADDRESS 10
Select
[ I have not worked for any of these employers ]
Base Period Employment History
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 30
Next >>
Please indicate if you worked for the following employer.
Employer
Address
EMPLOYER NAME
EMPLOYER ADDRESS
*Did you work for the employer [EMPLOYER NAME] listed above?
🔘 Yes ⭕ No
(If Yes, you will be required to provide additional information on this employer.)
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 31
Employer
*Employer Name:
*Address:
Address 2:
*Zip Code:
*City:
*State / Province:
*Country:
*Phone Number:
Linked Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation
(UC) Benefits System Employer Account:
EMPLOYER NAME
EMPLOYER ADDRESS
Change If you have selected the wrong employer, please
click CHANGE to return to the previous page.
Employer Name
Employer Address
ZIP Code
City
State / Province
Country
Type 🔽
###
###
###
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 32
In this section, the system would like to get the industry
classification information for this employer. It may have been
preset for you below based on the employer information you
entered. If it has not been preset below, click Search for
Industry Code (NAICS) below to search for an appropriate
industry classification for the employer entered.
*Employer's NAICS code (the primary industry of the
employer):
Search for Industry Code (NAICS)
00000
[Industry Classification Description]
*Did you earn at least $3,564 from
this employer?
*Is this your last employer?
*Is this employer considered a
temporary agency? A temporary
agency specializes in finding positions
for individuals looking for work on a
temporary basis.
*Enter the EMPLOYER'S name (not
your name) as shown on your check
stub:
If Maritime, enter the vessel name:
🔘 Yes ⭕ No
🔘 Yes ⭕ No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Employer Name
Troubleshooting
Guide
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 33
Job Title
Please enter a job title below for this employment history. As you are entering the
job title, you may see a list of common job titles similar to what you are entering.
If you see your job title in the list, select it.
*Job title:
[ Search for an occupation ]
*Occupation title:
Occupation code:
Position
*Type of employment:
Occupation
Regular 🔽
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 34
*Full or part-time:
*Number of hours a week you Whole Hours:
normally work? (excluding overtime):
*Gross Salary:
*Salary is based upon:
*Salary is commission-based: ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
*Date you began work: 📅 (MM/DD/YYYY) Today
None Selected
Full Time
Part Time
None Selected
Hour
Day
Week
Month
Year
Quarter
Other
Biweekly
SemiMonth
None Selected 🔽
40 🔽
None Selected 🔽
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 35
*Are you currently employed ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
with this employer?
*Gross earnings this week:
*Number of hours worked this week:
Employer's Reason for Separation: Not Yet Submitted
Partial Employment is defined as a reduction in your normal
and customary hours with your regular full-time employer
due to a lack of work.
*Reason for Separation:
*Is this layoff a result of a Voluntary option with this
employer? ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
None Selected
Labor Dispute / Strike
Layoff
Military Separation
Part Time or Reduced Hours
Resigned / Quit/Leave of Absence
Still Working Full-Time
Terminated / Fired /Suspended from Work
$ 0.00
None Selected 🔽
Quit
Fired
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 36
*Last day worked: 📅 (MM/DD/YYYY) Today
Duration of Job: 0 Year(s) 0 Month(s) 0 Day(s)
*Did this employer tell you that you
would be recalled to your job?
*Was this employment with a public or
private school, college, or university
(e.g., teacher, athletic coach,
maintenance staff); or with a
governmental agency that provides
services (e.g., educational support
staff, or crossing guard) to a school,
college, or university? (If you worked
as a bus driver for a transportation
company and not directly for a school,
answer NO.)
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Recall Date
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 37
*Did you own stock and serve as an
officer for the company where you
were last employed?
*Was your job eliminated because the
work was transferred out of the
country?
*Are you a spouse or parent of this
employer?
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Corporate Officer
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 38
Save
Cancel
Benefit Payment Information
Please indicate if you will receive benefit payments from any of the following
categories from this employer.
*Did you or will you receive any Severance Pay? ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Pension / Retirement Information
Please indicate if you have received, or will receive within the next 52 weeks,
payment for any of the following from this employer.
*Pension / retirement benefits: ⭕ Yes 🔘 No
Severance Pay
Pension
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 39
Monetary Finality Date (not set yet)
Below are the employers for which you earned income between MM/DD/YYYY
and MM/DD/YYYY.
Employer
State
Source
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Total
Wages
Wage
%
SIDES
EMPLOYER
NAME 1
PA
$
$
$
$
$
25%
Y
EMPLOYER
NAME 2
PA
$
$
$
$
$
25%
Y
EMPLOYER
NAME 3
PA
$
$
$
$
$
25%
Y
EMPLOYER
NAME 4
PA
$
$
$
$
$
25%
Y
Total
$
$
$
$
$
Monetary Information
Base Period
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 40
Next >>
*Please select the appropriate option below to indicate whether the
employers and wages above are shown correctly:
🔘 I agree that these are all of the employers and wages I had between
MM/DD/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY.
Select this option if you were Self-Employed during this period.
⭕ I had other employment and/or wages between MM/DD/YYYY and
MM/DD/YYYY that are not shown.
You do not need to select this option if the missing employment and/or
wages include Self-Employment, Out-of-State, Military, or Federal Civil
Service
⭕ I did not work at one or more of the employers listed above.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 41
Next >>
Unemployment Insurance Claim Confirmation
If you would like to review what the system has on file for your Unemployment
Compensation claim up to this point, click the Review My Claim link below.
Otherwise click the Next button to continue.
[ Review My Claim ]
Please review the following information below and click the Next button
below to continue.
Unemployment Insurance Claim Filing Process
Eligibility Registration Work History Certification Complete
⭕ ⭕
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 42
Important Agreement
I want to file an Unemployment Compensation (UC) claim in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
I certify that the information I give in this claim is true to the best of my knowledge. The
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry routinely exchanges information with
other state, federal and local agencies. Computer resources are used to detect illegal
receipt of benefits and to verify information provided. Providing correct and complete
information will ensure the accuracy of your claim. Providing incorrect information, or
information on someone other than yourself, may be considered fraud. False statements
are punishable pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to
authorities. A person who knowingly makes a false statement or knowingly withholds
information to obtain UC benefits commits a criminal offense under section 801 of the UC
Law, 43 P.S. §871, and may be subject to fine, imprisonment, restitution, and loss of future
benefits.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 43
Next >>
I am providing my social security number as required under the authority of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, and the Social Security Act. Your social security number is
mandatory for filing UC. Your social security number will be used to report the amount of
any UC that you receive to the IRS as income that may be taxable. It will also be used to
identify your claim, for statistical purposes, and to make sure you are eligible for UC and
other public assistance benefits.
🔘 Yes, I want to file this claim. ⭕ No, I do not want to file this claim.
What You Must Do to Request Weekly Unemployment Benefits
Please check each box below to indicate that you have read and understand the
following requirements before you continue.
*✅ To be eligible for benefits each week you MUST be able to go to work each day. If you
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 44
were offered a job today, you must be able to accept it.
*✅ You MUST register for employment search services by MM/DD/YYYY, which is the 30th day
after the date of your initial claim application. If you do not complete your registration by
this date, you may be disqualified for UC benefits, unless you are exempt.
If your local labor market is outside of Pennsylvania, you must register with the state
employment service that serves your local labor market.
If your local labor market is within Pennsylvania (either you live in PA, or commute to PA
for work) you must register for employment-search services through PA CareerLink
®
at
www.pacareerlink.pa.gov.
*✅ You MUST actively search for work beginning with the third week of your benefit year by
applying for two jobs and participating in one work search activity each week. You should
keep a list of your work searches, including employers’ names, addresses (mailing, web, or
email), phone numbers, dates of contact, person contacted, how you contact the employer,
and results.
*✅ Beginning this Sunday, you MUST file a weekly certification to receive benefits. You can file
online at benefits.uc.pa.gov. Continue to file each week if do not have a job. You cannot be
paid for any week(s) that you do not claim.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 45
<< Back
Next >>
*✅ You MUST report ANY earnings for the week you work, even if you’ve not yet been paid.
Include all income, commissions, tips, and gratuities. Report the gross amount before
deductions.
*✅ If your contact information changes, inform the UC service center (benefits.uc.pa.gov), the
PA CareerLink® system (www.pacareerlink.pa.gov) and the United States Postal Service
immediately, even if you are not filing for benefits at that time.
*✅ You MUST read and understand the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation
Handbook, which explains these requirements in more detail.
Please download and view the PA UC Handbook.
Please Note: Benefits can be paid ONLY if you meet ALL eligibility
requirements.
The information above includes some of what is in your Pennsylvania
Unemployment Compensation Handbook.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 46
Please read the following information below and click the Next button
below to continue.
Unemployment Insurance Claim Filing Process
Eligibility Registration Work History Certification Complete
Unemployment Claim Confirmation
Your application for Unemployment Compensation Benefits has been successfully
processed and will be reviewed for eligibility. Your unemployment claim
confirmation number is 0000000000
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
You have acknowledged that:
• To be eligible for benefits each week you MUST be able to go to work each day. If
you were offered a job today, you must be able to accept it.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 47
• You MUST register for employment search services by MM/DD/YYYY, which is the
30th day after the date of your initial claim application. If you do not complete your
registration by this date, you may be disqualified for UC benefits, unless you are
exempt.
If your local labor market is outside of Pennsylvania, you must register with the state
employment service that serves your local labor market.
If your local labor market is within Pennsylvania (either you live in PA, or commute to
PA for work) you must register for employment-search services through PA
CareerLink® at www.pacareerlink.pa.gov.
• You MUST actively search for work beginning with the third week of your benefit year
by applying for two jobs and participating in one work search activity each week. You
should keep a list of your work searches, including employers’ names, addresses
(mailing, web, or email), phone numbers, dates of contact, person contacted, how you
contact the employer, and results.
• Beginning this Sunday, you MUST file a weekly certification to receive benefits. You
can file online at benefits.uc.pa.gov. Continue to file each week if do not have a job.
You cannot be paid for any week(s) that you do not claim.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 48
Next >>
• You MUST report ANY earnings for the week you work, even if you’ve not yet been
paid. Include all income, commissions, tips, and gratuities. Report the gross amount
before deductions.
• If your contact information changes, inform the UC service center (benefits.uc.pa.gov),
the PA CareerLink® system (www.pacareerlink.pa.gov) and the United States Postal
Service immediately, even if you are not filing for benefits at that time.
• You MUST read and understand the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation
Handbook, which explains these requirements in more detail. Please download and
view the PA UC Handbook.
Please Note: Benefits can be paid ONLY if you meet ALL eligibility
requirements.
The information above includes some of what is in your Pennsylvania
Unemployment Compensation Handbook.
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 49
Next >>
Work Registration & Work Search Requirements
Your application for Unemployment Compensation Benefits has been successfully
processed and will be reviewed for eligibility. Your unemployment claim confirmation
number is 0000000000
Next Steps:
REGISTER FOR WORK* AT
www.pacareerlink.pa.gov
THE LINK BELOW WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY
TO THE PA CAREERLINK® WEBSITE.
You must register within 30 days after filing
an application for UC Benefits. *If your local
labor market is outside of PA, you must
register with the state employment service
that serves your local labor market.
LOOK FOR WORK EACH WEEK
Beginning with the third week of
your benefit year, for which you file
a weekly certification, you must
apply for at least two jobs and
complete one work search activity
each week.
We encourage you to use
www.PACAREERLINK.pa.govas a
tool to complete your search for
work.
KEEP RECORD OF WORK SEARCH
ACTIVITIES
You will be required to report your work
search applications and activities each
time you file a weekly certification.
You can download this form to help you
keep track.
UC-304
UC-304 (en español)
You must retain these records for two
years and provide them to the
department upon request.
Click here to review the FAQ’s regarding the Active Search for Work Requirements.
Click here to see if you will be exempt from registering for employment search services through the PA CareerLink® website.
Click here to see if you will be exempt from conducting a weekly work search after the second consecutive week of your benefit year.
PA CAREERLINK
How to open a new unemployment claim ℹ Information / Click where highlighted 50
CLAIMANT NAME