Unemployment Insurance Claims Procedures

• Click here for links to information from the Pennsylvania Labor and Industry website for individuals.

• To apply for unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania you may call  888-313-7284.

• To apply for unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania local phone numbers are available for those living within local calling distance: Allentown: 610-821-6735; Altoona: 814-946-7224; Duquesne: 412-267-1315; Erie: 814-871-4311; Indiana: 724-599-1250; Lancaster: 717-299-7711; Philadelphia: 215-856-6990; Scranton: 570-496-2332.

• You can download application forms which can be sent by mail or fax by clicking here.  The Adobe PDF version can be obtained by clicking here or here.

• You may  apply for unemployment benefits by internet by clicking here: https://www.pauc.state.pa.us/Welcome.asp

• For information on bi-weekly telephone claims procedures click here.

Unemployment Compensation Benefits Information

The government provides unemployment compensation to give financial assistance to most workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.  The government keeps track of your work history through your social security number.  If you are not a US citizen and are not authorized to work, you cannot get unemployment compensation. 

·If you are fired or quit your job, your eligibility for unemployment compensation depends on exactly why you were fired or quit.  Seek help right away from a legal services agency. 

·The longest you can receive full benefits is 26 weeks.  The amount of payments is different for everyone, because the government calculates the amount by looking at your previous 15 months of employment, wages and taxes. 

·To apply for unemployment compensation see instruction above.

·An interpreter is supposed to be provided if you need one.  If you call to make your claim, have someone who speaks English call and explain that you need language interpretation.  You can also request that your future claims be filed by mail instead of calling in your claims by phone.

·You should apply for unemployment compensation immediately after you stop working.  There is no time limit for applying, but the longer you wait to apply, the longer you will have to wait to get paid and you will not be paid for the time that you waited to apply.  The timeliness of your application can also affect the amount of your payment. 

·If you get a notice in the mail about your unemployment compensation, read it carefully.  There are deadlines.  If you do not understand the notice, get it translated. 

·If your wages have been paid in cash, you should still be able to receive unemployment compensation as long as you have a social security number and tax records or other proof of your wage and employment history. You should get legal assistance.

Finding Help with Legal Problems

• Legal Services Programs
• Private Employment Law Attorneys 
• Immigration Problems