What if my employer offered me my job back but I would make more staying on unemployment insurance benefits in Pennsylvania?

See full answerIf you are offered work by your employer and refuse to accept it, without good cause, you may no longer be eligible for UC. Determining whether there was good cause for a refusal of work is driven by the facts of each claimant’s circumstances. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, examples of good cause may include: an employer violates the Governor’s and Secretary of Health’s business closure orders and opens their business prematurely, or the person is at high risk of complications from the virus and their employer cannot make reasonable accommodations for them. UC staff would review those specific reasons and make determinations based on the facts of their individual cases.

How do I apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in Pennsylvania?

An application specific for PUA claims is available a select “File for PUA.”

How much will COVID-19 vaccines cost in Pensylvania?

Vaccine doses purchased with American dollars will be provided by the federal government at no cost.

Am I eligible for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation if I filed a new UC claim recently in Pennsylvania?

In general, individuals collecting regular UC are eligible for 26 weeks of benefits. If you are still unemployed after 26 weeks, you may be eligible for up to 13 additional weeks of benefits through PEUC.

Am I eligible for unemployment compensation if my employer offers me the ability to telework/telecommute/work from home in Pennsylvania?

If your employer offers you telework and you are able to perform that work, you are not eligible for UC. However, if the telework your employer offers results in a reduction of hours, you may be eligible for UC benefits.

Am I eligible for unemployment compensation if my hours are being reduced because of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania?

You may be eligible and should file an initial claim online.

Should I apply for unemployment compensation (UC) or for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) in Pennsylvania?

See full answerYou should file for regular UC if you have an employer and

• you have been laid off, or
• your hours have been reduced through no fault of your own, or
• you cannot work because a medical or public official has directed you to quarantine or self-isolate because of COVID-19 exposure, symptoms, or a positive diagnosis; or
• you are caring for someone who is suspected of having or has tested positive for COVID-19.

How much is the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation weekly benefit amount in Pennsylvania?

Your PEUC weekly benefit amount is the same as your regular UC weekly benefit rate.Your weekly benefit rate is based on your reported earnings during the base year (the first four of the last five completed quarters). You must also have over 18 credit weeks (weeks during which you earned $116 or more) in your base year to be eligible for UC.

Can I collect benefits under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance if I’m able to telework in Pennsylvania?

No. If you are able to telework with pay or declined an option to telework for the same number of hours, you are not eligible for PUA.

Am I still eligible for unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania if my employer violates the state’s closure orders?

Yes, if your employer violates the governor’s and secretary of heath’s business closure orders, you can refuse work and remain eligible for UC.

Am I eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance if I’m a small business owner in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you may be eligible for PUA if your primary source of income is from work you do for your own business or on your own farm.

What is the Pennsylvania COVID-19 vaccine hotline number?

Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-8

Can COVID-19 be spread at the workplace?

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Exposure can occur at the workplace, while travelling to work, during work-related travel to an area with local community transmission, as well as on the way to and from the workplace.