How to file in Pennsylvania, step by step
- Gather your documents. Pennsylvania asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at uc.pa.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Usually from your third week: two job applications and one work search activity a week, PA CareerLink registration within 30 days, and proof kept.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Pennsylvania asks for
- Last employer: name, address, phone and employment dates
Source: pa.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Pennsylvania pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Pennsylvania unemployment phone
DetailsHours: General line: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is uc.pa.gov, run by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Pennsylvania tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Pennsylvania job centers that help with unemployment
All 70Through UC Connect you can meet unemployment staff at PA CareerLink by appointment (855-284-8545), usually Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 AM–2:30 PM.
PA CareerLink — Lehigh Valley — Full Service Office
555 Union Boulevard, Allentown
PA CareerLink — Blair County
Altoona Public Library, Second Floor, 1600 5th Ave, Altoona
PA CareerLink — Centre County
240 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte
PA CareerLink — Columbia / Montour Counties
421 Central Road, Suite 1, Bloomsburg
PA CareerLink — McKean County
40 Davis Street, Bradford
PA CareerLink — Butler County
112 Hollywood Drive, Suite 203, Butler
PA CareerLink Cumberland County
40 Noble Blvd #12, Carlisle
PA CareerLink Franklin County
600 Norland Ave, Chambersburg
PA CareerLink — Mon Valley
130 McKean Avenue, Charleroi
PA CareerLink — Delaware County — Chester
701 Crosby Street, Suite B, Chester
PA CareerLink — Clearfield County at Clearfield
1125 Linden Street, Clearfield
PA CareerLink — Potter County
279 Route 6 West, Coudersport
Pennsylvania unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Pennsylvania?
Online on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website or by phone at 1-888-313-7284. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Pennsylvania unemployment phone number?
1-888-313-7284. Hours: General line: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
How much is unemployment in Pennsylvania?
Up to $605 a week ($605–$613 with dependents). Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Pennsylvania?
Up to 26 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 18-26 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Pennsylvania unemployment?
Use the official site (uc.pa.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Pennsylvania unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: pa.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: pa.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
In-person policy: pa.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.