Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) offers short-term financial support if you lose your job through no fault of your own. But navigating the UC system can be tricky, especially when you need to talk to someone.
This guide provides a list of important phone numbers and contact information for the Pennsylvania unemployment system, including the main unemployment phone number in Pennsylvania. We’ll cover the phone options available for filing a new claim, as well as for completing your weekly certifications.
Filing for Unemployment Benefits by Phone: The Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT) System
In Pennsylvania, you can file for unemployment benefits by phone through the Pennsylvania Teleclaims, or PAT, system.
Weekly Benefit Certification via PAT
To file for weekly unemployment benefits by phone, call 888-255-4728 any time of day or night, any day of the week.
To use PAT, you’ll need a touch-tone phone, your Social Security number, and your Personal Identification Number (PIN). It’s also a good idea to have a pen and paper handy to jot down any important info.
Initiating a New Claim by Phone
If you’re filing a new unemployment claim, the phone number is 888-313-7284. Keep in mind that this service is only available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can also file a new claim online at benefits.uc.pa.gov.
Other ways to get in touch and find resources
Besides calling the phone numbers listed above, you can also use the following methods to contact the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation office or find answers to your questions.
Online resources and live chat
You can file a claim or check the status of an existing claim online. Filing online is usually the fastest way to get things done.
UC Live Chat gives you personalized help via secure code. This is another way to get your questions answered quickly.
Email and TTY services
Because the call volume is so high, the UC team suggests contacting them by email at uchelp@pa.gov. If you have questions about a specific claim, be sure to include your full name and the last four digits of your Social Security number in the body of the email.
If you’re hearing impaired, you can use the TTY (TeleTypewriter) or videophone services. You can find the contact information for these services on the PA Department of Labor & Industry website.
In Conclusion
When you need to access Pennsylvania’s unemployment system, it’s best to start online. The UC website and Live Chat are often the fastest ways to get help and check on your claim.
If you need to call, use the dedicated phone numbers for things like weekly certifications (888-255-4728) or filing a new claim (888-313-7284). For detailed questions, send an email to uchelp@pa.gov, and don’t forget to include your identifying information.