Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania. Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania

Transcription

1 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 1 Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania

2 2 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Guide Introduction The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) program assists residents who have recently lost their jobs with remaining financially stable during their temporary states of low income. UC beneficiaries who qualify for the program must be able to obtain work and actively seek full-time jobs throughout the time they receive benefits. The UC program gives claimants compensation to assist with important monthly expenses during the process. The UC program is administered in Pennsylvania by the Department of Labor and Industry s Office of Unemployment Compensation.

3 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 3

4 4 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania residents who have worked full-time jobs within the last year, who meet the financial eligibility criteria of the program, who were fired through no faults of their own and who are willing to meet the work search guidelines of the program may decide to apply for UC benefits. Potential applicants can fill out a UC application online, by phone or in person. Information including work history, salary, benefits received, dates of past employment and reasons for termination is requested on the application. The amount of benefits that is allotted to each eligible applicant depends on the number of hours worked, current income received, salary made at the previous employer and the household characteristics. If the applicant is deemed eligible for the UC program, he or she will need to commit to one week without benefits before the assistance can begin. Benefits are awarded to UC claimants, as long as they remain eligible for the program, before the claim s expiration date. Most claims expire 52 weeks after the applications are filed, depending on the amount of compensation awarded each week. UC claimants have several responsibilities they must tend to so they can remain eligible to receive benefits each week. Beneficiaries approved for the program must register with the Pennsylvania CareerLink online system, actively search for jobs each week and record all contacts, interviews and applications made throughout the week. Additionally, current claimants must file biweekly claims and answer a series of questions about current employment and compensation during the preceding two weeks to determine continued eligibility for the UC program. UC claimants who fail to complete one of these tasks are at risk of denial of benefits. The UC program can be a great financial assistance tool for residents who need help getting back on monetary track after job loss. Residents who feel they may qualify for the program should review all eligibility guidelines and weekly program expectations prior to filing their applications.

5 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 5 Table of Contents

6 6 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Eligibility for Unemployment in Pennsylvania 8 How to Apply for Unemployment in Pennsylvania 11 Unemployment Benefits Coverage and Duration in Pennsylvania 15 Denial of Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 18 Unemployment Extensions in Pennsylvania 22 History of Unemployment Insurance 25 How to Calculate Your Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefit Amount 27 How to Use the Pennsylvania Unemployment Office to Begin Your Career Search 29 9 Tips for Writing the Perfect Resume 32 Preparing for a Job Interview and Discussing Your Layoff 34

7 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 7 How to Chart Your Mandatory Weekly Activities While Receiving Unemployment in Pennsylvania 36 Tips for Documenting Your Job Search Activities While on Unemployment in Pennsylvania 38 Cost-Cutting Measures You Can Take While on Unemployment in Pennsylvania Ways to Make Money During Unemployment 44 Alternatives to Taking on Credit Card Debt in Pennsylvania and Depleting Your Savings 47 How to Explain Unemployment to Your Children 50 Free Food Programs in Pennsylvania for Unemployment Beneficiaries 53 Reporting Unemployment Fraud in Pennsylvania 56 How to Acquire Health Care While on Unemployment in Pennsylvania 59 Other Financial Assistance Programs Available in Pennsylvania 62

8 8 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Eligibility for Unemployment in Pennsylvania UC applicants must meet the income, termination and work search eligibility requirements to receive benefits with the Pennsylvania unemployment program. When applying for UC benefits, applicants are required to give information on their past employers, salaries benefits and severance packages if applicable. This information will then be used to determine if the applicant is eligible for the program, along with the total amount of benefits that may be awarded. Meeting the eligibility criteria when filing a UC claim is crucial to begin receiving financial assistance while searching for a new job. UC claimants must also complete weekly tasks and claim reporting to prove their continual eligibility for the program. Potential UC applicants should review the eligibility requirements of the program and the mandatory, weekly criteria that must be met before applying for UC benefits in Pennsylvania. The following sections review important guidelines for eligibility, including the tasks that must be completed to maintain this eligibility. Eligibility Requirements There are two important eligibility factors that must be met in order for a UC applicant to be approved to receive benefits. The applicant must meet the income eligibility qualifications for the program, and must have been terminated from past employment for reasons beyond his or her control. When these two eligibility qualifications are met, the UC applicant may be able to start receiving UC benefits. After completing and submitting an application, the Office of Unemployment Compensation will use all information given about past employment to calculate whether the applicant is meets the income eligibility criteria. The base year is used to calculate past wages and to determine if enough income was earned to receive UC benefits. A base year consists of the first four of the last five completed quarters, prior to the date the applicant applied for benefits. A credit week is a week within the base year where the UC applicant earned $116 or more in gross income. To qualify for benefits, the base year must consist of at least

9 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 9 18 qualifying credit weeks. Not only will the number of credit weeks in the base year determine if the applicant is eligible for benefits, the earnings of the credit week will also be used to calculate the amount of benefits awarded to the qualifying beneficiary each week. In addition to the income requirements, a Pennsylvania UC applicant must also have satisfying termination reasons to be eligible for benefits. It must be determined that UC applicants were terminated for reasons beyond their control, and through no faults of their own. For example, if a UC applicant was let go from a job because of company layoffs, the closing of a business or the elimination of a position from company structure, he or she has provided a qualifying reason for termination. A brief explanation of the termination will be required on the UC application. Upon review, the UC representative will confirm the termination reason with the past employer. If there is a discrepancy, further research and questioning may be needed before an eligibility decision can be made about the applicant. Immigrants who are seeking UC benefits in Pennsylvania must meet the same financial and termination eligibility requirements. They must also maintain legal authorization to work in the United States, be willing and able to work and actively search for jobs. Additionally, immigrants must have been receiving legal wages from an employer during the base year to qualify, and must be able to prove their immigration status. Immigrants who apply to receive UC benefits may be asked to provide documentation that shows their legal work authorization to state UC representatives. Maintaining Program Eligibility UC beneficiaries must perform certain tasks each week to maintain eligibility. Failure to complete all mandatory, weekly tasks may result in the extermination of benefits. There are work registration and job search requirements, as well as biweekly claims that must be reported to maintain UC eligibility. the beneficiary permission to use all job search functions and resources. When creating an account, the user is also required to build and to upload a resume, which can be used to apply for jobs posted in the system. The JobGateway website is a crucial tool that can aid UC beneficiaries in completing their weekly work search tasks and can teach them about other local job search opportunities, including employment events and job fairs. A UC beneficiary must apply for two jobs and complete one work search activity per week to maintain eligibility. A valid application can be completed online through a job advertisement or by , in person or through the employer s website. Qualifying job applications can only be made for jobs that are suited for the UC claimant s experience level and industry, must be similar to a previous job the claimant held and must be within a 45-minute commute from the claimant s home address. A qualifying work search activity includes: Attending a job fair or utilizing an employment agency. Searching positions or creating and posting a resume on the JobGateway site, or a similar website. Taking an employment test or participating in an approved training program offered through the Pennsylvania CareerLink program. Contacting former colleagues, business acquaintances or other persons who may be able to assist with job opportunities. When a UC applicant is approved for benefits, he or she will first need to register with the Pennsylvania JobGateway website. Creating a user account on the website allows

10 10 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Additionally, more than two job interviews or application submissions may be counted as completing a work search activity for the week. It is the UC beneficiary s duty to record all work search activities and job interviews each week if he or she is receiving benefits. A UC representative may ask to review the activities at his or her discretion. Biweekly claims must be made to continue receiving benefits. A claim will ask questions about income, hours worked and household characteristics, as they relate to the beneficiary s previous two weeks. Changes to income, employment or household characteristics also need to be claimed so that proper benefits can be calculated, and eligibility reviewed. Discrepancies in UC Benefits If there is a discrepancy in the payment received by a UC claimant and the amount he or she feels should be received, it is important to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The UC office may have incorrect employment or income information, or an error may have been made. Before accepting and using the benefits, the UC claimant should contact the UC service center at A copy of the application and all previous employment information, including salary and benefit totals, should be present when the UC claimant speaks with a representative. Additionally, the financial determination worksheet sent to the claimant should be available so he or she can review the discrepancy with the representative by phone. The representative will review the application and determine how the benefits were calculated, while inquiring about current income and household characteristics, including dependents, to resolve the discrepancy. A claimant who prefers to speak with a local representative or to visit an office in person can find a convenient service center on the local UC office online listing. UC service centers are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The UC service centers generally experience extremely heavy phone traffic on Mondays, so UC claimants who need to resolve benefit discrepancies are encouraged to call on Tuesdays or Thursdays to avoid long wait times.

11 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 11 How to Apply for Unemployment in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania UC applicants are required to complete an application online, by phone, in person or via mail with information about their employment history, their previous income, their household characteristics and their reason(s) for termination. used, since it is the identifier that is linked to his or her work history. Since UC benefits are taxable, the claimant s Social Security Number is also used to report the benefit amount collected to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax claims. The online application is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be automatically submitted online to the UC office when completed. The online user will simply need to select Submit Application when all questions have been answered and information is thoroughly filed in the system. The application that is turned in is what is used to determine eligibility, as well as the amount of unemployment benefits awarded each week. Before attempting to complete the application process, potential UC applicants should gather all documents and information needed to accurately and precisely answer income and employment date questions. It is important for potential UC applicants to learn about the application process to ensure they complete the required steps thoroughly, and so they receive the correct eligibility statuses and benefit amounts. The sections below include information on the UC program application process, mandatory forms and documents that are needed and who can receive partial benefits and/or reapply for benefits. Applying for Benefits A potential UC applicant can apply for benefits online using the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry s website. The potential online applicant must first create a username and a password using his or her Social Security Number. The claimant should ensure the correct number is

12 12 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania To start the application process by telephone, a potential UC applicant can call the statewide UC office at The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Monday being one of the busiest days. UC applicants who call the office to start the application process need to be prepared with all employer information, including contact information, dates of employment and salary information. Additionally, the applicant may be required to provide a signature by mail to affirm that all information given on the verbal application is true. Potential UC applicants are not encouraged to visit local UC centers to start the application process. However, UC applicants who have questions about the application process or the next steps can find their local UC office s contact information on the Department of Labor and Industry s website. An online application can be downloaded, printed, completed and mailed to the UC service center for review. Once completed, the application should be mailed to: Indiana UC Service Center 630 Kolter Dr. Indiana, PA It is important for UC applicants to keep in mind that only five pages can be mailed in an envelope with a standard postage. An application with additional pages will require more postage. Blank pages or instruction pages can be eliminated from the mailing.

13 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 13 Information and Documentation Needed to Apply Specific dates, facts and numbers are asked on the UC application. Therefore, prior to starting the application process, all potential claimants should gather their employment history information and tax returns, so all questions can be answered accurately. Pieces of information that are needed on the UC application include: stubs or employer statements. For UC applicants who are registered aliens in the state of Pennsylvania, documentation showing authorization to work and legal immigration status may also be requested by a UC representative. Additionally, if there is a dispute over the termination reason regarding why an applicant was let go from a previous job, he or she may need to provide more proof of the termination reason before being deemed eligible for benefits. The applicant s Social Security Number, mailing address, contact information and military status. The name and contact information of the previous employers for the last 18 months, whether in Pennsylvania or another state, including the dates the applicant worked there. The gross earnings during the last week of employment and the salary bracket earned with each employer. Any severance package information, compensation or other benefits offered to applicant upon reduction of hours or termination. The bank address, the account number and the routing number for direct deposit of UC benefits. Information on dependents and other household members will also be requested throughout the application. Additionally, the application will ask the UC applicant for a brief explanation of the termination reason, or the reason for the reduction of work hours. Once the application has been completed, it can be submitted online (if the online system is used) or by mail (if a paper application is used) without any other documentation. However, once contacted by the UC office, a UC representative may ask an applicant for proof of current income and employment, including paycheck

14 14 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Partial Benefits and Reapplying for Benefits Partial benefits may be available to Pennsylvania residents who are working, but still need financial assistance. Workers who may qualify to receive partial benefits have: The reapplication process includes completing a new application, which can be done online, by phone or via mail. UC claimants who wish to reopen their claims will need to have all information on their previous employers available, including contact information, the reason(s) for termination and salary information, before attempting to complete the application. Experienced a reduction in hours at work through no faults of their own. Been fired from full-time employment, but then obtained a part-time job. Been terminated from one employer, but still have current, part-time work with a different employer. The same income eligibility criteria must be met and the same application process must be completed for partial benefits which are required for initial UC claims. Once a potential claimant has submitted an application, a UC representative will determine if all eligibility is met, and how much partial benefits will be allotted to the claimant. Continuing eligibility, including weekly work search tasks and biweekly claims, must still be completed each week to receive partial benefits. A UC claimant who stopped receiving benefits due to an illness, a hospitalization or another reason that disabled him or her from actively seek work can reapply for benefits once able to work again. The re-application process may also need to be pursued by UC claimants who gained employment, stopped receiving benefits, and are again, unemployed. These claimants need to reapply for benefits within the first week of becoming unemployed again to avoid missing out on potential benefits. UC claimants who stopped receiving benefits and who wish to re-apply within a year of their initial applications will still need to start the application process from the beginning. However, their current UC accounts may still be open, and some information about their past employers and salary may still be saved with the UC office.

15 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 15 Unemployment Benefits Coverage and Duration in Pennsylvania The only way to accurately calculate UC benefit allotment and duration for potential applicants is to complete the application process, and to wait for a Notice of Financial Determination to arrive in the mail. Filing a biweekly claim within a reasonable timeframe is mandatory in order to continue receiving these benefits successfully. UC applicants or potential applicants who are familiar with their current income information, previous income statistics and household characteristics can calculate the approximate weekly benefit allotment and duration before submitting their applications or filing their first biweekly claims. This approximate calculation can help potential UC applicants learn if they should apply for benefits and how much benefits can help their financial situations. To learn about calculating benefits before applying for unemployment, the potential duration of benefits and filing biweekly claims to receive benefits, review the sections below.

16 16 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Filing Biweekly UC Claims After a UC applicant is approved to receive benefits, he or she must still complete the weekly tasks of the program to continue receiving financial assistance. A UC beneficiary who does not file a biweekly claim will not receive benefits for the week, since it will be automatically assumed that he or she has gained full-time employment. The first week that a UC claimant must file a biweekly claim is the initial waiting week. While no benefits will be paid for this week, a claim is mandatory to receive benefits for the following week. After an application is accepted, a UI claimant will receive a letter in the mail with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and the date that the first biweekly claim will need to be filed, which is usually the second Sunday after the initial application is submitted. The PIN will be used when filing the claim or speaking to a UC representative about the account. The PIN is needed, whether a claim is being filed online or by telephone. To file a biweekly claim online, a UC claimant should log on to his or her account on the Department of Labor and Industry website. After entering the PIN, he or she will be asked about the preceding two weeks, including the number of hours worked and any income earned. Any changes to household characteristics should also be noted when filing a biweekly claim. The claim will ask for information from each week independently, to determine if the claimant is eligible to receive benefits for both weeks. An online biweekly claim can be made from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays, and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. UC claimants who prefer to complete biweekly claims over the phone will need to use the Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT) automated system by calling Telephone claims can be filed on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The telephone system is available on holidays that fall on Mondays. Before calling in a biweekly claim, UC claimants can review the questions asked by the PAT system online to prepare answers. Whether a biweekly claim is made on a Sunday or throughout the week, the release of weekly benefits will still occur on the same predetermined date, when eligible is decided. UC claimants who do not file biweekly claims, or do not complete the claims process in timely manners, may be denied benefits for the period. Calculating Benefit Allotment The Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR) is the amount of benefits a UC claimant can receive each week, assuming no benefits are reduced due to employment or other factors. To calculate the WBR, a UC claimant will first need to identify the High Quarter, or the quarter in the base year period where he or she earned the highest gross income.

17 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 17 Once the High Quarter is found, the UC claimant can use an online chart provided by the Department of Labor and Industry to calculate the WBR. The UC claimant can also use his or her average full-time weekly wage paid in the High Quarter to determine the WBR. The WBR should be about half of this full-time wage. For example, if a UC claimant made approximately $700 per week when working fulltime in the High Quarter, the WBR should calculate to approximately $350 in benefit allotment per week. The number of dependents in the household may increase the WBR when claimed. A dependent spouse can allow a UC claimant to receive an extra $5 per week in benefits, along with an additional $3 per dependent child in the household. If there is no dependent spouse in the household, a UC claimant can receive $5 for a dependent child, and an additional $3 per week for a second dependent child. However, the amount of added WBR for dependents will never exceed $8 per week. The additional WBR for dependents can only be claimed while receiving benefits, and will cease once benefits have expired. Additionally, factors such as current work hours, other sources of income and pensions or severance packages can also affect the way the WBR is calculated. Severance pay that exceeds 40 percent of the state s average annual wage ($50,699) can be used as a deduction to the WBR. Maximum Benefits Amount (MBA) and Benefit Duration The Maximum Benefits Amount (MBA) is closely related to a UC claimant s benefit duration. Once the MBA is reached, the benefits will cease, no matter how many weeks the UC claimant has been receiving benefits. If the MBA has not yet been reached, but the benefit year has expired, benefits will also cease, and a claimant may need to reapply for benefits. A benefit year is 52 weeks long, starting from the date of application submission. The exact duration of benefits and the MBA are covered on the UC claimant s Notice of Financial Determination. The MBA will be between 18 to 26 times the WBR, depending on the income and characteristics of the UC claimant s household. No matter the circumstances of the UC claimant s household or income, the MBA paid out over the course of a benefit year will never exceed 26 times the WBR. UC claimants who are interested in calculating their MBAs and the potential duration of their benefits can use an online chart that uses the example of a WBR of $300. The duration of benefits will never exceed 26 weeks, and the benefits awarded will never be less than 18 weeks, so long as the claimant remains eligible. The duration of benefits that is calculated is based on the MBA and the number of credit weeks in the base year. A UC claimant who has been receiving benefits on and off due to employment and unemployment may not reach the MBA until the benefit year has expired at 52 weeks. Once the MBA has been reached, or the benefit year has expired, a UC claimant will not receive any more benefits unless a new application is submitted and approved.

18 18 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Denial of Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania A UC applicant will receive a letter of approval or denial of the application in the mail once it has been reviewed by a representative. If an application is denied, the letter of denial will outline the reasons for denial, so the UC applicant can better understand why no benefits will be awarded. If an applicant disagrees with the denial reasons, or feels there was a mistake made in receiving the denial letter, he or she has the option to appeal the UC benefit denial. UC claimants who have their benefit allotment reduced or who simply do not agree with the benefit amount awarded may also have the option of appealing the benefits. The appeals process should only be pursued by UC applicants who have firm evidence that their claims were wrongly denied. Learning about the appeals process, how to pursue it and what to expect is important for UC applicants who are attempting to reverse a denial. To learn more about appealing a UC decision and the process of filing an appeal, review the sections below.

19 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 19 Reasons to Appeal One of the most common reasons for benefit denial is the cited grounds of employment termination. To be eligible for UC benefits, a claimant must have been terminated from previous employment through no fault of his or her own. Valid and eligible reasons for termination may include company layoffs, a restructuring of the company or an elimination of the current job position. UC applicants who lost their previous jobs due to poor performance, misconduct or other reasons that resulted in dismissal do not qualify for benefits. Disputes about the termination reason between an employer and a previous employee can lead to a UC benefit denial. An applicant who disagrees with the termination reason claimed by the employer should consider filing for an appeal if evidence for a different termination reason can easily be presented. UC applicants may also be denied benefits due to the amount of income they currently receive or if they work too many hours to be considered for benefits. The letter of denial will outline the eligibility criteria that is not met by the UC applicant. If a mistake has been made, if the wrong income has been used in calculation or if there is a discrepancy with the application, the UC applicant may consider filing an appeal. Claimants who are approved for UC benefits but disagree with the benefit allotment also have the right to appeal the decision. The benefit calculation should be included in the Notice of Financial Determination, which outlines how the allotment was decided. Dependents, income and other workrelated characteristics can affect the amount of benefits awarded each week. A claimant who feels this calculation was made in error or that the wrong figures were used should appeal the decision. Additionally, if a claimant feels a benefit calculation is wrong and the benefit allotment is too high, an appeal should be filed. Knowingly accepting a higher benefit allotment in error is considered UC fraud, and the claimant will be asked to pay back the benefits once the error is corrected. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the UC claimant to file an appeal and to get the allotment corrected as soon as possible.

20 20 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Types of Appeals The Pennsylvania UC appeals process is set up in three different levels. A UC claimant starts at level one, and can continue all the way to level three if he or she is still not satisfied with the appeal decision. The levels of the appeals process are outlined below. Appeal the UC Service Center Decision A UC applicant who receives a denial of benefits letter from the UC Service Center can start the appeals process at level one. A letter of appeal must be sent to the Service Center within 15 days of the initial denial decision. An employer also has the right to appeal the granting of benefits to a former employee or the amount of benefit allotment awarded to a UC claimant. The appeal must be made within 15 days of acceptance of the application, and a valid reason for appeal must be noted when filing. If an employer files an appeal, the UC claimant will be notified, but benefits will continue to be awarded throughout the appeals process. Appeal the UC Referee Decision When a UC Service Center receives a letter of appeal, the UC Referee makes a decision on the case. If the denial of benefits is confirmed, but the applicant wants to continue in the appeals process, he or she moves on to level two. This appeal must begin within 15 days of receiving the decision from the UC Referee. Appeal the UC Board of Review Decision When appealing the UC Referee s decision of denial, the appeal is then moved on to the Board of Review. When an applicant still does not agree with a denial decision once it is confirmed with the Board of Review, he or she can move on to level three of the process and continue the appeal. The applicant will need to appeal the Board of Review s decision to the Commonwealth Court within 30 days of the Board s decision to confirm denial. The deadlines for filing an appeal are strict, and appeals can be denied if deadlines are not met. However, the Referee or the Board of Review may grant a filing extension if an applicant can prove extenuating circumstances are involved. For example, if an appeals letter or a decision letter was lost in the mail or if it was late arriving to the applicant, an extension for an appeal may be granted, and a late appeal request may be accepted.

21 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 21 Filing an Appeal A UC claimant or a denied applicant can file an appeal online using the online appeal request form. The corresponding UC Service Center should be chosen when completing the online form, so the appeals request will be sent promptly to the correct center. To file an appeal by fax or via mail, the Petition for Appeal form can be downloaded, printed and completed, and then sent to the specific UC Service Center outlined on the denial letter. The UC applicant may also decide to write his or her own letter to request an appeal. The letter will need to contain the same information that is asked on the Petition for Appeal form, including: The applicant s name, address, Social Security Number and date of determination being appealed. The employer s name, address and phone number where the applicant previously worked. A brief, yet descriptive reason for disagreeing with the benefit denial. The signature of the applicant, expressing that all information given on the form is complete and true. Once the appeal is filed, the denied applicant will receive confirmation of the appeals request from the UC Referee, and information on the upcoming hearing. It is the applicant s responsibility to gather all evidence, documentation, witness testimonials and facts that will support his or her appeal of the denial decision. During the hearing, the applicant and all witnesses will offer information on the case, while under oath, to explain to the Referee why the denial decision should be reversed. When the hearing is completed, the Referee will mail a decision letter to all parties involved once a verdict has been reached. If the applicant disagrees with the decision made by the Referee, he or she will move onto level two of the appeals process and file another appeal within 15 days.

22 22 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Unemployment Extensions in Pennsylvania In periods of high unemployment, the federal government may assist a state in implementing an Unemployment Compensation Extension program. The program extends the benefits period that enables eligible UC beneficiaries to receive financial assistance, if they still qualify for the program. While there are no extended Unemployment Compensation Programs active in Pennsylvania, UC beneficiaries and applicants may still want to learn about the programs and how to know if the option to extend presents itself. The following sections cover federal extended benefit programs, Pennsylvania guidelines for implementing programs and the process for receiving benefits.

23 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 23 Pennsylvania Extended Benefits Programs Currently, there are no active extended benefits programs available in the state of Pennsylvania. UC claimants who run out of benefits cannot apply for extended benefit programs in the state. Extended benefit programs are created and enforced when the state s total unemployment level reaches 6.5 percent or higher. The current total unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is five percent. Extended benefits are only offered when the unemployment level affects the entire state, and not just one county or one location. When the unemployment rate becomes high, one or more extended benefits programs may be activated to allow UC claimants to continue receiving benefits, even after their regular benefits have expired. This offers UC claimants more time with financial assistance to search for adequate full-time jobs that can financially support them and their families. UC claimants can learn about potential extended benefits programs available in Pennsylvania on the Department of Labor and Industry website. The statewide UC Service Center can also be contacted by phone at for questions about extended benefit programs. Additionally, questions about potential extended benefits in Pennsylvania can be directed to the UC Service Center by using an online contact form. Eligibility for Extended Benefits Programs A UC beneficiary who exhausts benefits in the regular UC program and is still eligible for benefits will be automatically enrolled in an extended benefits program, if one is currently enforced in Pennsylvania. The beneficiary will receive a letter and an application form from the UC Service Center in the mail prior to his or her benefit expiration. It is the beneficiary s responsibility to complete the form and to return it to the UC service center within a reasonable amount of time to be successfully enrolled in an extended benefits program. The eligibility requirements of an extended benefits program are generally similar to the regular UC program. While each extended benefits program may have unique eligibility guidelines, the programs usually are only open to claimants who have filed claims within a specific timeframe outlined by the program, those who make a certain amount of income and those who actively look for work while receiving benefits. Additionally, UC claimants looking to enroll in extended benefits programs may be required to complete interviews with representatives to answer questions about past employment, termination reasons and current work search tasks. If a UC beneficiary suspects there is an extended benefits program currently active in Pennsylvania, and he or she wants to know about the specific eligibility requirements for the program, contact with the UC Service Center should be established. The UC claimant can contact the statewide UC Service Center to ask about an extended benefits program and its eligibility guidelines, or he or she can use the online office locator map to contact the closest county s UC office. When an extended benefits program is active throughout Pennsylvania, current UC claimants will still need to meet eligibility criteria to receive benefits. UC claimants must first exhaust all regular benefits with the state s UC program before extended benefits can be used. The UC beneficiary will also still need to be eligible for the UC program after benefits have been exhausted to qualify for the extended benefits program. For example, a UC claimant who has exhausted regular UC program benefits, but who has obtained a full-time job will not be eligible for the extended benefits program.

24 24 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Federal Extended Benefits Programs The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program was a federally funded program that offered extended benefits to UC claimants who had exhausted the regular program from July 12, 2008 to December 28, 2013 because of high unemployment rates. EUC benefits are no longer available to Pennsylvania residents because the low unemployment rate makes the state ineligible to offer these benefits to UC claimants. The EUC program was divided into four tiers, allowing each eligible UC claimant to move through from tier one to tier four, as needed. The EUC program tiers offered the following: First Tier: Additional 13 weeks of benefits for UC claimants who have exhausted all benefits with the regular UC program and are still eligible for benefits. The United States government completely funds the 13 weeks of extended benefits. The state government may also offer an additional seven weeks of extended benefits once these weeks have been exhausted, depending on the state budget. If this is the case, the first tier can provide an additional 20 weeks of UC benefits for claimants. Second Tier: Once a UC claimant has exhausted regular benefits and tier one benefits of the EUC program, he or she can move on to the second tier. 13 weeks of additional federally funded UC benefits are offered through tier two. UC claimants may not be eligible to receive each tier s full duration of benefits. A UC representative will decide the total amount of weeks the claimant can receive benefits based on his or her income and household characteristics. UC claimants who enroll in an extended benefits program may also not receive the same amount of benefits they received in the regular program. The determination of benefit allotment and duration is mailed to a claimant before extended benefits are awarded. During periods of high unemployment, a UC claimant may have exhausted regular benefits and the benefits offered through the EUC program. In that case, there may be a Federal Extended Benefits program available for another extension of benefits. This program usually offers UC claimants an additional 13 weeks of UC benefits, as long as they remain eligible and the extended benefits program remains active. If the state is in a position to fund additional weeks in the Extended Benefits program, seven more weeks of benefits may be available to UC claimants who have exhausted the federally funded extension. UC claimants will be notified by mail if there is an Extended Benefits Program activated at any time in the state, along with information on whether they potentially qualify to receive these benefits. Third Tier: When a claimant has exhausted regular benefits and the first two tiers of the EUC program, the third tier offers an additional 13 weeks of federally funded UC benefits to eligible applicants. Fourth Tier: The forth tier is the final offering of extended benefits with the EUC program, and is only activated when a UC claimant hasexhausted all regular benefits and all three previous tiers of EUC benefits. The fourth and final tier offers claimants an additional six weeks of benefits.

25 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 25 History of Unemployment Insurance In the year 1929, there were a documented 1.8 million unemployed workers residing in the United States. A plan to alleviate the effects of unemployment during regular economic times, while bridging the transition from one job to another, unemployment benefits were born from a non-traumatic time. Contributions to the state fund require immediate transfer to the UI trust fund of the U.S. Any money withdrawn from the UI fund can only be used for UI benefits. There must be no denial of benefits to a recipient who refuses to accept a job of lower quality than his or her previous position. No vested rights should be created by the states to prevent or repeal state UI law. And, due to the turnover rate associated with certain industries and unions, many Americans were left without stable income as they awaited their next paying jobs. As the Great Depression approached in the early 1930s, it was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt s mission to sign into action the Social Security Act, which delivered the structure of unemployment insurance. The Social Security Act pioneered the UI program, encouraging the states to develop and enforce their own policies and laws. The following provisions were required of each state in order to be approved by the Social Security Board: Benefits must be paid through public employment offices or other such agencies. Any benefits occurring within two years after the first day collected should not be paid.

26 26 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Soon after, several states began to pass unemployment insurance laws, including Wisconsin, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Utah and Washington. In the years that followed, all U.S. states and the District of Columbia carried out UI laws. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands followed suit in the 60s and 70s. In the early years, the timeframe and qualifications of UI differed greatly from what they are today. For instance, the period during which applicable candidates can receive unemployment benefits has increased from 16 weeks to 26 weeks. And, in recessional times, the system has accommodated special programs to extend benefits beyond the initial UI period. For instance, in 2008, under the George W. Bush administration, extensions of UI reported coverage of up to 73 weeks. Currently, the limit is set at 47 weeks for those in need of extended UI benefits from their states. The framework of UI was founded to create a system that aided those out of work due to involuntary conditions. Providing funds to alleviate hardship, unemployment insurance is based on federal law but is helmed by state departments and functions under state law. Financed by employer payroll taxes (in all states but Alaska, New Jersey and Pennsylvania), unemployment insurance provides temporary cash benefits to those who are out of work due to involuntary circumstances. Furthermore, UI assists citizens in meeting their basic financial needs by providing monetary help while they look for new employment. In the mid-1990s, all states began shifting gears in their claims processes. Progressing from in-person claim filing to by-phone enrollment, today, more than 85 percent of unemployment cases are filed remotely, with the majority facilitated online.

27 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 27 How to Calculate Your Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefit Amount Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants and applicants may be curious about the amount of benefits that will be allotted to them each week. When a UI claimant is mailed a letter of acceptance of the UI claim, a Notice of Financial Determination will be enclosed, which outlines the potential weekly benefits the claimant may be eligible to receive. While there is no guarantee on an accurate calculation of weekly benefits before an applicant has filed a claim and has been approved, there is a general formula to calculate benefit allotment. UI beneficiaries who have gone through recent household or employment changes, or potential applicants for UI claims, may want to consider learning about this general calculation to receive an estimate on the benefits for which they may be eligible.

28 28 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania The Base Year and High Quarter The first important factor in calculating weekly UI benefits that may be awarded to an eligible claimant is the base year and the wages earned for each quarter of the base year. A base year is usually the last four out of five quarters in the calendar year before the Application for Benefits date. The Application for Benefits date is the date of the Sunday following the day the applicant turned in the application for UI benefits. The gross wages (amount received before taxes) that were earned from every employer throughout the four quarters of the base year should be observed before attempting to calculate potential benefit allotment. The one quarter in which the UI applicant was paid the most wages is referred to as the High Quarter. It is crucial for a UI applicant who is attempting to calculate potential benefit allotment to assign the wages to the quarters in which he or she was paid, and not the quarters when the hours were worked. Calculating the wage totals for each quarter and identifying the one quarter in which the most wages were earned will give the UI applicant his or her High Quarter. The High Quarter is what is used to determine an eligible UI beneficiary s weekly benefit allotment. Using the wages earned in the High Quarter, a UI applicant can calculate the weekly benefit rate by taking one week s worth of wages and dividing it in half. For example, if a UI claimant earned $1,800 in his or her High Quarter, and $600 was the monthly income earned throughout this High Quarter, he or she made approximately $150 per week. That weekly wage can be divided in half to calculate the benefit rate. Therefore, the weekly benefit rate should be $75, not taking into consideration any dependents or partial benefit credit. Claiming Dependents The number of dependents a UI applicant claims will also factor into the amount of benefits awarded on a weekly basis, if the claim is approved. A UI beneficiary with a dependent spouse may receive an additional $5 per week, and an additional $3 per week for a dependent child. For a single parent with no spouse, an additional $5 per week may be granted for the first dependent child, with another $3 per week granted for a second dependent child. The amount of extra benefits awarded for dependents will not exceed an additional $8 per week. A dependent spouse is considered a lawful husband or wife that is currently living in the household. A dependent child is an unmarried biological child, a stepchild or an adopted child under 18 years of age who lives in the household. A dependent may also be a biological child, a stepchild or an adopted child who is over the age of 18, and is living with a disability in the household. The UI applicant must be wholly or chiefly supporting the dependent at the time of the application to claim him or her. Partial Benefit Credit UI claimants who work part-time may receive a partial benefit credit instead of the full benefit allotment. A UI beneficiary may work part-time up to 30 percent of his or her weekly benefit rate in each week that benefits are claimed without having any effect on his or her weekly benefit allotment. However, when the hours worked during a week earn the claimant wages higher than 30 percent of the weekly benefit rate, the benefits that are allotted for the week may be decreased. Any amount that is earned over the 30 percent is deducted from the usual weekly benefit rate. The amount used to calculate the partial benefit credit is the gross wages earned throughout the week rounded to the highest dollar. For example, if a UI claimant usually earns a weekly benefit rate of $100, his or her partial benefit credit would be calculated at $30. Therefore, the claimant can earn up to $30 per week at a part-time job without seeing a change in the weekly benefit allotment. If the claimant then took on a parttime job and was earning $50 per week, the weekly benefits would be recalculated. The UI claimant s weekly earnings ($50) would be subtracted from the total of the benefit allotment and the partial benefit credit ($130) to calculate the new partial benefit amount payable per week ($80).

29 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 29 How to Use the Pennsylvania Unemployment Office to Begin Your Career Search Unemployment Insurance (UI) beneficiaries are required to complete a weekly work search tasks and job applications or interview requirements to continue receiving benefits. Another qualification of the UI program is for all beneficiaries to register on Pennsylvania JobGateway, so they can potentially use this simple online system to assist in their job search tasks. The Pennsylvania unemployment office and the JobGateway online system are valuable resources and tools for UI beneficiaries who need to complete weekly work search tasks, and those who are actively searching for potential job opportunities. Learning how the website and unemployment office can assist in the job search is crucial for UI claimants so they can remain eligible for benefits.

30 30 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Find Career Events and Training Opportunities Attending a career event, a job fair or a work training program can count as satisfying a weekly work search task for UI beneficiaries. These opportunities and events are great ways for unemployed or underemployed residents to meet potential employers and to find out more about job opportunities in their local areas. The Pennsylvania Unemployment Office offers assistance finding local career events that UI beneficiaries may be interested in attending. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry online calendar of events is one of the best resources for job seekers who want to attend local career events. The calendar offers important information on the type of event that is being hosted, the highlighted industry and job opportunities, the time, the date and the location of the event, so potential job candidates can take advantage of meeting with local employers that have open positions in their preferred industries. UI beneficiaries who are unsure of their next career moves and who are open to exploring new industries and positions can use many online resources on the website. One of the best resources is the Day-in-the-Life videos, which are free for all registered users to watch. These videos give the viewer a glimpse into several popular job options to see what a day on a certain job would entail. Watching the videos can give the viewers realistic ideas of the job expectations, and whether they will truly be happy in those potential positions. The website also offers a comprehensive video directory that can aid UI beneficiaries in learning how to do well at their next job interviews. Practice interviews, reviews of potential questions that may be asked and interview training are covered throughout the interview lessons section on the JobGateway website. Online users who complete the interview training may feel more comfortable at job interviews, and may be able to perform better under the pressure of the job application process. The JobGateway website offers a link to training opportunities in several industries. Website users can browse the different training, certification and educational opportunities available. Each listing shows users important details, including the length of the program, subjects that may be learned throughout the training and tuition associated with the training. Assess Skills and Experience When a UI beneficiary consistently applies to jobs for which he or she is not qualified, the job searching process can feel frustrating. The applicant may receive rejection letters or no responses after turning in multiple job applications to employers. It is important for UI beneficiaries to know about the positions in which they are interested, including the type of education and experience that is required to obtain employment in the industry. The JobGateway online system is a helpful resource for UI beneficiaries who want to compare their current skills and experience to what is expected from them when applying to potential open positions.

31 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 31 Search for Job Matches Another helpful tool available for registered users on the JobGateway website is the job search function. Over 300,000 Pennsylvania-based jobs are currently listed on the website, allowing users to browse through many open positions in varied industries. The JobGateway system also offers a mobile phone application, so registered users can have access to the job search function from their mobile devices. Mobile application users can apply to jobs while away from home computers if their resumes and cover letters are stored in the account. The job search tool allows registered users to apply filters to all results, making it easier to only look at a list of jobs in which they are interested. The jobs can be filtered by their locations, the employers, the industries, the position names, the estimated salaries and the shift types. These functions allow users to find out which jobs or employers perk their interest, and allow them to only browse through the listings that suit their skill and experience levels. The online system also offers search tips that can inform users about different job-matching strategies to help ensure they receive useful results from the search. UI beneficiaries who use the JobGateway job search function usually find multiple jobs for which they qualify, and can apply each week to meet UI weekly work search task requirements.

32 32 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 9 Tips for Writing the Perfect Resume Now that you are back on the job hunt, it is important to compile a strong portfolio to deliver at each job interview you schedule. The most important tool to prepare is your resume. An account of your job history and where you aim to work in the future, your resume should provide details about your professional experience in a clear and concise manner. Unsure of how to get started? Browse the below tips, so you can get on the path to perfecting your resume before your first job interview.

33 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania DO NOT OVERDESIGN A resume with clean lines and spacing is important. Overdesigning can distract a potential employer from the important details you are trying to convey. If you would like to get creative with a header and a footer, just make sure you keep them symmetrical to the page, and use inviting colors, if any at all. You can browse available templates to use online, as well. 2 KEEP IT ORGANIZED Before you input the information into your resume design or template, take extra time to organize each item. Use subheaders to introduce each section, and make sure the alignment from one section to the next is even and clean. If you are listing items, use bullets as an indication. Use bolding, italics and underlining to highlight certain fields in order to draw attention. Do not overuse these accents, or it will defeat the purpose, and they will get lost on the page. 3 INCLUDE UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION Make sure to block out a space on your resume to include your contact information (centered or to one side on the top, or in a footer on the bottom of the document). Typically, your name, address, phone number and address are the main details needed. However, if you are applying for a job in another state, or plan to work remotely, your address is not always mandatory to include. 4 ONLY INCLUDE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE If you are able to create a resume that centers around your experience in one given field, it will be received better than one that delivers irrelevant information. For example, if you are applying for a job as a web designer, there is no need to include your work experience as a retail salesman or as a neighborhood dog walker. However, if you can include additional information on experience you have within the realm of design (logos, graphics, print products, etc.), this is highly recommended to demonstrate your range. NOTE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS If you have received recognition, awards and accolades in your field, make sure to include this information. By showcasing these acknowledgements, you will stand apart from other candidates that have similar experience in comparison to you. 6 HIGHLIGHT RELATED SKILLS Similar to noting your related experience is including information on your related skills. Skills can range from programs you have learned to machines you know how to operate, depending on your industry. In the same example as above, if you are applying to be a web designer, you need not include your skills with QuickBooks, as you are not expected to know how to bookkeep. 7 OFFER YOUR PORTFOLIO If you are applying for a job in a field in which you can supply a portfolio, include a link in your resume, or offer it upon request. This will provide easy access to your past work, and will save your potential employer time in requesting it directly. 8 MAKE REFERENCES AVAILABLE If you feel that you would like to include any references on your resume, two is a round number. You can also include that your references are available upon request if you do not feel comfortable including others contact information. 9 HAVE YOUR RESUME PROOFREAD Whether it is a professional or a family member/friend with a keen eye, make sure someone proofreads your resume prior to finalizing and sending the document. Attention to detail is of utmost importance when demonstrating your professionalism.

34 34 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Preparing for a Job Interview and Discussing Your Layoff As you enter the next phase of your job search, you will likely schedule one or more interviews with potential new places of employment. As you organize your portfolio and pick out a professional ensemble to wear, one question hangs heavy on your mind, How do I talk about my layoff at my interview?" Preparation for New Employment No matter the circumstance, be it a week or three months, once you are laid off from one job, there will be a period of time that transpires prior to securing new work. The best thing you can do for your career is to be productive during this timeframe. Prior to securing any interviews, consider the following activities: Enroll in job training Whether related to your past field or a future industry in which you would like to find work, taking a job training course is an advantageous way to keep your mind engaged and your spirits up. Get a certification If you find that you have more time on your hands than you prefer, find a program that will result in a new certification. Note there are many programs online to consider. Volunteer somewhere meaningful Whether in an educational environment with children, a center with the misfortunate or a facility with seniors, occupy your time by lending a hand where you are needed.

35 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 35 Talking to Your Potential Employer As you walk into the office of your new potential workplace, try not to focus on your past job s outcome. Instead, focus on the opportunity in front of you. When the time comes to discuss your layoff, keep your response simple and concise. Do not go into the dirty details; do not bad-mouth your boss; and do not harp on a past you cannot change. Keep these tips in mind: Be positive. Smile and make eye contact. Stay emotionally centered and calm. Do not offer more information than necessary. Now, you may be wondering why it is necessary to enroll in the activities listed in the above section in preparation for your job interview. The reason is so that you will be able to get into a more positive mindset during your interview. By reporting the activities you took part in during your time of unemployment, you will have productive details to discuss, and you will not be conjuring up negative feelings due to your layoff. The discussion does not need to last for more than a couple of minutes. By taking control of the interview and delving into all of the significant things you have been involved with since your layoff, you can steer the conversation effortlessly and confidently in a different, upward direction.

36 36 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania How to Chart Your Mandatory Weekly Activities While Receiving Unemployment in Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants in Pennsylvania are required to complete weekly tasks to continue receiving benefits. The tasks required by the Department of Labor and Industry are mandatory, and if a claimant does not complete a weekly task, he or she is in jeopardy of losing access to benefits. It can be difficult for UI claimants to keep track of which weekly tasks have been completed, which ones still need attention and the specific deadlines for all tasks. Task charting and scheduling can help the UI claimant to stay organized and productive, and is also a requirement for the successful completion of activities. Learning how to chart the weekly required tasks and how to stay on schedule so all tasks are completed on time is crucial for UI claimants who wish to continue receiving benefits.

37 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 37 Filing a Biweekly Claim UI beneficiaries are required to file a claim every week they are eligible for benefits and wish to receive them. The claim can be filed biweekly (every two weeks), but the claimant will be required to answer questions about each of the past two weeks separately. The questions asked include the number of hours worked, any income earned and any changes to the household characteristics. The biweekly claim is an important part of staying eligible to receive benefits, and if a claimant does not file a claim, he or she will be denied weekly benefits. Charting the days that a biweekly claim must be reported is helpful for UI claimants who want to ensure they stay on schedule and maintain eligibility for benefits. A claimant who is attempting to organize weeks should keep in mind that a week begins on Sunday and ends on the following Saturday. The Saturday of the week s end is called the claim week ending date. The biweekly claim must be filed during the Sunday through the Friday of the week that follows the two weeks for which the beneficiary is claiming benefits. UI claimants who place a priority on filing their biweekly claims on time may set a calendar note or a reminder to turn in biweekly claims. Setting the same day every two weeks to file the biweekly claim can make it easier for a UI claimant to get into the habit of completing the task. Before filing, the UI beneficiary should gather all documentation that corresponds to income earned and hours works throughout the weeks. Developing a chart or a personalized recording system that notes the number of hours worked and wages earned can be helpful for UI claimants who are preparing to file biweekly claims. The claim can be filed using the online system, by calling , and in certain circumstances, by mail. There are specific days and times that online and phone claims can be filed, so UI claimants will need to find the time that works for their schedules to file the biweekly claims. Registering for Work and Charting Job Contacts In addition to biweekly claims, UI beneficiaries are also required to register for work on Pennsylvania JobGateway. The claimants must be actively searching for jobs throughout the duration of receiving UI benefits. The job search requirement applies to UI claimants who have been receiving benefits for three weeks or more, and claimants must apply for at least two jobs and complete at least one job search task per week. If a UI claimant is working part-time during a benefit week and is only receiving a partial benefit credit, he or she is only required to complete one job application submittal and no work search activities are required. UI claimants who want to continue receiving benefits need to stay organized with work search activities and job applications so they can prove they are meeting the requirements and completing weekly tasks. Charting the job contacts that are made and the work search activities that are completed each week is crucial for proving the weekly work requirements are met. To keep track of job applications, job interviews and work search activities, UI claimants can use the Form UC-304, provided on the Department of Labor and Industry website. The form allows the user to outline the date of application or interview, the employer s name and contact information, the method of application and the results of the interview or the application. The form also supplies a space to record information on the work search activity that was completed. The UI claimant needs to provide information on the date the activity was completed, the type and location of the activity and the contact information for the employer that was used for the activity. The claimant is also required to include his or her Social Security Number and a signature certifying that all information given on the form is truthful. UI claimants who prefer their own charting methods, and who do not want to use the official form can do so, if the contacts made are acceptable. The information included in the official form should also be included in the beneficiary s self-made chart.

38 38 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Tips for Documenting Your Job Search Activities While on Unemployment in Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance (UI) beneficiaries are required to complete weekly tasks to remain eligible for benefits. Included in these tasks is recording job search activities and contacts that are made throughout the week. Failure to document the progress made with a job search can result in a UI beneficiary being denied benefits for the week. Properly recording all important information about a contact made or an activity completed is important for UI beneficiaries who want to ensure they receive all benefits they qualify for each week. Reviewing tips on the correct ways to document job search activities is important in order for UI beneficiaries to meet all eligibility qualifications and to receive weekly benefit allotments.

39 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 39 Weekly Job Search Activity Requirements A UI beneficiary is required to apply for two jobs, and to complete one work search activity for every week he or she receives benefits. This requirement starts on the third week the UI claimant starts receiving benefits. If a UI beneficiary submits more than two job applications for different positions, he or she does not need to complete the work search activity. A UI claimant who is working part time and who is only receiving Partial Benefit Credit for the week is only required to apply for one job instead of two, and no work search activity is required for completion to maintain eligibility. However, if hours are reduced or a part time job is lost, and full benefits are received for the week, the UI beneficiary is required to complete the unmodified work search requirement. Documenting Job Applications and Interviews UI beneficiaries should use the Department of Labor and Industry s provided form to document all job applications and work search activities. Form UC-304 can be downloaded online, printed and used to document all requirements by the UI beneficiary. A new form should be completed for each week a UI claimant is receiving benefits. However, the completed forms do not need to be turned into the Department of Labor and Industry, unless requested by a representative. The forms should be kept for two years after benefits have ceased, in case a UI representative asks for proof that requirements were met while the claimant was receiving benefits. Two job applications are required to be submitted for each week the UI beneficiary is receiving full benefits. Instead of a job application, a UI beneficiary can also attend a job interview. The job interview can replace one of the weekly work search activities, if more than two are conducted in one week. The method by which the UI beneficiary applied for the job will need to be noted when documenting the weekly activities. A job application can be turned in: By phone. By electronic submission on the employer s website. By . In person. The same application cannot be turned in to an employer in multiple ways, and counted twice as a weekly job application. The date of the application submission or the interview will be required, including the employer s name, contact information and the name of the person the UI beneficiary contacted. The form also asks for the result of the interview or application, which prompts the UI beneficiary to record a brief synopsis of the outcome of the application submission or the interview. The beneficiary should also provide brief information on the next steps in the job application process, if any.

40 40 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Documenting Work Search Activities On Form UC-304, work search activities should also be recorded so it is documented that the beneficiary met all eligibility criteria for the week. A qualifying work search activity is completed when a UI claimant attends a job fair, contacts a former colleague or a work contact to ask about potential open positions, participates in a program through the Pennsylvania CareerLink system, completes a pre-employment test or training, searches for positions or posts a resume on the JobGateway online system or uses the services of a school placement or employment agency. UI beneficiaries are required to set up valid accounts on the Pennsylvania CareerLink system within 30 days of their first, approved UI claims. Using these accounts, UI beneficiaries can easily complete work search activities that relate to the CareerLink system. The Department of Labor and Industry form asks for specific information about the work search activity that was completed, including the date of the activity, the type of activity, the location of the activity, the name of the person contacted and the contact information for that person. All spaces should be addressed for each work search activity logged, so it can count as valid completion of an activity. If asked for a copy of the form, UI representatives can use the information to check that the activity was truly completed, so detailed information is helpful.

41 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 41 Cost-Cutting Measures You Can Take While on Unemployment in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants receive financial assistance while they are actively searching for new jobs. While the UI benefits will be helpful for families who are experiencing a period of low income, creating a strict budget and carefully spending money is crucial to the financial survival of these households. Accumulating debt or using savings and investment funds to survive each month can cause long-term financial damage to households. Families who have supporting members who are going through job loss or reduced work hours will need to make adjustments to their spending habits to stay financially secure. Learning how to cut monthly expenses is an important skill for many households accepting UI benefits, so they can continue living comfortably and can go on to provide all necessities to family members.

42 42 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Consider Secondhand Shops Families on budgets may need to purchase clothing for family members and children, and replace or obtain household items. With low incomes, purchasing these items and clothing can break the monthly budget, and added expenses like shopping trips can be detrimental to a family s income. Secondhand stores, thrift shops and outlet stores are great alternatives to expensive or brand-name stores, because they offer lower prices and great bargains. Families on low incomes can find a wealth of clothing items for all family members, furniture for the home, kitchen utensils and other needed items for a fraction of the price they are offered at other stores. consumed at restaurants. Cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money each month, because families can stretch ingredients to last throughout several meals. The price mark up for pre-prepared food at restaurants can make purchases expensive and not conducive to keeping monthly expenses low. Families who begin to limit the amount of times they go out to eat will appreciate the rare restaurant visits more when they are scheduled. When limited, family dinners out can become more special and exciting for all household members. Bargain hunting for necessities is a great way to keep within the budget and to cut the costs that are usually associated with accessorizing a home and outfitting family members. While the exact brands that are desired may not be available at outlet stores or secondhand shops, comparable brands can be found. If a family is willing to compromise on the type of items and clothing bought, money can be saved, while all necessary items are still provided to the family. Cook at Home Going out to eat for meals with the family is one of the most expensive luxuries in which households participate. For busy families, dining out is an easy way to provide dinner to all family members that each person will enjoy. However, the restaurant bill can be astronomical, especially for a large family. Choosing fast food restaurants for quick breakfasts, lunches and dinners may seem like an economical choice, but it can become an expensive monthly cost that sets a family s budget over the edge. While the convenience of a meal out is tempting for busy families, money can be saved by feeding all family members home-cooked meals. Households that are committed to a strict budget and staying financially stable while receiving UI benefits should consider limiting the amount of meals that are

43 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 43 Cut out the Extras Another cost-cutting technique that can help a family who is attempting to live off a low income is to get rid of extra expenses that are not necessities. Cable television bills that also include extra channels, recording features or access to movies should be reviewed by the family. Cutting out the extra services from the cable company can save families on the bill, and can give them a little wiggle room in the monthly budget. Analyzing where most of the monthly budget is being spent can help a household to organize spending, and to understand where costs must be cut. For example, if family members analyze their expenses and notice they are spending a lot of money on gas each month, they may want to consider new transportation options for members who are constantly commuting or traveling around town. Biking or walking to places that are close to home or using public transportation can save the family money on gas for the month. Simple changes and cuts to the budget, like transportation fees, can add up to give the family breathing room within the budget, even on a low or a fixed income. Family members who find they are spending a good portion of their incomes on entertainment, like movies or family activities, may also want to try new and more affordable options for quality time. Finding free, local events, visiting state parks or renting movies at home can save the family money. Cancelling expensive vacations to stay home and exploring the family s hometown, instead can also make it easier to stick to the monthly household budget. These cost-cutting strategies still allow families to enjoy their time together, while lowering the monthly expenses.

44 44 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 10 Ways to Make Money During Unemployment When you are having a hard time looking for work, it is easy to get discouraged. But, at the end of the day, you need to earn the funds necessary to meet the costs of living. If you are already receiving unemployment checks but still cannot seem to get by, there are several quick ways to earn easy cash. Review the below ideas so you can start pocketing extra money while you are in between jobs.

45 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 45 Market research Start by looking up the local market research firms in your area. Commonly, you will only qualify to participate in one market research experiment during a specified time period. However, there is no rule against enrolling in several market research programs simultaneously. Monetarily, you can earn anywhere from $50 to $300 on average per market research case, if you are the right fit. Handy work If you are good with your hands and home repairs, advertise your services through your social networks and to your neighbors. If you can guarantee you will fix something at a more affordable price than a licensed professional, you can rack up the work in no time. Be sure to have your friends endorse you in return. Be a professional driver If you live in a city that employs one or more driving services, and you own a car in suitable condition, sign up to be a driver. If Uber and Lyft both exist in your town, you may even be able to drive for both companies, so you can keep busy around the clock. Have a garage sale Assess your belongings and determine whether or not each possession is really necessary for you to own. Oftentimes, you may compile a whole mess of interesting goods. Once you have inventoried everything, plan a garage sale. Post ads online and put up signs in your neighborhood. Don t have enough items to host your own sale? You have two options: contact a few friends to co-host or download different apps to sell off your goods. Be a dog walker If you are a dog lover, offer your dog-walking services. Ask if you can post flyers in nearby buildings and offices so you can spread the word. You can stay quite busy walking dogs in a well-populated area. Offer to babysit Are you great with kids? Consider babysitting. New parents are almost always looking for extra help. Contact friends and acquaintances to let them know you are interested in babysitting. Word of mouth will travel fast.

46 46 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Work as event staff Browse online job boards that are specific to events in your city. Websites like Craigslist feature a section specific to paid event help. Some positions that regularly hire include: models, performance artists, brand ambassadors, bartenders, ticketing workers and security guards. Clean homes If you are neat and tidy and enjoy cleaning, why not get paid to do it? Network among friends or join a service that outsources cleaning people to different homes in your area. Become a house sitter If you enjoy residing in different living spaces, then offer your help as a house sitter. If you cannot afford your rent and would like to house sit for someone long-term, you may even be able to live rent-free in exchange. Rent out a room in your home If you live in a house that has more bedrooms than necessary, and you enjoy entertaining and having guests, you can rent out a room to make some extra cash. Joining a network like AirBnB can help you advertise your room, manage bookings and transfer funds easily.

47 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 47 Alternatives to Taking on Credit Card Debt in Pennsylvania and Depleting Your Savings Low-income households that have trouble paying for monthly expenses may depend on credit cards or emergency savings funds to help them stay afloat financially. However, depleting a savings account or accumulating credit card debt can have negative effects on future financial goals. Households that are open to reviewing alternatives to credit card debt and options other than tapping into savings accounts may remain more financially stable. Learning about ways to stay within a budget and how to pay monthly bills without the use of credit cards or savings account funds can be helpful for families with low incomes.

48 48 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Create a Realistic Monthly Budget A realistic, yet strict monthly budget can be a helpful way for a family on a fixed or a low income to avoid credit card debt. Households that pay close attention to where every dollar goes are likelier to live within their means without the assistance of credit cards. A family who is unsure where income is going each month is likely to spend more money than what is coming in, leading to debt or the draining of a savings account. To become more financially stable, a family should analyze spending habits and map out where the income goes each month. Breaking the spending habits into categories can help the family determine where most of the monthly income is applied. Once the expenses are divided into categories, a family can identify where spending cuts can be made to save money each month. Families who go out to eat frequently, who have extensive cable bills or who spend too much money on frivolous items will become aware of spending that should be monitored. A successful monthly budget is created when the family s needs are met, when all members feel comfortable and when the monthly expenses paid are less than the monthly income earned. this is the case, using a credit card can make sense to help the family pay all expenses. As soon as the monthly income is attained, however, the credit card user will need to pay off the card s balance to prevent debt from amassing. Try Paying Cash A household that has trouble sticking to a monthly budget or keeping track of expenses can consider paying cash for many monthly transactions. Bills that are paid online cannot be paid for with cash, but using cash to purchase groceries, to pay at restaurants or to purchase other household items can allow the family member to feel he or she has more control over every dollar. Using cash allows a transaction to become more real, and for the payer to visibly see the money being exchanged. This can be helpful when trying to monitor where all funds are going each month, and what can be cut out. Using cash also allows the payer to think twice about the purchases before they are made, since he or she will have to offload the physical cash from a wallet to pay for the items. Pay Credit Card Balances off Each Month Credit card debt is created when a card is used for purchases that the user does not have the means to pay off. When a credit card balance gets out of hand, a user falls into the cycle of not paying it off month after month. If the interest rate on the credit card is high, the credit card user will find the balance growing, affecting his or her credit score and creating a pile of debt. If a credit card must be used in a time of need, it is crucial for the user to pay off the balance of the card each month. This will prevent the balance from accumulating, and debt that sticks around for years, ruining a family s positive financial future. Sometimes, multiple bills or expenses come before a family has earned the monthly income. If

49 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 49 Build up an Emergency Fund Many families get into financial trouble when unexpected, big expenses hit, like a car repair, a home improvement need or a medical bill. Being prepared for these unexpected expenses with an emergency fund can prevent a family from having to turn to a credit card for assistance. Building up a small savings fund that is kept separate from other income and is never touched unless an emergency occurs is a helpful way for families to stay out of credit card debt. If an emergency fund account is drained, it is also important for the household to work hard to quickly to replenish the funds. Using a credit card for emergencies can subject the user to paying a high interest rate on the money borrowed, if it cannot be paid back right away. However, if there is an emergency fund to tap into when needed, the spender will simply need to save up to replace the money used, keeping the household out of debt. By contributing a few dollars per month to a separate savings account, a family can begin to build up a useful emergency fund.

50 50 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania How to Explain Unemployment to Your Children If you were recently let go from work, one of the hardest tasks you face is breaking the news to your family. Of course, speaking with a spouse or your teenage children is not as difficult, but how do you explain being out of a job to the young ones? Consider the below tips about breaking the news gently and moving forward in a confident manner.

51 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 51 Speak in a positive tone When discussing the loss of your job with your kids, make sure your tone is optimistic. As you know, your actions and words greatly impact your growing child, so make sure to keep the negativity at a minimum. Do not bash your boss or use destructive vocabulary. If you feel the need to bad mouth your ex-employer or coworkers, replace that mindset with hopeful information. Let your child know you will be around a bit more, and are able to spend more time with them. Keep it simple If you use words that your children have not yet learned, then they will not understand the news you are trying to convey. Instead, speak to them in a way that is easy to understand. Avoid using intimidating big words, in favor of smaller ones that relate seamlessly. Let them ask questions Do not deliver the news of your layoff and then end the conversation. Instead, let your kids ask you some questions about what happened and why. So long as you convey easy answers in a calm manner, it will keep the conversation manageable. Discuss any setbacks Even though it may be hard to hear, it is important to easily communicate if there will be financial effects on your children. Will they need to enroll in public school instead of private school? Do you need to cancel an upcoming trip? Will you be modifying your shopping habits (both groceries and entertainment/toys)? If so, reassure your children that these things are only temporary, and that you are trying your hardest to get back on track for them. Be encouraging about future plans Equally as important as leaving negativity out of the conversation is sharing positive news about your future plans. Let your kids know you are already looking for a better job, and that you are excited for a new start. If you are feeling down in the dumps about your situation, try to keep it away from your young ones, or else it may upset them or cause worry that is otherwise best to avoid.

52 52 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Invite them to help Children love to get involved, and often do so to seek your praise. Let your kid assist with daily tasks and chores, like cooking dinner, easy house cleaning and taking care of your pet. However, make sure the tasks you allow your child to take on are both ageappropriate and independent. This way, you will be able to work on your job searchrelated duties, such as browsing job boards, working on your resume and tending to your correspondence.

53 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 53 Free Food Programs in Pennsylvania for Unemployment Beneficiaries Pennsylvania residents who receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are given financial assistance while they actively look for better employment situations. The UI benefits are helpful for monthly expenses, and there may be additional programs throughout the state designed to assist these residents with paying for food. Pennsylvania offers several free food programs that can make it easier for residents in low-income households to provide nutritious meals for their families. Residents who qualify for the programs available in Pennsylvania can apply to receive these benefits, so they can more easily offer food to family members, even when times are financially hard for their households. Pennsylvania UI beneficiaries who are also interested in applying for free food programs should review the programs available in the state and their eligibly requirements before attempting to apply.

54 54 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the most common food assistance programs offered in the state, and throughout the country. Low-income households who are eligible to receive benefits from the program are given an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used at qualifying food markets to purchase approved food items. The EBT card works just like a debit card, deducting the benefits used directly from the beneficiary s monthly account. This makes using the food assistance benefits easy on the beneficiary, and allows him or her to provide healthy and nutritious items for the month. UI beneficiaries may already be eligible for SNAP benefits due to low incomes if they meet all other program criteria. A SNAP beneficiary must be a United States citizen, or an approved noncitizen, and a Pennsylvania resident. To successfully receive these benefits, an applicant must give information on current income, other government benefits received (including UI benefits), expenses, and household members. A household that has two members and earns $2,136 or less in monthly gross income may qualify for SNAP benefits, while a four-member household earning $3,240 or less each month may be eligible for the program. The amount of benefits awarded to a SNAP beneficiary depends on the household member characteristics, income, expenses and countable resources. Every SNAP beneficiary must prove that he or she is able to work, and is actively searching for employment to improve the family s financial situation. Summer Food Service Program The Pennsylvania Summer Food Service Program is designed to help parents of dependent children provide nutrition to their young family members throughout summer months. Parents living in low-income households may have their children enrolled in the free School Breakfast and Lunch programs, both available at local schools, while class is in session. Parents can struggle during the summertime to afford meals for their children when school is out, since these programs are not available during school months. The Summer Food Service Program offers balanced meals to children 18 years and younger when they visit participating local sites. Breakfast, lunch or dinner may be served to children who visit. While most sites offer free meals to children who can prove they are less than 18 years old, some sites may also ask for proof that children are enrolled in school food assistance programs before providing meals. Sites may be set up in local churches, playgrounds, recreation centers, schools or community centers. Parents who are interested in using the program to provide healthy meals for their children throughout the summer months can find a list of the site locations, the eligibility requirements, the dates and times and the meals that will be offered on the Department of Education website. Pennsylvania Women, Infants and Children Program The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program focuses on assisting pregnant women, postpartum women and infants and children who are 5 years old and younger. The program caters to the needs of these young families by providing nutritional support and education, as well as health care when needed. Postpartum women who are breastfeeding are eligible for assistance with the program for up to one year after giving birth, while postpartum women who are not breastfeeding may be eligible for benefits up to six months after giving birth. Additionally, a household must meet the income guidelines set by the WIC program when applying for benefits and family members must prove they meet qualifying medical or nutritional risks. Common risks that qualify for the program include an underweight, overweight or premature baby, anemia or other pregnancy complications. Households who meet the eligibility requirements of the WIC program may also meet the income qualifications if

55 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 55 UI benefits have already been granted. For a two-member household to be eligible for the WIC program, the gross annual income earned must be $29,637 or below. A four-person household must bring in $44,955 or less annually to qualify for WIC benefits. To apply for the WIC program, a potential applicant can start with an online pre-application, which is available on the Pennsylvania WIC website. Once completed, a WIC worker will contact the applicant to set an appointment. The applicant is responsible for bringing documentation proving his or her eligibility, including hospital records and paycheck stubs, to the WIC appointment for approval into the program. Once accepted, the needs of the family will be assessed by a WIC worker and assistance will be provided, as needed.

56 56 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Reporting Unemployment Fraud in Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance (UI) beneficiaries who are overpaid benefits should report the error immediately. Failure to do so can be considered UI fraud, and is a serious offense. Making statements that are not truthful about income or employment so that a benefit overpayment is made is also unemployment fraud, and is a chargeable offense. If unemployment fraud is suspected or has accidentally occurred, it is important for the fraud to be reported as soon as possible to avoid a hefty re-payment and other penalties. UI applicants and claimants should learn all they can about unemployment fraud, and how to avoid it, so they do not commit this crime unknowingly.

57 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 57 Non-Fault Overpayments A non-fault overpayment occurs when a UI beneficiary receives extra benefits that were undeserved through no fault of his or her own. This can occur through a calculation error made by a UI representative, a benefits award being sent to the wrong recipient or due to a clerical error in the application or paperwork causing the calculation to be higher than what should have been dispensed. If a UI beneficiary gives untrue statements, or does not claim all income, the overpayment made is not considered a non-fault overpayment, and charges may be filed against the UI beneficiary. However, if a UI beneficiary was truthful on the application and the overpayment was made in error, no charges will be filed against the recipient, and no interest will be charged. an application question, resulting in an overpayment of benefits. If this is the case, it is considered a fault overpayment, and not an unemployment fraud case. When a fault payment occurs, the UI beneficiary is responsible for paying back all benefits that were overpaid, plus interest. 100 percent of the overpayment will be taken out of the UI claimant s weekly benefit allotment. The overpayment will continue to be taken out of the weekly benefit allotment until the entire overpayment is received, along with the interest charged. If the overpayment made is substantial, and if the UI beneficiary is unable to pay it back, a lien may be filed against the claimant s personal property until the entire overpayment and interest is paid back to the department. As soon as a UI beneficiary notices that the weekly benefit allotment awarded is not congruent with what he or she is normally dispensed, it is important to report the overpayment. If the overpayment was made in error, the recipient is responsible for paying back the overpayment as soon as possible. The amount of benefits that were overpaid will be deducted from the UI claimant s future benefit payments during the same year in which the overpayment occurred, and in the three-year period immediately following that year, if needed. Deductions taken will never exceed one-third of the weekly benefit allotment received by the UI claimant. If the total overpayment that must be paid back is $99 or under, however, the entire amount of overpayment will be deducted from the UI beneficiary s one weekly benefit allotment. Once the one-time payment is made, no future re-payments will need to be deducted from the weekly benefit amount. Fault Overpayments A fault overpayment occurs when a UI beneficiary receives an overpayment of benefits because he or she has submitted incorrect information on the application or on the weekly questionnaire. A fault payment is different from unemployment fraud, because it happens due to an unintentional error by the UI beneficiary. The UI claimant may have made a wrong calculation or misunderstood

58 58 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Penalties A UI beneficiary who has knowingly provided false information or who has withheld information to receive an overpayment of benefits is committing unemployment insurance fraud, and has broken the law. If a Pennsylvania resident suspects a UI beneficiary is committing fraud, it should be reported immediately to the Office of Unemployment Compensation by using the website s online form. The potential fraud can also be reported by faxing details of the suspected fraud case, and the beneficiary s identity to Unemployment fraud can also be reported by mail by enclosing details and sending them to: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Internal Audits Room 1107 Labor and Industry Building 651 Boas St. Harrisburg, PA Additional details about the reason for suspicion may be asked by a department representative, if the fraud reporter chooses to disclose identity. The department will investigate the fraud claim, and the UI beneficiary may be prosecuted if fraud is proven. When unemployment fraud is committed, the offending UI claimant is required to pay back the overpayment, including interest, through future benefit allotments as soon as possible. 15 percent of the overpayment may be added to the total amount the UI claimant will need to pay back. Tax refunds may be garnished so that the overpayments can be completed by the beneficiary. He or she may also be subject to penalty weeks. During penalty weeks, the UI beneficiary will not receive any benefits, even if he or she is eligible to receive them. In some cases, criminal prosecution may occur. Once prosecuted, the penalties may include additional fines and fees, imprisonment and a loss of future benefits.

59 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 59 How to Acquire Health Care While on Unemployment in Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits can be helpful for Pennsylvania citizens who are currently unemployed or are underemployed and searching for work. While the benefits provided by UI are useful for households that are financially struggling to make ends meet, health care can still be tough to afford. Health insurance and medical care are important necessities that every family should have to in order to remain healthy and financially stable, especially when going through a tough economic time. Households that currently receive UI benefits may also qualify for government assistance programs that help with medical care and with health insurance. The Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Program Medicaid is a government-funded program that is implemented in all states. The Pennsylvania-administered Medicaid program is commonly referred to as Medical Assistance. The Medical Assistance program was developed to assist low-income families with the costs of medical treatments and care. The benefits provided by the program are based on the eligible family s needs, income and household members. The Medical Assistance program can cover a varied list of medical

60 60 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania care, including doctor s visits, hospital visits, prescriptions and medications, pregnancy checkups, mental health counseling and substance abuse help. To be eligible for Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania, applicants to the program must meet income eligibility requirements. When income is calculated, the applicant must include wages, spousal income (if living in the household), interest collected, dividends, pensions, Social Security benefits and veteran s benefits. Income that is not used to calculate the eligibility of an applicant for Medical Assistance includes: monthly benefits from other government financial assistance programs, housing and utility subsidies, foster care payments, child support payments and weatherization payments. The income requirements for an eligible applicant depend on the number of household members and the characteristics of the household. A household with no dependents or family members with disabilities is required to maintain an income at or below 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to remain eligible. support his or her status, including a green card or paperwork from an approved federal agency. Household composition will also be analyzed when applying for Medical Assistance, so family member relationships, income and medical needs can be assessed. To apply for Medical Assistance, a potential applicant can use the COMPASS online system or visit a local Pennsylvania Department of Human Services assistance office. In some circumstances, applicants must also pass resource tests and prove their households have only a certain number of resources available. The resources that are counted include: life insurance, savings accounts, certificates, stocks, bonds, checking accounts, cash, additional vehicles, nonresident properties and certain trust funds. When resources are being calculated, the applicant s home, one vehicle and burial reserves are not counted. For Medical Assistance benefits to be obtained, an applicant will also be required to present identification in the form of a driver s license, a Pennsylvania identification card or other acceptable photo identification. The applicant will also need to provide a Social Security Number and proof of Pennsylvania residency (if the address on identification card is not in Pennsylvania) with a utility bill or a mortgage or rent statement. United States citizenship will also need to be proven with a birth certificate or hospital records to receive Medical Assistance benefits. A legal noncitizen who is eligible for the program may need to present documents that

61 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 61 Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) A child who is a United States citizen, 19 years of age or younger, a resident of Pennsylvania, and who is not eligible for Medicaid or currently insured, may qualify for the Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The program assists low-income families with dependent children who earn incomes that are too high to qualify for the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance program. Families who qualify for CHIP may be offered free health insurance coverage or low-cost insurance, depending on the household composition and income. The low-cost CHIP offer will require the household to pay a monthly premium and copayments for services, but the premium and copayments are discounted, and are usually affordable for the family. CHIP uses health insurance companies to provide insurance for eligible applicants to the program. Covered services for children under CHIP include the following: Doctor s visits Hospitalizations Immunizations Dental care Eye care Prescription drugs and medicines Diagnostic and lab tests Mental health and substance abuse help Children who are not currently covered by health insurance and who live in low-income households should be enrolled in CHIP so medical expenses do not affect the family s tight budget. Parents or guardians who feel their children may be eligible for CHIP can use the COMPASS online system to apply for benefits. A downloaded application is also available on the CHIP website, and can be submitted by mail. Once completed, the application can be turned in to an eligible and participating insurance company of the applicant s choice that is located in the applicant s residing county, as listed on the last pages of the application.

62 62 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Other Financial Assistance Programs Available in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania residents who live in households earning low incomes may have options for receiving government assistance. The state offers several financial assistance programs designed to help families get back on their feet when dealing with tough economic situations. Households that meet the eligibility criteria set by each program may be able to receive monthly assistance that can help with bills and other expenses. Low-income households that take advantage of the government assistance programs offered can avoid accumulating debt or causing permanent financial damage during periods of temporary financial hardship. Families who need financial assistance should review the eligibility criteria and the benefits available from government programs offered throughout Pennsylvania.

63 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 63 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) The Pennsylvania Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is often referred to as Cash Assistance. Low-income families who are dealing with financial struggles while residing in the state may be eligible to receive financial assistance to help with monthly expenses through the program. Families that consist of pregnant women, dependent children and their parents or dependent children and relatives who are their caretakers may be eligible to receive these benefits. Since the goal of the program is to assist low-income families so they can eventually achieve better financial situations, there are tasks and requirements for program enrollees. A TANF beneficiary must actively look for a job if he or she is able to work, or enroll in a training or job program to eventually achieve employment. The beneficiary must also work closely with a program caseworker to successfully complete an Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (AMR). The AMR is a detailed plan with the eventual goal of a household that is completely self-sufficient, with no financial assistance needed. The AMR may include job searching tasks or training program completions as part of the process. By signing the AMR, a TNF enrollee promises to make progress by completing the steps outlined in the plan. To be eligible for TANF, a program applicant must be a United States citizen or a legal immigrant, a resident of Pennsylvania and he or she must meet the low-income qualifications and resource assessments set by the program. To learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process, an interested, potential applicant can visit the Department of Human Services website.

64 64 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Maintaining a temperature-controlled home is crucial for the health and well-being of a family, especially if members are dealing with insufficient earnings. The Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for Pennsylvania residents who live in a lowincome household and who need assistance paying their heating bill. The program offers a one-time grant that is directly offered to the power company so that a heat bill can be paid for on behalf of the eligible household. If a heating emergency, such as a broken heating element or termination of service, is experienced, the program will offer funding for the eligible household to make the repair or to pay the service bill. This ensures that heat will continue to be provided to the family members in their time of need. A household can be eligible for LIHEAP if it meets the low-income guidelines set by the program. A two-person household must earn $24,030 or below a year, a four-member household must bring in $36,450 or less per year and an eightmember household must have an annual income of $61,335 or less to qualify for the program. To apply for LIHEAP, eligible families can complete an online application using the online COMPASS system, or call the Pennsylvania LIHEAP Hotline to request an application at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is also referred to as food stamps, and is available to assist low-income households so they can afford monthly groceries and meals for their families. For households that qualify for SNAP benefits, an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card is sent to the home and is automatically reloaded each month with monetary assistance, if the beneficiary remains eligible for the program. The EBT card can be used at any merchant or food store that accepts EBT payments and recipients can

65 Guide for Unemployment Benefits in Pennsylvania 65 spend benefits on any qualifying food items. SNAP is designed to ensure families can offer nutritious and satisfying meals and foods to members of the household, even when experiencing periods of financial hardship. To qualify for SNAP, a household must meet the low-income guidelines of the program and all other eligibility requirements. Once approved, an able-bodied beneficiary with no dependents is also required to meet the program s work requirements. He or she must work or actively participate in an approved employment training program for at least 80 hours per month. If unable to do so, the program beneficiary will only receive three months of SNAP benefits, even if income requirements are still met. To apply for SNAP benefits, an eligible household can use the online COMPASS application system, or contact the local County Assistance Office to obtain an application.