Welcome to the Jobcase resource center for unemployment in Pennsylvania. If you are here, you are probably trying to figure out your unemployment benefits to keep you afloat during this challenging time. Applying for unemployment benefits can be complicated, so we put together these resources to help you navigate.

What is it called?

The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) and provides temporary wage replacement income to qualified workers.

Online

An online application can be filed using the secure website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Self-service Step-by-step Instructions: These step-by-step guides and instructions will guide you through many UC online services, including how to file an initial claim, how to file a biweekly claim, and more.
• Online Assistant- Filing an Initial Claim: This step-by-step guide will walk you through filing your initial UC claim online, helping you ensure it is processed quickly and correctly.

By Phone

An application can be filed on the statewide unemployment compensation toll-free number at 1-888-313-7284.

Videophone service: For individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) videophone service is available every Wednesday from 12 PM - 4PM at 717-704-8474.

By Mail

A paper application can be mailed to a UC service center.

Information needed to apply

Claimant Information:

• Social Security number
• Mailing address
• Telephone number and valid email address
• If you are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. national: Alien registration number
• If you were on active duty in the U.S. military during the past 18 months: DD Form 214, Member 4
• Also, send a copy to: Federal Programs Unit, 651 Boas St., Harrisburg, PA 17121 If you worked for the federal government in the past 18 months, Standard Form 8; Standard Form 50

Most Recent Employer Information:

• Name of the employer where you are no longer working or for whom you are working reduced hours
• The employer’s complete mailing address, phone and fax number, email address, and employer UC account number, if known
• First and last dates you worked for this employer
• Gross earnings during your last week of employment, if available
• Reason you left or, if still working, the reason you are working fewer hours
• If you are being recalled to this employer: date of recall
• If you worked for a college, university or school: your return date following a break and original terms of contract
• If receiving severance pay: amount of severance
• Other states where you have worked in the past 18 months

Employment History:

• Names and addresses of all your employers where you worked in the past 18 months
• First and last dates worked for these employers

Direct Deposit Information:(Direct deposit not required to be eligible for, or to receive, UC benefits)

• Bank name and address
• Bank telephone number
• Bank account number and Bank account routing number

Good luck, we're here to help!
Information is changing quickly. Please consult the state's applicable website provided above to be sure the information is valid.