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• Disqualification from receiving future benefits for up to the number of weeks that fraud was committed. • Repayment of UC benefits that you fraudulently received from federal tax refunds. • Being convicted of a crime in state and/or federal court. WHAT WE DO TO STOP UC FRAUD These are just some of the ways we identify people who are committing fraud: • Comparing earnings reported by workers and their employers • Auditing claims • Checking state and national databases of recently hired individuals to make sure people are not collecting UC benefits after they start working again • Verifying job search contacts APPEAL RIGHTS REPORT SUSPECTED FRAUD You can report fraud: • Online at www.uc.pa.gov/Fraud • Through our toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-800-692-7469 Tips about possible fraud are pursued by our team of investigators. If you or your former employer disagree with a decision regarding your UC claim, you each have the right to appeal. Appeals must be submitted within 21 days from the date the determination letter was mailed. HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPEAL A Petition for Appeal provides an opportunity for you to describe the reasons you disagree with the decision. You may appeal: Online Visit www.benefits.uc.pa.gov and sign into your UC account By Mail Mail Processing Unit – Claimant Appeals 651 Boas St, 5th Fl Harrisburg PA 17121 By Fax Fax your appeal to 855-728-2329 THE APPEAL PROCESS After your appeal is received, the UC Service Center will process it to a referee office, and you will receive an Acknowledgement of UC Appeal indicating the referee office assigned to handle the appeal. You will also be sent a Notice of Hearing in the mail or through some other customary method of contacting you. It will inform you of the date and time of your appeal hearing. It is recommended that you participate in your hearing to protect your benefit rights. An impartial hearing officer is responsible for the appeal hearing. The hearing officer will issue a written decision that is mailed (or emailed if that is the customary method of contacting you) after the hearing to you and any other interested parties, such as your former employer. If you disagree with a hearing officer’s decision, you may appeal that decision. For more information about where and how to file appeals, visit UC Benefit Appeals (www.uc.pa.gov/Appeals). Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Handbook 13