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ELIGIBILITY FOR UC BENEFITS QUALIFYING FOR UC BENEFITS Our agency will review your claim to determine if you qualify for benefits. We will not be able to tell anyone in advance if they will be eligible for a claim. We look at these three criteria after you open your claim: 1. How much did you work in the 18 months before filing a claim? You must be financially eligible and have earned enough wages and have enough weeks of work in your employment history prior to filing a claim. If you did not earn enough wages and work enough weeks, you will not be eligible for benefits. 2. Why are you no longer working for your past employer? The reason you are no longer employed or working reduced hours helps determine whether you can receive UC benefits. Below are some examples of separation reasons that may qualify or disqualify you from receiving benefits. You may receive benefits if you: You may not receive benefits if you: • Were laid off or your hours were reduced because your X Left your job for personal reasons unrelated to work employer did not have enough work for you X Were terminated for misconduct • Left your last job and can show it was for good cause X Are not legally authorized to work in the United States related to the job (such as unsafe working conditions) X Are self-employed • You were discharged from your job for reasons that are not considered willful misconduct • Register for reemployment services with PA CareerLink® online at www.pacareerlink.pa.gov within 30 days of filing your claim for UC benefits A department representative may contact you and/or your employer to discuss the reason for your separation from work. If you or your employer disagree on the reason for your unemployment you will be given a chance to explain your side of the story via a phone call. If benefits are denied, you will receive a written determination, which you can appeal. 3. Are you able and available to work? To qualify for UC benefits you must be: • Actively looking for work • Mentally and physically able to work • Legally authorized to work in the United States • Available to accept work (for example, you do not have personal responsibilities that would prevent you from working) Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Handbook 4