Employment Lawyers Fighting for Workers’ Rights in New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Throughout the United States

Understanding Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits

PA Unemployment Eligibility

Unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania are monetary sums that are paid to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. These payments are meant to help the workers to pay their bills until they are able to find new jobs. It is important for you to learn about the unemployment insurance program in Pennsylvania. If you believe that you were unfairly denied benefits, you might want to get help from the attorneys at Swartz Swidler.

The unemployment insurance program

Pennsylvania has its own unemployment insurance program with rules about who is eligible to receive benefits, the process of applying and the amount of compensation a recipient may receive and for how long he or she can receive the payments. The state’s program is supervised by the U.S. Department of Labor, which also helps to cover the administrative costs involved with administering the program.

Schedule an appointment today. Call (856) 685-7420 or

Schedule an appointment today.
Call (856) 685-7420 or

Who is eligible for Pennsylvania unemployment benefits?

In order to be eligible to collect unemployment benefits, you must meet the following:

  • You must have worked the minimum required time
  • Your salary must have met the minimum threshold during a base period
  • You must have lost your job through no fault of your own

In order to be found to have lost your job through no fault of your own, you must not have quit without having good cause, are on strike or were terminated for serious misconduct. You also won’t be eligible if you are self-employed or are an independent contractor.

Amount and duration of benefits payments

In Pennsylvania, the amount of your unemployment benefits will be around half of your prior income payable per week. You may receive up to a maximum of $573 per week for up to 26 weeks unless you find a new job sooner.

Calculating Pennsylvania unemployment benefits

Your benefits will be calculated based on your income during your base year. They will be based on your highest-earning quarter during that year. Your total wages during your base year must also be enough to meet the qualifying threshold.

Collecting Pennsylvania unemployment benefits

Pennsylvania no longer mails paper checks to people who are receiving unemployment benefits. You will instead be able to choose to have the funds directly deposited into your bank account or on a debit card.

Requirements to continue benefits

In order to continue receiving benefits, you will need to document the number of days that you were ready and able to do work. You will also have to actively look for work and document your efforts. You must not turn down offers for reasonable jobs or for reasonable job referrals.

While unemployment benefits may be far less than what you made while you were working, they can help you while you are unemployed. To learn more about unemployment benefits, schedule a consultation with the attorneys at Swartz Swidler.

Most Frequently Asked Question: Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is to contact one of our attorneys. For more information check out the FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page

Most Frequently Asked Question:
Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is contact one of our attorneys. For more information on a just a few scenarios checkout the flip box FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page.

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

 

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733