Question on Tiers and eligibility in PA

I am new to the forums. I am from the Reading PA area. I need some help because you all got me confused. I am soon finishing Tier 3. I got 3 weeks left. So am I done with my Unemployment or will I get a Tier 4. I called them once and was told I would be getting a Tier 4 not to worry that the UE rate has to stay below 8.5 for a good bit. Man I am so stressed out. I am a 52 year old man with 3 kids I got no idea as what to do. There is no jobs out there at all. Any help would be appreciated.

Ill put this topic in the Pa thread for you so you get more exposure.

Hi Allan, yes it is confusing. I had also called the unemployment Office to inquire about the same thing, it was the same day that the new uemployment rate came out. I was told that I would move onto Tier 4, but there are others who think otherwise. I tried to call today to inquire again, thinking that since a few days have passed and that I'm sure other unemployed folks are probably calling and inquiring of the same thing, that UC clerks/supervisors would have time to process the information and the implications for those presently on Tier 3 and looking to transition to Tier 4.
The phone was busy all day, so I'm sure the UC office is probably getting many calls inquiring of the same thing, as usually on a Sunday I'm able to get through w/out much delay. I'll continue to call this coming week and suggest that others do the same until we get a satisfactory answer. I'll be requesting the input from a supervisor when I do get through.
Good luck to you, and if you succeed on finding out, please share your information w/ the rest of us.

Unfortunately the PA unemployment rate did fall to 8.4% as DesperateInRI predicted. However I looked at the government Trigger On/Off and it is still Trigger On.

Here is the Gov. Website for weekending 3/13/11 rates for all states and if they are Trigger On or Off.

http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/euc_trigger/2011/euc_031311.html

I notice here that Alaska is under 8% and has been for months and is Trigger ON for some reason. Also Delaware who was under 8.5 last week is now at 8.5 and there is no indication it Triggered On.

Looking back at a couple state that Triggered Off, it seems after falling below the 8.5 Trigger it takes a couple weeks to Trigger Off.

We have so many unemployed in PA, I don't know how they can cut Tier 4, but you will go onto EB. At this point with the 99ers are calling for 14 more weeks, and rightfully so. The government should get rid of all these stupid Triggers. It makes people more stressed. I am in Philly and I know we are over 10%.

I don't know. We will have to wait and see....not happy.

It looks like this report just came out today. It's dated 3/13/11. PA UC reps. probably just got access to it. I wondered why they didn't have anything posted on the web site.

Have a friend who's DH was just cut off mid-benefit from HUB? Does this sound right? She swears he filed his paperwork every week. When he called on Fri. was told it was b/c the unemployment rate fell for PA. He's calling on Monday - along with everyone else.

No something is wrong with that. EB HUB trigger is 8%, we didn't go that low. He should call again.

Still calling and trying to get through to the unemployment office, no luck so far, I'm getting a busy signal w/ no option to leave a message to be called back. I'm guessing they are getting quite a few calls at this point. Anyone else having any luck getting through?

I was on Unemployment in PA because I worked in Philadelphia even though I live in NJ. I wasn't sure about this, so I looked on the website, PA High Unemployment Period trigger is 8.0%. They are still paying the EB, EUC and HUP-EB. I would however, keep calling the 888# and speak to a representative to get your claim moving. I found the PA Representatives to be helpful and very polite. Hope this helps. Of course, like all the sites, you really need a lawyer in your back pocket but at one time while I was working, I handled all the layoffs and claims, back then, it went through your employer and the state. I just remembered the trigger %, so I checked further. Usually, if you call the # and they are busy, you get the call back voice mail. They always did call back, but keep the phone handy, if you miss the call, you have to call them back.

Regarding Tier 3 for PA, if you expire Tier 3 on or before April 2nd you will be able to file for Tier 4. Those who expire Tier 3 after April 2nd will go on to EB.

http://www.centredaily.com/2011/03/14/2581302/improved-unemployment-rate-brings.html

Pa triggered off of Tier IV.

See here. https://unemployed-friends.forumotion.com/t946-pa-loses-tier-iv-pa-residents-be-advised

If you are already on it you will finish it out.

thanks everybody for the information on the PA benefits. this whole unemployment claim process has really been nerve wracking. i have never been one for paper work. tiers and all. but i can pass this on to some of my other displaced friends who dont have net access.

Does anyone know how many weeks the PA EB is? I have 5 weeks of Tier II left.

Never mind, I just scrolled through the thread I started and someone said a while back that it is 20 weeks. Sorry, I'm just so worried that I'm not thinking straight.

Thanks.

JoanB wrote:Never mind, I just scrolled through the thread I started and someone said a while back that it is 20 weeks. Sorry, I'm just so worried that I'm not thinking straight.

Thanks.

sorry i didn't see this sooner. i had that little chart sitting on my desk.
wish i could be more help.

That's OK. You all have been so nice to me and I just want to say "thanks" to everyone.