Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment Compensation Law — who qualifies, quitting and firing, and 21 days to appeal
In Pennsylvania, a claimant has to have been paid enough wages in the base year, and has to be making an active search for suitable work, which includes registering with the Pennsylvania CareerLink system within 30 days after first applying and applying for similar jobs within a 45 minute commute. The search requirement does not apply to someone laid off who has been given a date to return.
| When unemployment is due to | The claimant is ineligible for that week |
|---|---|
| When unemployment is due toLeaving work voluntarily without cause of a necessitous and compelling nature | The claimant is ineligible for that weekYes |
| When unemployment is due toDischarge or suspension for willful misconduct connected with the work | The claimant is ineligible for that weekYes |
| When unemployment is due toFailing without good cause to apply for or accept suitable work | The claimant is ineligible for that weekYes |
| When unemployment is due toLeaving to follow a spouse on active military duty ordered to relocate | The claimant is ineligible for that weekNo |
21 calendar days to appeal a determination. A determination by the department is final unless the claimant or the employer files an appeal and applies for a hearing no later than 21 calendar days after the determination date on the notice.
Sources for this section (3)
- Unemp. Comp. Law 401 — Qualifications required to secure compensation
- Unemp. Comp. Law 402 — Ineligibility for compensation
- Unemp. Comp. Law 501 — Determination of compensation; appeals
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.