Unemployment After Being Fired in Pennsylvania
Whether you can collect unemployment in Pennsylvania after being fired, what counts as misconduct, and how to appeal a denial.
Short answer: If you are discharged for willful misconduct connected with your work, you are not eligible for benefits. The employer has to prove it. 43 P.S. § 802(e) (UC Law Section 402(e)); PA L&I Benefit Guide, Eligibility Information
| If you were fired | If you are discharged for willful misconduct connected with your work, you are not eligible for benefits. The employer has to prove it. Willful misconduct means wanton or willful disregard of the employer's interests, deliberately breaking rules, disregarding the standards of behavior an employer can rightfully expect, or negligence that shows culpability, wrongful intent or intentional disregard of the employer's interests or your duties. |
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| Appealing a denial | You must appeal within 21 days from the date the determination was mailed. File the appeal online, by mail to the UC Mail Processing Unit - Claimant Appeals in Harrisburg, or by fax to 855-728-2329. A referee holds a hearing. Keep filing for benefits while your appeal is pending. |
Where to get help in Pennsylvania
More Pennsylvania unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Pennsylvania Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Pennsylvania
- Unemployment After Quitting in Pennsylvania
- How Much Unemployment Pays in Pennsylvania
- How to File for Unemployment in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can you get unemployment if you were fired in Pennsylvania?
If you are discharged for willful misconduct connected with your work, you are not eligible for benefits. The employer has to prove it. Willful misconduct means wanton or willful disregard of the employer's interests, deliberately breaking rules, disregarding the standards of behavior an employer can rightfully expect, or negligence that shows culpability, wrongful intent or intentional disregard of the employer's interests or your duties.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in Pennsylvania?
You must appeal within 21 days from the date the determination was mailed. File the appeal online, by mail to the UC Mail Processing Unit - Claimant Appeals in Harrisburg, or by fax to 855-728-2329. A referee holds a hearing. Keep filing for benefits while your appeal is pending.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.