Unemployment compensation (UC) benefits provide partial income replacement for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are available for work.  UC can help an unemployed worker pay the bills until he or she finds a new job.

In Philadelphia, representation in UC cases is provided by our sister program, Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA).  Persons looking for representation only in a UC claim should contact PLA (215-981-3800). However, low income Philadelphia residents with both a UC claim and another employment claim can come to CLS for an intake, and we will refer their UC claim to PLA.

This page links you to information that you should know about UC, including how to file a claim.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Temporary UC extension programs allow some unemployed persons to receive UC benefits for up to 99 weeks. See if you qualify >

In very general terms, to be eligible for UC, you must:

1)  Be "financially eligible" (that is, have an earnings under which you are eligible;

2)  Not be disqualified based on the reason why you are no longer working; and

3)  Be available for work, even if your availability is limited by factors such as physical restrictions or shifts that you can work.

You will be disqualified based on the reason why you are no longer working if:

a)  You were fired for "willful misconduct" (this means bad behavior, not just being fired for competence or not satisfying your employer with your work performance); or

b)  You quit without "just cause" (you didn't try your hardest to keep the job).

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UC, you should apply. There is no harm in trying.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (PALI) administers UC benefits to unemployed individuals.  

You can file a new UC claim either by calling the UC Service Center (toll-free at 1-888-313-7284) or by filing a claim on line.

If your application is denied, file an appeal!  An appeal will lead to a hearing before a UC referee.  You may be able to get a free lawyer or paralegal to represent you in your UC hearing.  

In Philadelphia, contact Philadelphia Legal Assistance at 215-981-3800.  In other counties, locate your legal services program by clicking here.

You might also get representation by groups for unemployed workers.  In Philadelphia, contact the Philadelphia Unemployment Project at 215-557-0822. In the Pittsburgh area, contact the Mon Valley Unemployed Committee at 412-462-9962.

More information on UC in Pennsylvania can be found on the PA Department of Labor & Industry's website.

To find out about UC in other states, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's website.