Monthly Archives: December 2022

An individual that applies for Pennsylvania unemployment compensation (UC) benefits normally can only seek benefits from the date their unemployment application is filed with the Department of Labor. In order to request payment for weeks that the individual was unemployed prior to the date of their UC application, the applicant must submit a request to backdate a claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. Backdating a claim is only allowed under limited circumstances, which are outlined in 34 Pa. Code § 65.43a.

The following reasons can be used to support a request to backdate an unemployment claim:

• The Department is unable to handle all filings due to an excessive volume of telephone calls (6 weeks allowed).
• The claimant attempts to file by telephone, internet, or fax transmission, but the method used to attempt to file is unavailable or malfunctions (2 weeks allowed).
• The UC office fails to accept a