Determining Your Benefits Amount

Base Year and Benefit Year

The base period is the time period during which wages earned and/or hours/weeks worked are examined to determine a worker’s monetary right to unemployment insurance. Almost all states utilize the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters prior to filing of the claim as their base period.

The benefit year is a 1-year or 52-week period for the period of which a worker may collect benefits based on a previous period of employment. In all states, the starting date of the benefit year depends on when a worker initially filed a “valid claim,” meaning the worker employment requirements and minimal wage.

Extended Base Periods (EBP)

A number of states permit workers who have no wages in the current base period to make use of older wages and employment under definite conditions. These situations usually involve injury or illness.

For instance, a worker who was hurt during the job and who has obtained workers’ compensation benefits may use wages and employment and wages before the date of the worker’s injury to ascertain eligibility. Some state laws may describe these base periods as “alternative” base periods.

In Pennsylvania, EBP is the last 4 completed quarters immediately prior to the date of the injury if the worker was qualified for worker’s current BP (Base period).

Qualifying Wages or Employment

All states need a worker to have earned a definite amount of wages or to have worked for a definite period of time (or time) within the base period to be financially eligible to collect any UI benefits. Most workers are entitled for benefits based on employment and wages in a single state. On the other hand, some workers who work in more than one state will not have adequate employment and wages in any single state to set up monetary eligibility, or would be entitled for a smaller WBA. Workers with wages and employment in more than one state can opt to file a claim combining wages and employment earned in all states where they worked into a claim filed under the law of any of the states they worked.

The qualifying formula for wages and employment used by Pennsylvania is 16 credit weeks and at least 20% BPW (Base period wage) out of HQ (High quarter).

The minimum wages needed to qualify for UI in Pennsylvania is $800 for high quarter and $1,320 for base period.

Weekly Amount Benefit

After settling on if a worker has adequate wages and/or employment to be eligible for UI benefits, it is important to determine the weekly benefit amount- the sum payable for a week of total unemployment will be. Unemployment insurance is designed to offer partial wage replacement. For this reason, all workers do not obtain the same benefit amount.

Methods of Calculating Weekly Benefits:

Pennsylvania uses the high quarter method to calculate the weekly benefit amounts.

High-Quarter Method: This quarter is viewed as the period most nearly reflecting fulltime work for the worker. By dividing this sum by 13- the number of weeks in a calendar quarter-the average weekly wage is computed. Depending on the percentage of the weekly wage in the state intends to substitute, the weekly wage is divided and the weekly benefit is computed.

Method of calculating and formula for Pennsylvania is:

HQ (High Quarter Formula)

1/23 – 1/25 + DA (Dependent’s Allowance)

The minimum weekly benefit amount is $35-$43 and the maximum ranges from $573 – $581.

The minimum wages required for maximum WBA:

• High quarter-$14,898
• Base period- $22,840

Waiting Period

Workers who are otherwise entitled for benefits should first serve a waiting period in most of the states. In many states, the waiting period condition for weeks of partial unemployment is the same as for weeks of total unemployment. The waiting period is served in or with respect to a particular benefit year. When a worker, after intervening employment, has an added spell of unemployment that continues beyond the end of the first benefit year, the worker may not have to provide another waiting week if he is financially eligible for benefits in the second year.

Benefits for Partial Unemployment

Frequently, instead of being laid-off, workers may have their hours reduced during an economic recession. Or jobless workers may get short-term work while seeking for a permanent full-time job. These conditions describe partial unemployment.

In Pennsylvania,

• Definition of Partial Unemployment – week of less than full-time work if earnings are less than WBA + 2/5 WBA
• Earnings Disregarded in computing weekly benefit for partial unemployment: Greater of $6 or 2/5 WBA

Dependent’s Allowances

Though wages brought in during the base period is the most important factor in determining the size of the payment a claimant obtains each week, some states’ laws offer a dependent’s allowance above and beyond the basic benefit amount payable. The meaning of dependent, for UI purposes, differs from state to state as does the allowance granted. In general, a dependent must be wholly or mainly assisted mainly or wholly by the worker or living with or acquiring usual assistance by the worker.

All states with dependents’ allowances comprise children under a specified age. In the state of Pennsylvania the maximum number of dependents allowed is 2.

Duration of Benefits

When states calculate a worker’s financial eligibility for benefits, in addition to computing the weekly benefit amount, they determine the period of benefits- how long benefits can be received. The duration is normally measured as a number of weeks of total unemployment. Maximum weeks of benefits differ from 26 to 30 weeks, most frequently 26 weeks.

In state of Pennsylvania, a worker with no less than 18 credit weeks is qualified for 26 weeks; with at least 16 credit weeks. A credit week is the one in which claimant earned at least $50.

Non-monitary Eligibility

Apart from wages earned, PA requires you to meet certain employment criteria in order to receive the benefits.

Primarily, you must have lost job through no fault of your own. Even if you give up job because of low pay or because you have a long commute, you are usually not eligible. If you are preparing to stop, ensure you realize this fact. There are some unusual situations such as unfriendly work environment in which case you may get the unemployment insurance if you are able to confirm it so.

Second criterion is that you should be healthy and able to work. In case you have physical hardship, then you may not be entitled and if you have disability insurance you should get in touch with your insurance provider to obtain any compensation. You are also needed to enthusiastically search for work even though you are not getting favorable replies. If you need more details on this, refer to PA unemployment eligibility guide.

Pennsylvania requires no less than 16 weeks of covered employment (employer should have paid unemployment taxes on your part). You may be not qualified for the benefits if you take part in a work stoppage that is decided by the Department to be a strike.

You may be ineligible for benefits if you fail to take part in re-employment services to which you have been referred through the claimant profiling system. The claimant profiling system has been intended to make out claimants who may benefit the maximum from reemployment services, if chosen; you must take part in this obligatory program of reemployment services.

If you have met the entire eligibility criterion, then you can get ready with paperwork to file the application. Though you can file by mail or phone, online application is the most accurate method to apply for benefits.

If you have lately become jobless in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible for Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance benefits. There are certain guidelines to become eligible for the unemployment benefits as per the federate and state rules. You can avail these benefits by approaching the Unemployment office in your area.

If you need some assistance regarding your job search or you want to look for jobless benefits, you are at the correct place. This article is devoted to offering the important links to some of the main offices and department workers to aid you with important information. This is the ideal place to ensure your eligibility for PA unemployment compensation. You can also find the replies to the most complex questions related to unemployment compensation.

Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Requirements

To get PA unemployment benefits, it is essential to file a claim with the PA Unemployment Office.

There are some fundamental rules for ability. Even if you fulfill some of these rules to some extent, you should still file for unemployment as state offices make a sensible effort to process your claim, as long as you provide a good explanation.

In order to establish unemployment eligibility in Pennsylvania you have to:

1. Be an inhabitant of Pennsylvania. If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, but worked in Pennsylvania at your last job, you should still have Pennsylvania unemployment qualification.
2. Have worked and earned income in Pennsylvania.
3. You must not be disabled.
4. You must be able to work.
5. You must be actively seeking a new job.
6. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. If you quit your job or were fired for ‘just cause’ you may not be entitled to collect unemployment in Pennsylvania. Every case is different, so if you have lost your job — be certain to apply to unemployment in case you are indeed suitable to receive unemployment benefits.

Filing for PA Unemployment Benefits

Jobless Pennsylvania workers can file an initial claim for unemployment benefits either offline, post, or online by visiting paclaims.state.pa.us. The latter is the fastest and simplest way to apply. It’s good to apply for PA unemployment benefits as soon as you lose your job as it normally takes one to three weeks to process an application. Pennsylvania unemployment compensation will be paid from the week you applied; you are not allowed to back date a claim.

Telephone – File your unemployment claim through Pennsylvania Teleclaims (PAT) local number (Sunday, 6:00am to 11:00pm, and M – F, 6:00am to 9:00pm)

Unemployment benefits are not retroactive, so if you wait you may lose benefits.

Before you visit your PA unemployment office, make sure you have all the information asked of you.   You need proof of:

• Your personal details, together with your name, address, telephone number, and social security number;
• Your dependent’s name, date of birth, and social security number;
• Your previous employer, including their name, address, and telephone number;
• The start and end date of your employment;
• The reason as to why you lost your job;
• Your job skills summary; and
• Your registration number and work authorization if you’re not a US citizen.

After enrolling your initial claim, you will obtain a Notice of Financial Determination, explaining benefits, eligibility and providing additional information.

The PA Unemployment Extension

Extended Unemployment Benefits are obtainable to workers who have worn out regular unemployment insurance benefits all through periods of high unemployment. If you are at this time on Unemployment and your compensation is running out, be sure to file for an Unemployment Extension for the state of Pennsylvania.

Online filing for Unemployment Extension Benefits can now be lengthened throughout 2012 via web at Unemployment-Extension.Org, with Pennsylvania as the state to receive benefits for a full 99 weeks.

While unemployment extension benefits differ from state to state, the average amount received by a laid off is $298 per week. The current maximum time a person can obtain unemployment checks in Pennsylvania is 99 weeks. That’s just less than 2 years.

Congress has approved legislation continuing federal extended unemployment benefits through the end of the year. On the other hand, there will be a gradual decrease in the maximum weeks of benefits from 99 weeks to 73 weeks in high unemployment states and 63 weeks in the states with a lesser unemployment rate.

There are no modifications to state unemployment benefits. Unemployed workers will still be entitled for up to 26 weeks of state unemployment compensation.

Becoming unemployed can be physically as well as monetarily stressful. This is where PA Unemployment dept. can help. Not only does it offer unemployment benefits to you, but you are qualified to apply for but also the assistance and guidance you need to get back into work.

Below are some of the FAQ’s as well as the solutions put forward by members of the public:

When can I file an unemployment claim?

You would like to file your unemployment claim, either an initial or reopened claim, straight away upon being jobless. However, if you worked a whole calendar week, such as getting unemployed on Friday, you will be asked to wait until the subsequent week to apply.

How long do you have to file for unemployment?

Though you must file your unemployment claim straight away, it’s up to you when you wish to start the claim. You may feel like waiting the next quarter to get an elevated rate. You know you will be out of work all winter and want to wait until then to file your claim. Or you may have some other reasons. But you should recognize that you may not be able to go back and claim the weeks you were away from work and did not claim. You must also be aware that you don’t pass your benefit year end. If there is an addition, you may be hurting yourself.

How long does someone have to work to collect unemployment?

In Pennsylvania you must have been employed for at least 16 weeks in the base year in order to get 16 weeks of joblessness. If you worked 18 weeks you can get 26 weeks of UC benefits. Other states may have slightly different necessities. If you are laid off, file the claim and let the unemployment agency decide.

When can I receive unemployment compensation? Under what reasons can I collect unemployment benefits? How do you qualify for unemployment?

The only valid reason to obtain UC benefits is when you are laid off because of lack of work. Lack of work may be due to loss or orders, plant closing etc. In case you are fired or quit, a determination will have to be made to decide your eligibility to collect unemployment benefits. You must also be monetarily eligible, meaning that you must have a valid work history throughout your base year.

What happens when my unemployment runs out?

When your primary unemployment runs out, and you still have time left in your base year, you must be able to receive extended benefits, if they are available, until your base year ends. Since 2007, there have been many extensions, by both the Federal government and the states that you can carry on to collect UI benefits for up to 99 weeks. However, when your base year ends, you should check to see if you meet the criteria for a new usual UC claim. If you are entitled for a new, regular UC claim, you will acquire UC benefits for that claim, even if it is lower than the UC benefits you have been obtaining, unless your state makes other planning.

When will I receive my unemployment check?

You must obtain your first benefits (check, debit card, direct deposit) just after 2 to 3 weeks you primarily file your unemployment claim. This is for the reason that the first week on your unemployment claim is a waiting week. Thus, you would obtain your first UC benefits during the third week. However, if you renew an existing unemployment claim and file weekly, as some states do, you could acquire your check in two weeks.

Can you collect unemployment if not in the US?

If you meet the criteria for unemployment benefits and stay outside of the United States, you must be entitled to receive those UC benefits as long as you can show that you are able and available for work in the local job market. This does not mean that you can file a claim and then go on a vacation.

Can you file for unemployment after two years?

Your ability to collect unemployment compensation benefits depends on your separation from your most recent employer and the present base year which, must be within the last year and a half. However, if you were receiving workmen’s compensation in Pennsylvania, you can apply for an alternate base year. Some states have other alternate base years.

How much can I earn and still collect unemployment?

The amount is based on your weekly benefit rate from your UC benefits and the amount of money you bring in for a particular week. Every week is figured on an individual basis. This information must be on the letter you obtained, making you monetarily eligible. Be sure to read it cautiously.

What happens when you get a part time job?

You must inform any and all income made during a week you claim unemployment benefits. Usually, you are permitted to make a definite sum that does not prevent you from receiving full benefits for that week. Also, you may have to earn a certain amount of money between filing one claim and filing the next claim. In case your work is questionable or irregular, working part time is a good thing. Also, it’s mainly free money and in that you may still collect a full week of UC benefits, depending on how much you get. Working part time when collecting UI benefits could also fulfill the requirement for claims.

How much will I receive in benefits?

As with qualifying wages, states make use of a variety of methods to determine a worker’s weekly benefit amount. Pennsylvania utilizes High Quarter Method for computing weekly benefits. More than half of the states decide the weekly benefit amount by using the base period quarter in which wages were maximum. This quarter is viewed as the phase most nearly reflecting fulltime work for the worker. By dividing this amount by 13 – the number of weeks in a calendar quarter – the – the average weekly wage is computed. Depending on the percentage of the weekly wage the state intends to substitute, the weekly wage is divided and weekly benefit is calculated.

For instance, a worker who earns $2600 in the high quarter has average weekly earnings of $200 a week ($2,600 divided by 13). If the state substitutes ½ of the average weekly earnings, the weekly benefit amount is $100. To make the calculations simpler, states determine the “overall” multiple of the high quarter wages to decide the weekly benefit amount.

The minimum weekly benefit amount for Pennsylvania is $35 – $43 and the range of maximum is $573 - $581.

The minimum wages required for maximum WBA for highest quarter is $14,898 and for base period is $22,840.

Some House Republicans feel that approval of the bills should be tied for improving the long-term solvency of PA unemployment compensation system which is currently $3 billion in debt to Washington. The bill that makes the tweaks to state law is put for a vote by the House Labor and Industry Committee and the proposal is expected to come before the full chamber. Rep. Ron Miller, R-York, panel’s chairman tells that he wants to send the bill to the floor and to government. According to experts, if changes are not made then the bill needs to go back to the Senate for further action. But it’s certain whether that will occur.

That’s because the state’s present jobless compensation is a mess. According to David Taylor, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, there are lot of structural troubles throughout the system.

Lawmakers approved and Tom Corbett signed a similar extension last summer.  Series of reforms was attached to bill. Moreover, a long sought change requiring benefit recipients to seek for work at the time of receiving unemployment assistance was also attached.

Currently, the business leaders are seeking for language that would limit benefits for residents who willingly quit their jobs. Moreover, they also want the people to use severance packages before they begin receiving public benefits. Taylor said that he is concerned towards jobless residents who for the time being might lose benefits while interest groups and lawmakers work out their differences. As per him, if the conversation is let off, there is no way to get them back and address it again.

In case the bill is changed, it would have to go back to the Senate which is in session only now and then will not return to session until March because of annual budget hearings. Miller says that he wants to get the bill through the Senate and onto Corbett’s desk without any alterations. Meanwhile, the Senate is watching the House and waiting.

Sen. John Gordner, R-Columbia, the chairman of the Senate Labor says that they are bringing the issue forward and it should be moved on its own. He also said that in case of any problem, unemployed Pennsylvanians could be retroactively paid benefits.

Lawmakers have to pass the legislation until Feb 4, which is expected to be taken up by the Senate. But the Senate and the House are in session only for three days, meaning any concerns will have to be Tom Corbett’s desk before the time limit.

In a total of 3000, the numbers of the laid-offs in Crawford County dropped by 500 people. The County saw much improvement over the past 12 months with the jobless rate dropping from 9.0 percent to 7.5 percent.

Jim  Kurre, professor of economics at Penn State Behrend and director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie said that Erie County’s unemployment rate, which was in the past higher than the national average has presently been lower than the national rate for each of the past 21 months. That’s a good news. Other positive signs involve a reduction in the number of citizens counted as unemployed. The number has declined over the past year from 11,900 to 10,400 in Erie County.

Erie County saw substantial gains in manufacturing employment as it added 300 jobs in April and 1300 over the past year. Figures show that the manufacturing employment has stabilized in Erie and Crawford countries over the past year. In Erie County, manufacturers lost 100 jobs in December but employment is has gone up 500 from a year ago while in Crawford County, manufacturing employment held stagnant at 6800, unchanged from a year earlier. GE Transportation, Erie County’s major employer, accounts for about 1000 of the new jobs added over the past year.

While the number of construction jobs has reduced in Erie County, employment in the hospitality and leisure sector declined less than usual. In total 600 jobs were added in this sector which accounted for 13,100 jobs in April. The number of people functioning in that sector in December was 12,800, down from 13,000 in October. Crawford County added 300 jobs for a total of 2,800.

A broad employment sector that involves mining and lodging added nearly 400 jobs in April for a total of 3,800. According to Jim Kurre, the numbers are not encouraging as if we look at the raw numbers, we observe an addition of 1200 new jobs but that’s only good for those 1200 people.  As per him, this 1,200 is not quite as much of an increase as the sector usually adds almost 1,500 jobs.

Seasonally unemployment rate remains above the long-term unemployment rate of 6.3 percent for Erie County and is 5.9 percent for United States. This fact illustrates that the positive news is balanced.

Like the weather, jobs numbers can change considerably. This is the reason, much of a drop-off have not been seen as in the past because of milder winter.

Emergency benefits for the unemployed who have been out of work for at least six months expired on December 1st, leaving millions of laid-offs without a safety net. The time has come to tell the Congress to not leave the unemployed and help them now. Congress must continue these benefits since they pump demand into the economy and help laid-offs and their families. This is a better way to help out the workers pull through the Great Recession.

Unemployment rate mounted to 9.8 percent and Congress is still discussing whether or not to lengthen emergency benefits for the unemployed! The benefits assist to create jobs and improve the economy, but Congress is keen to give expensive and large tax cuts to the wealthy when these tax cuts do not generate jobs and rather increase the deficit by TRILLONS of dollars!

PA unemployment situation is not getting better by any means. Unemployed workers in Philadelphia have begun to bring attention to the dilemma of the laid-offs in their city. Many unemployed workers along with jobs activists and faith leaders attended a vigil to bring attention to the need for Congress to extend unemployment insurance benefits. Nearly 83,000 unemployed workers lost their benefits in December without an extension of them, leaving many families without a way to live on during the holiday season.

Many workers in Pennsylvania exhaust regular UI benefits, which they can get for up to 26 weeks through their state unemployment insurance program. The unemployed workers in the city badly need EUC benefits in order to pay their bills and put food on their families’ tables. Without the extended benefits, many laid-off workers will not have money that is needed for them and their families.

Due to prolonged joblessness in the recession, Congress agreed to accept a compromise two-month extension of emergency unemployment insurance benefits for laid-off workers! Failing to extend the emergency benefits will not only ruin the 15 million people who don’t have jobs at present, but will also kneecap the ones who are still working, at least for the time being. While the citizens are thankful that extended benefits will continue for millions of Americans who depend on them, the nation is still in a desperate need of JOB CREATION!

Moreover, Congress also used the Recovery Act to give up to 34 additional weeks of benefits for the long-term unemployed in high-unemployment regions. This program is federally funded and is called Emergency Unemployment Compensation. These benefits will also provide vital assistance to laid-off workers and their families while they find a new job.

Opponents of unemployment insurance feel that the benefits are just huge welfare program that permits people to receive income without having to look for a job. Yes, unemployment compensation makes workers less desperate to find a job but it doesn’t alter the number of jobs available.

The UI benefits are not responsible for the increase in the period of unemployment or in the high unemployment rates. So, continuing these benefits would not be odd by any means. Over the past four decades, during every recession, Congress has provided emergency unemployment benefits to the long-term unemployed.

Hence, ending long-term emergency benefits means that thousands of laid-off workers are likely to be cut off from their only means of support and thrown into poverty. It won’t create a single job, but at least it will not punish workers and their families for no fault of their own.

Now the economy needs only growth and if Congress fails to extend the benefits, it will pull $65 billion out of the economy and decrease GDP growth by about $130 billion. It has the chance to show the voters it heard loud and clear and can do the correct thing for jobs and the economy.

In short, there is no need for Congress to hesitate on the issue. They must continue the unemployment compensation benefits before they runs out.

Are the Benefits Taxable in Pennsylvania?

Unemployment Insurance benefits are subject to federal and state income taxes.

For unemployed workers who received unemployment insurance benefits, the IRS will tax all benefits after the first $2400. If taxes were not automatically withdrawn from your unemployment benefits check you could end up being liable for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in taxes.

If you are searching for a job, gather all of your job search related receipts. You may be able to deduct expenses for items such as parking fees, resume services and even long distance phone calls and travel expenses related to searching for work.

Working Part-time and Collecting Unemployment in PA

You can work part-time and get unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania. In most cases, you are allowed to earn up to half of your weekly unemployment check while getting unemployment compensation. So, you are getting a $500 a week unemployment check, you can get up to $250 a week at a part time job without losing your benefits. Please contact PA Unemployment Office to get more details

Extended Unemployment Benefits

You can receive benefits extension, but there are some restrictions. You should contact the employment agency to determine the eligibility.

Severance Pay and Unemployment Benefits

You must report all payments received when filing your claim. Service Center will determine your weekly benefits. When a claimant receives or will receive a payment for any period after his last day of work, the UC Service Center must determine the nature of the payment. A payment that is considered to be severance, separation or salary continuation is not deductible from UC benefits, because these payments are not remuneration for services performed while UC benefits are being claimed.

Getting training while receiving PA unemployment compensation

The unemployment office will not pay for job training while claiming unemployment compensation benefits. Unemployment compensation does not pay training costs or tuition. Training opportunities may be available through Pennsylvania’s CareerLink system. You may visit their Web site at www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.

Attending college while receiving PA unemployment compensation

The PA State Labour Law does not disqualify you from receiving benefits just because you are a full or part-time student. You will be eligible for any claim week that you are in training approved by the Secretary of the Department of Labor & Industry and are otherwise eligible.

You can file your claim online or through phone. Online application is always preferred as it is less error prone and gets you quick response. To contact Pennsylvania State Unemployment Office visit their website at www.dli.state.pa.us

You will find  necessary information to file you claims such as eligibility criteria, application process, appeal process etc.

If you prefer to to talk to someone live then you can contact Unemployment Compensation Services Office. Their toll free number is 1-888-313-7284. The working hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If your Social Security number ends in an even number, call on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday. If it ends in an odd number, call on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Other Important PA Unemployment Contact Information

Use the contact information below to obtain other employment related services

Bureau of Unemployment Compensation Benefits and Allowances

Provides statewide policy and procedure for the adjudication and payment of unemployment claims to ensure compliance with federal standards and the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law and Regulations. Processes claim adjustments related to wage records and unemployment compensation benefit overpayments, adjudicates employer requests for relief from charges, and provides claim-specific information to unemployment compensation customers. Develops claims systems to enhance claims processing and customer service.

• General Inquieries: 717-787-3547
• Claims Information: 717-783-3140

Office of Unemployment Compensation Tax Services

• 717-787-7679
• 866-403-6163

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

• 717-787-5244
• 800-442-6351
• 800-233-3008 TTY

Pennsylvania Conservation Corps – 717-783-6385

Employment Services

• Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership – 717-787-3354
• Pennsylvania CareerLink – www.dli.state.pa.us; Keyword: “jobs”

PA CareerLink is the delivery system for employment, training, and education services in the commonwealth. Programs are coordinated and delivered locally at PA CareerLink centers throughout the state. The primary delivery mechanism for services is an Internet-based system to promote a self-service environment. In addition, staff-assisted services are available at comprehensive PA CareerLink centers across the state. PA CareerLink partner agencies are co-located, to work toward providing a seamless delivery system through an integration of systems and coordination of services for job seekers and employers.

Pennsylvania Workforce Development

Workforce professionals, employers and job seekers can find additional information at the Pennsylvania Workforce Development web site.

With industries of steel, mining, chemicals, manufacturing of processed foods, computer and electronic equipment dominating its economy, Pennsylvania had always been a greater source of employment. But the state has been hit roughly by the recession, recording the highest rise in unemployment in the last twenty five years.

By Feb 2008, PA unemployment rate was 7.6 percent and by June 2008, it had risen to 9.5 percent. The recession initially hit construction and manufacturing hardest, but the continued elevated job losses indicated that the recession had started affecting nearly every part of the economy.

Pennsylvania had maintained low reserves for years and therefore had to face the wrath of the recession period very soon. The fund was insolvent in March 2009. To make that up, the state increased the average tax on employers from $384 to $432 per worker and reduced benefits by 2.3 percent.

In October 2009, about ten thousand jobs were added that brought relief to many of the Pennsylvanians but the economic condition of the state on the whole did not seem to improve. Since July 2007, the state had not added so many jobs in a month so this addition was expected to bring a positive influence on the unemployment problem. But according to the records, it did not bring about any change in the unemployment rate. It was also indicated that the manufacturing industry might see more job losses. However, the addition of jobs definitely helped to balance the economic situation in the state as well as the country.

By Dec 2009, the unemployment rate was 8.9%. And according to reports, the state has already borrowed almost $2.2 billion from the federal government. Pennsylvania stood fourth amongst the most bankrupted states.

The unemployment situation began to improve by 2010. By a combination of government action and the improvement in consumer sentiment, the economy started growing. The rate remained just below 10, but the trend appears to have shifted downwards.