Unemployment Information

How does one apply for unemployment benefits?

You can apply for unemployment through the www.uc.pa.gov website.

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How do I know if I qualify?

The www.uc.pa.gov website provides you with the eligibility requirements as well as instructions on how to apply for your benefits. This is referred to as “filing an unemployment claim”.

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How do I file an unemployment claim?

There are three (3) ways of filing an unemployment claim; online (this method is highly recommended), phone, or paper application.

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Will someone at Villanova help me file my claim?

Each employee will need to file their own claim. The www.uc.pa.gov website has tools that can help walk you through the process for filing your claim. The site provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Self-Service Step-by-Step Instructions, and Live Chat Assistance.

There is a Requirements Checklist that can be reviewed prior to filing your initial claim.

You should have received the Employer Information Form upon your separation. This contains Villanova specific information you will need to complete you claim. 

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Does Villanova decide if I get unemployment benefits or not?

The Office of Unemployment Compensation (UC) makes the decision on eligibility for benefits, not the employer.

Villanova will verify your dates of employment, salary, and reason for not working to the Office of Unemployment Compensation to help determine your weekly benefit amount. 

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I am a 9/10-month employee. Do I qualify for unemployment benefits during my off months?

This question is answered in PA UC's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Villanova’s position to the State is that you are on an academic break with a reasonable assurance of returning the next semester to your position.

Academic breaks can occur during the semester as well, e.g. fall break, Thanksgiving, Christmas break, spring break. 

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What is meant by Reasonable Assurance?

While the definition is addressed in the FAQ’s, Reasonable Assurance means that Villanova has provided you with a date you are to return to work. During short breaks such as fall/spring break it is the continuance of the semester that serves as notice of Reasonable Assurance.

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As a student employee, GA, TA, or High School student employee, am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

The Office of Unemployment Compensation (UC) makes the decision on eligibility for benefits, not the employer.

Villanova’s position to the State, however, is that you are first and foremost a student, and your employment is contingent on you remaining as a student in good standing.

In some cases, the work or research work being performed as a student is in the furtherance of the curriculum. 

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How do I determine how much weekly unemployment benefits I will receive from the State?

While neither Villanova nor the UC can predetermine your eligibility amount, there is a tool under Weekly Benefit Rate FAQs, Calculating the Weekly Benefit Rate you can review. 

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I understand I may qualify for a Federal Supplement for unemployment benefits. How do I apply for this?

You must first be eligible for UC benefits to qualify for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program.

There are no extra steps you need to take to receive the FPUC.

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If I do not qualify for UC benefits, what can I do?

You may appeal the decision requesting an appeal hearing.

You might qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

You would need to apply at the www.uc.pa.gov website for PUA benefits. There are FAQs addressing the FPUC and PUA programs on the website which you should review.

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If I do qualify for benefits, can Villanova deny my benefits?

If Villanova disagrees with the UC Representatives decision to award benefits, Villanova may appeal the decision requesting a hearing to challenge the decision but it does not have the right to deny benefits.

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When should I apply for my benefits?

You need to file for UC benefits the first week that your income has been reduced. For example, if your last day of work is on Friday you should file the following Monday.

You should not pre-apply for benefits because your claim could be denied or delayed.

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How long will it take for me to receive my benefits?

Because the decision for benefits is made solely by the UC Office, Villanova cannot provide you with a payment timeline. The PA Unemployment website estimates it could take 4-6 weeks before you would receive benefits.

The first step in the claim process is to secure your PIN which will is required to file your claim. The UC Office indicates it will take approximately 2 weeks to receive your PIN once you have registered with the Office of Unemployment Compensation.

Once you receive your PIN and file for benefits, it could take another 2-4 weeks before you would receive your first payment. 

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