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    File for Relief from Unemployment Compensation Charges

    When a resident gets unemployment compensation (UC), each employer that paid their wages during the year pays for their benefits. They only don't have to pay if they are granted relief from benefit charges.

    Download Form UC-44FR

    Overview

    Under Section 302.1(a) of the PA UC Law, employers can request relief from certain benefit charges. This applies when an employee:

    • Quits without good reason related to work,

    • Is fired for serious misconduct,

    • Leaves due to their fault,

    • Fails a drug or alcohol test under a policy, or

    • Still works part-time without changes or is laid off due to a short business closure from a disaster.

    To get disaster-related relief, employers need to write a letter and fill out Form UC-44FR. The information should include the disaster specifics, date, location, a brief description, and expected reopening date.

    After a major natural disaster, an employer can request relief if their employee would have qualified for disaster unemployment assistance. This must be within eight weeks of the President's emergency declaration.

    In each case, employers must prove they qualify for relief.

    A request for relief from charges is different from an appeal. An appeal is about a claimant's eligibility. The two must be filed separately.

    How to file

    How to file for relief:

     Include the following information in a letter along with the completed form:

    • The claimant’s name and social security number
    • Employer’s name and UC account number
    • The last day the claimant worked
    • Detailed separation information or information about the claimant’s part-time employment, with supporting documentation
    • Name and contact information of the person completing the form

    Once you've completed Form UC-44FR, and your letter, you can then email it to us or fax it to us at: 717-724-6952.

    Where to mail or fax your form

    Once you've filled out Form UC-44FR, you can email it or fax it to: 717-724-6952