Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Reopen an Existing Unemployment Compensation Claim

    If you applied for Unemployment Compensation in the last year but didn't continue filing for benefits, you can easily restart the process by reopening your existing claim.

    Reopen a claim

    Overview

    If you fall into either of the categories listed below, you should file an application to reopen an existing claim.
    • You established a claim within the past year, and then gained employment and stopped filing for UC benefits. If you become unemployed again, you should reopen your claim during the first week that you are unemployed again.
    • You established a claim, but you stopped filing claims because you were ill, hospitalized, or otherwise unable to work. You should reopen your claim as soon as you are able and available for work again.

    Contact the Office of Unemployment Compensation

    Call us

    UC staff are available Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call us at 888-313-7284.

    Phone

    Email us 

    You can contact us by email anytime: uchelp@pa.gov

    uchelp@pa.gov

    Contact us by Live Chat 

    You can chat online with UC representatives on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

    Chat with a UC Rep

    Accessibility Contact Options

    For American Sign Language (ASL) applicants, videophone: 717-704-8474 (Wednesdays noon to 4 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m.) For individuals with hearing or speech difficulties, use a TTY device to text 888-334-4046.

    Contact us by videophone 

    Text us using a TTY Device 

    888-334-4046