Pennsylvania

Special report: Pa. failing the unemployed in not meeting standards with claims

Published

4 days ago

December 29, 2024

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Special report: Pa. failing the unemployed in not meeting standards with claims

Unemployed without compensation

Paul waited five weeks before his unemployment claim was approved.

The 36-year-old Chester man, whose full name the Tribune has agreed to withhold due to the sensitive nature of his situation, lost his job as a food and safety quality assurance specialist at the beginning of October. He said he had suffered some injuries in an automobile accident and struggled to work as efficiently as he did before the accident, so the company he worked for terminated his employment.

He applied for unemployment compensation soon after he lost his job, but didn’t hear anything for days and couldn’t get through to the unemployment office on the phone. Days turned into weeks.

While he waited, he struggled to pay his bills and got notice that he was being evicted from his home. He said he has nowhere else to go if he’s evicted.

“It almost puts you in a situation where, you know, you’re in a crisis. You don’t want that. Nobody wants that,” Paul said.

“It’s just me. But I can’t imagine if I had children or something. Then, it would be even worse.”

Paul contacted the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, and the team there was able to help him sort out the issues that were holding up his claim. He finally got approved in the middle of November.

He was lucky he didn’t have to file an appeal, or he might still be waiting.

Pennsylvania’s record low unemployment rate

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in April 2023 and has been hovering around that number since, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s the lowest the unemployment rate has been in over a decade, and the longest streak of low unemployment since 1976.

The state unemployment rate is lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 4.2% in November, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Even with the record low unemployment rate, Pennsylvania paid out $1.66 billion in unemployment benefits in 2023, according to an actuarial report from the state Department of Labor. The average payment was $453.22 per week. Data for 2024 is not yet available.

Pennsylvania not meeting federal unemployment payment standards

State and federal officials look at backlogs in unemployment compensation claims and appeals in terms of timeliness — how long it takes the state to issue a first payment or issue a decision on an appeal.

The Social Security Act requires states to pay out unemployment benefits “when due,” and federal regulations elaborate on that to mean “with the greatest promptness that is administratively feasible.”

States like Pennsylvania are in compliance with federal regulations if they issue first payments of unemployment benefits within 14 days for 87% of claims, and within 35 days for 93% of claims.

For much of this year, Pennsylvania was nowhere near meeting those standards.

In March, the state issued first payments within 14 days for only 38.05% of claims and within 35 days for 65.11% of claims, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. The numbers gradually improved throughout the year. And in November, Pennsylvania issued first payments within 14 days for 85.03% of claims and within 35 days for 93.89% of claims.

November was the first month that the state partially complied with federal regulations since April 2020.

Appeals are a bit more complicated. The state divides appeals into two categories: Lower-authority appeals are when an employer or unemployed person appeals the initial determination of eligibility or benefit amounts and a referee decides. Higher-authority appeals are when an employer or unemployed person escalates the appeal to the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review.

States are in compliance with federal regulations if they issue decisions within 30 days for at least 60% of lower-authority appeals, and within 45 days for 80% of lower-authority appeals.

Pennsylvania is not meeting that standard, and has not met it since February 2020.

Pennsylvania was closer to meeting standards earlier this year than it is now. In March, it issued decisions within 41 days for 49.13% of appeals, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. (Although the federal regulations set the benchmarks at 30 days and 45 days, they track data at 25 and 40 days.) The response rate has generally dropped throughout the year. In November, the state issued decisions within 41 days for only 36.06% of appeals, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Federal data shows that, in November, first-level appeals sat in the state system for an average of 70 days before a referee issued a decision.

The state is doing better with responding to appeals now than it was from 2021 to 2023.

Federal data shows that, in July 2022, state referees issued decisions within 41 days for only 17.32% of first-level appeals. At that point, the average age of appeals in the state system was 194 days — about 6½ months.

By October 2022, the state was issuing decisions on a greater percentage of first-level appeals, but the average age of first-level appeals in the system was 244 days — about eight months.

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Pennsylvania

Update: Part of Pennsylvania under a snow squall warning Wednesday evening

Published

8 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

Update: Part of Pennsylvania under a snow squall warning Wednesday evening

On Wednesday at 7:51 p.m. an updated snow squall warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 8:15 p.m. for Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties.

“At 7:50 p.m., a dangerous snow squall was located along a line extending from Altoona to New Enterprise, moving east at 35 mph,” according to the weather service. “Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Roaring Spring, New Enterprise, Martinsburg, Lakemont, Bellwood, Claysburg, Williamsburg, Duncansville, Dudley and Horseshoe Curve. This includes the following highways: Route 22 from near Gallitzin to east of Canoe Creek State Park. Route 220 from near King on I-99 to near Bellwood on I-99.

The weather service states, “Wet roadways will quickly freeze. Black ice will cause roads, bridges, and overpasses to become slick and dangerous. Slow down and be prepared for a sudden loss of traction. Slow Down! Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected with this dangerous snow squall. Be alert for sudden whiteout conditions.”

Snow squalls: Safety protocols and prevention tips

What are snow squalls?

Snow squalls are brief but intense winter weather events often linked to strong cold fronts. They can cause sudden white-out conditions and icy roads within minutes, even if there’s no major winter storm happening. While they usually last less than an hour and might only result in minor snow accumulation, they pose significant risks to drivers due to reduced visibility, gusty winds, and rapidly falling temperatures. These conditions have historically led to deadly traffic accidents.

What is the difference between a snow squall and a snowstorm?

The main distinction between a snow squall and a snowstorm lies in their duration and intensity. Snow squalls are typically brief but intense, lasting around 30-60 minutes. In contrast, a snowstorm can stretch over several hours or even days

Snow squall warnings

Snow squall warnings are rapidly issued for specific areas, much like tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings. They offer crucial, localized information aimed at saving lives. If an alert for a snow squall is issued in your area, it’s best to postpone or avoid driving until the squall moves on.

Actions to take

In response to a snow squall warning, individuals should follow the guidelines provided by the weather service, which encompass the following key actions:

Avoid or delay travel: If a snow squall warning is issued for your vicinity, it’s advisable to postpone or refrain from motor travel until the squall has passed through your area. Highways and roads are particularly hazardous during snow squalls.

Reduce speed and increase visibility: If you find yourself already on the road during a snow squall, prioritize safety by reducing your speed. Turn on both your headlights and hazard lights to enhance visibility for yourself and other drivers.

Maintain safe distance: Ensure there is ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. This precaution is essential to account for reduced visibility and the potential unpredictability of road conditions during a squall.

Avoid abrupt braking: In slippery and icy conditions, sudden braking can lead to loss of vehicle control. It’s safer to slow down gradually to minimize the risk of skidding or causing a chain reaction crash.

Winter weather safety tips: For tips on how to stay safe before, during, and after winter weather, visit the weather service Winter Weather Safety page.

Prepare your vehicle: Prior to traveling, take steps to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions by inspecting tires, brakes, and lights, and confirming all fluids are at appropriate levels. A properly cared-for vehicle is more prepared to tackle the obstacles of winter driving.

Essential items for your car’s emergency kit: Always have a well-prepared emergency kit in your vehicle containing crucial supplies like blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Additionally, include jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a map, and cat litter or sand for improved tire traction. These items can be invaluable should you encounter an unexpected breakdown or emergency while on the road.

In conclusion, when faced with a snow squall warning, prioritizing personal safety and adhering to the weather service recommendations can significantly mitigate risks. By understanding, preparing, and staying vigilant, individuals can navigate these winter hazards with greater confidence and security.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Pennsylvania

Teen girl shot while playing video games inside Chester home, family says

Published

16 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

Teen girl shot while playing video games inside Chester home, family says

A teen girl is in the hospital after she was struck by a bullet that entered her home in Chester, Pennsylvania, while she was playing video games, according to her family.

David Nelson told NBC10 he was inside his home along the 1100 block of Keystone Road shortly after midnight on Wednesday when he heard the sounds of gunshots. He then heard screams from his 16-year-old stepdaughter, who had been playing video games inside her room.

“I heard her screaming and hollering,” Nelson told NBC10. “I came upstairs and that’s when she told me to call 911.”

Nelson said a bullet pierced through his stepdaughter’s bedroom and struck her in the spine. She was taken to a nearby hospital. Nelson told NBC10 the bullet nearly hit his stepdaughter’s aorta, the body’s main artery.

“She’s in pain but she is conscious,” Nelson said. “But she knows what happened. She knows where she’s at.”

Nelson told NBC10 he doesn’t believe his daughter was targeted and instead thinks the person responsible was mishandling their gun.

Nelson describes his stepdaughter as an intelligent teenager who plays basketball. He’s hoping she’ll make a full recovery. He also had a message for the gunman.

“Your carelessness caused a lot of pain,” Nelson said.

Chester Police have not yet released information on the incident or if they’ve identified any suspects.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 2 Day results for Dec. 31, 2024

Published

23 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

13-22-27-29-35, Mega Ball: 01, Megaplier: 2

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 2 numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

Day: 3-3, Wild: 4

Evening: 1-5, Wild: 3

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

Day: 8-4-1, Wild: 4

Evening: 4-0-8, Wild: 3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

Day: 4-0-4-7, Wild: 4

Evening: 6-2-3-5, Wild: 3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

Day: 6-5-6-9-5, Wild: 4

Evening: 6-7-3-4-8, Wild: 3

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

10-21-27-31-48, Cash Ball: 02

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

02-04-18-33-38

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

04-06-08-23-30

Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Dec. 31 drawing

12-21-31-32-43-49

Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.

When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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