Responding to the Crozer closure: Unemployment compensation and other public benefits

(updated Aug. 6, 2025)

This page includes resources on Unemployment Compensation and other benefits that may be helpful to former employees of Crozer Health and others facing other job loss.

  • May 1 & June 5 recordings & slides

  • What to do if your unemployment compensation claim is denied.

  • Information on the Crozer Transition Center.

  • & more.

Have you run into issues with unemployment compensation since Crozer Health closed in May? 

LASP collaborated with Phila. Legal Assistance & PA Legal Aid Network to present webinars, now on YouTube

The sudden closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital, both located in Delaware County was announced April 21, impacting over 2,600 employees.

In response, in May and June, LASP teamed up with Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) and the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) to present a two-part webinar series to answer Crozer Health employees' questions about how and why to apply for unemployment compensation, provide education on how to appeal denials, and answer questions.

More than 400 people registered for and 200+ attended the first webinar on May 1, "Crozer is Closing: What Employees Need to Know about Unemployment Compensation." Both webinars are availble on YouTube.

Presenters were Julia Simon-Mishel, Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) Supervising Attorney, Unemployment Compensation Unit; Lee Scoratow, LASP Staff Attorney based in the Chester City Office; and Erica Briant, LASP Director of Community Engagement and Training & webinar moderator.

Crozer is Closing: What Employees Need to Know about Unemployment Compensation (part 1)

May 1 webinar on YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-5-1-2025 | Slides

KYW Newsradio preview story by Justin Udo: https://bit.ly/KYW-4-30-2025

After Crozer Closed: How to Tackle Unemployment Compensation Issues (part 2)

June 5, 2025 webinar on YouTube: https://bit.ly/YouTube-6-5-2025 | Slides

CBS News Philadelphia story by Madeleine Wright: https://cbsn.ws/3HrItzg

Part 1

CROZER CLOSING: What Employees Need to Know to Get Unemployment Compensation

May 1, 2025 webinar

The recording from the May 1 webinar is on the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network’s YouTube page: “CROZER CLOSING: What Employees Need to Know to Get Unemployment Compensation.”

 
 

Part 2

After Crozer Closed:  How to Tackle Unemployment Compensation Issues

June 5, 2025 webinar

Stay tuned for the link to the recording! The link to YouTube will be posted here ASAP, probably within a few days. See below for the slides!

Unemployment Compensation

PA Unemployment Compensation Handbook: A guide to unemployment benefts

Statewide resource

Get information about unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania at UCHelp.org.

Navigating Unemployment Compensation After Job Loss: Follow-up from webinar series supporting the Crozer Community

by Kristen Iles, LASP Communications Intern

& Arcadia University student

(Aug. 6, 2025)

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA (LASP), Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA), and the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) collaborated on a two-part webinar series to assist individuals impacted by the closures of Crozer Health in Delaware County, with navigating unemployment compensation (UC) applications.

The sessions acknowledged of challenges facing the community in the wake of Crozer’s shutdown. The speakers emphasized their commitment to helping individuals understand their rights and responsibilities within the unemployment system.

Presenters were Julia Simon-Mishel, PLA Supervising Attorney of the Unemployment Compensation Unit, and Lee Scoratow, LASP Staff Attorney based in Chester City. Erica Briant, LASP Director of Community Engagement & Training, moderated the discussion. PLAN hosted both webinars, held May 1 and June 5, 2025.

Part 1 | May 1, 2025

Unemployment compensation flyers (2-page PDF): read, print, download, share

Pennsylvania unemployment benefits provide up to 26 weeks of income replacement, with payments starting from the date of the initial application, underscoring the importance of filing promptly. The webinar covered the process of submitting weekly claims; available language support, including interpreters and Spanish-language options; and the main eligibility criteria: financial eligibility, job separation, and being able and available for work.

Julia detailed financial eligibility requirements, advising claimants to carefully review their wage records and appeal if necessary. Lee discussed weekly eligibility criteria, emphasizing the need to be physically able to work and actively searching for employment. He also highlighted the requirement to register with PA CareerLink within 30 days to maintain benefits and the importance of accurately reporting earnings.

The appeal process was thoroughly explained by Lee, including the 21-day deadline to file appeals (with some allowance for late appeals for valid reasons) and the multi-step process starting with a hearing before an unemployment compensation referee, followed by reviews from the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review and potentially Commonwealth Court. He noted that most hearings are in person, though telephone hearings are available with prior evidence submission.

Julia stressed the importance of creating an online unemployment compensation account at benefits.uc.pa.gov. Accounts require multi-factor authentication and identity verification via ID.me, to manage claims, communications, and payments efficiently. She recommended choosing email notifications for more reliable communication and shared resources such as the website UCHelp.org and the UC resources page on the Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor and Industry’s website.

Finally, Lee noted that some PA CareerLink offices offer appointments, including interpreter services, and advised claimants to request backdating of claims if appointment delays occur. If claims are denied, he suggested contacting Legal Aid of Southeastern PA. Local legislators also can assist with claim issues.

PART 2 | June 5, 2025

Unemployment compensation flyers (2-page PDF): read, print, download, share

At the second information session, LASP and PLA attorneys discussed eligibility, filing procedures, common pitfalls, and resources available to assist during this transition.

Filing for Benefits: Initial Applications and Weekly Certifications

The presenters stressed that once an initial claim is submitted, claimants must file weekly certifications to receive payment. Filing can be done through the online UC portal at benefits.uc.pa.gov or by phone at 888-313-7284, with Wednesday-Friday the best times to call. If a week is missed, it may still be filed retroactively. However, missing two or more weeks may make the claim inactive, requiring it to be reopened online or via phone.

If a claimant is found financially ineligible, they should check for missing wages or wage reporting errors. If all information is accurate but still doesn’t meet eligibility criteria, they may reapply after the next wage quarter begins.

Continuing Eligibility: Work Requirements and PA CareerLink Registration

To remain eligible for benefits, claimants must be “able and available for work” each week, register with PA CareerLink within 30 days of applying, and complete weekly work search activities, such as submitting two job applications or engaging in job-related activities (interviews or follow-ups). These actions must be reported on weekly certifications. It’s important to note that PA CareerLink and the UC system are NOT connected, so updates must be made in both systems separately.

Job Offers: Understanding Suitability and Reporting Requirements

Attorneys noted that unemployment benefits support job seekers in finding suitable work, not just any job. Job-seekers are not required to accept the first offer they receive—particularly if it doesn’t match their experience, pay, or commuting distance. If an offer is refused, claimants must report it, but they will have a chance to explain why the job was unsuitable or why they had good cause to decline (e.g., childcare conflicts, lack of accommodation, or health issues).

If a job is accepted, claimants should continue certifying weekly until the job starts, not when they begin receiving pay. For part-time jobs, they must report gross wages when earned, not when paid, and report these on the weekly claim. Misreporting or failing to report wages can cause delays or overpayments.

Partial Benefit Credit and Gig Work

Claimants were advised to understand their Partial Benefit Credit (PBC)—30% of their weekly benefit amount. If earnings remain below the PBC, full benefits are paid. Earnings above that reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar. Fluctuating hours can affect eligibility, and additional claims may be required.

Gig work (like Uber or DoorDash) usually does not count as self-employment under Pennsylvania law, but reporting non-W2 income triggers an investigation. Claimants should clarify that such work is temporary and that they are actively seeking W2 employment.

Misclassification issues—especially for former Crozer employees now working under 1099 contracts—may require legal assistance.

Other Income and Special Cases

The session addressed common concerns about other income types. Pensions and severance pay should be reported on the initial claim, not weekly certifications. Social Security (retirement or disability) and spousal/household income do not affect eligibility and do not need to be reported. Immigrant workers who are legally authorized to work are eligible but must submit valid documentation.

Appeals deadline: 21 days | What to Do If You Receive a Denial

If a claim is denied, individuals should file an appeal immediately—even if the 21-day deadline has passed. Late appeals can still be accepted with valid reasons. Appeals may be submitted online, via email, phone, or fax.

The first appeal stage is a referee hearing, usually held near the claimant’s last place of employment (Springfield, for Crozer workers). Hearings are formal but do not require legal representation. If the hearing is by phone, evidence must be submitted at least five days in advance via email or the portal. Claimants should continue filing weekly certifications while waiting for a hearing, as successful appeals can result in back pay.

UC Portal and Other Support Resources

Claimants were encouraged to use the UC portal to:

  • File weekly claims

  • Upload supporting documents

  • Respond to questionnaires

  • View determinations

  • Update payment methods and communication preferences

  • File an appeal

Participants were also directed to UCHelp.org, a self-help resource created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance that includes FAQs, screenshots, and instructions to navigate the unemployment system.

For additional help:

  • Call the statewide UC hotline at 888-313-7284, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Email UCHelp@pa.gov

  • Live chat: uc.pa.gov/Chat

  • Schedule an in-person appointment, if offered, at some PA CareerLink offices: 855-284-8545.

  • Receive a denial? Contact Legal Aid of Southeastern PA at 877-429-5994, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or apply online 24/7 at lasp.org/apply. LASP services are free to qualified individuals in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

  • Contact your state legislator for support with denials or complex issues. https://www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator

Fraud and Delays

A number of attendees raised concerns about fraudulent claims filed in their names during the pandemic. If you cannot create a UC account due to an existing fraudulent claim, contact your state legislator to request that the fraud be removed and your claim backdated.

If you’ve been waiting more than 3–4 weeks without payment, check your portal for flagged issues or questionnaires. Delays often stem from UC waiting for an employer response. In Crozer’s case, staffing or administrative gaps could slow this process. If no response is received from the employer within 7–14 days, UC will proceed based on the claimant’s information.

Closing notes

The speakers addressed several closing questions. Notably, paid time off (PTO) paid after separation does not need to be reported to UC. However, PTO used while still employed should be reported in weekly claims.

Attendees were reminded to check the message center regularly, keep up with weekly filings, and watch for the Money Network debit card, which arrives in a plain white envelope. If the card hasn’t arrived after three weeks, call the number listed on the UC website to confirm or request a replacement.

The sessions concluded with appreciation for the community's engagement and a reminder that the sessions were recorded and are available on YouTube.

Next steps

Next steps for people who are facing issues with unemployment compensation:

  • Visit Philadelphia Legal Assistance's webpage UCHelp.org

Crozer Health alumni can also contact the Crozer Transition Center through PA CareerLink of Delaware County.  

If you receive a denial of your unemployment compensation claim, appeal the denial.

For further assistance with claim denials or claim troubleshooting, contact Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania at lasp.org or your local state representative or senator.

Chester Housing Authority information for public housing residents and HCVP participants

If you are an employee of Crozer Health or Taylor Hospital and will be affected by the hospital closings, it's important to take action now to protect your housing.

What you need to do:

  • IMMEDIATELY contact your Occupancy Specialist to discuss your situation and develop a plan to preserve your housing.

  • Why is this important? Changes in employment can impact your eligibility and rent calculations for Public Housing or the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP).

  • By contacting your Occupancy Specialist early, we can work together to: Understand how the hospital closures will affect your income.

  • Review your options and ensure continued housing stability.

  • Explore potential adjustments to your rent or voucher, if necessary.

  • Don't wait! Proactive communication is key to navigating this transition smoothly. We are committed to assisting residents and participants during this challenging time.

Compass

COMPASS provides a single access point for the following benefits:

  • Health care coverage, including CHIP

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps), including Disaster Food Assistance

  • Free or reduced-price school meals

  • Cash Assistance

  • Child Care Works

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

  • Long-term living services – Home- and community-based

  • Long-term living services – Nursing home and related facilities

Foreclosure

HUD Foreclosure brochure: 2-page PDF

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps)

  • Replacement SNAP benefits: Did you purchase food with SNAP that was lost during a power outage, flood, or fire? Replacement SNAP benefits can help you get new food!

Utilities

  • What to do if you cannot afford your utilities | Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) | 4-page PDF in English and Spanish

  • Utility rights for tenants (renters) | Pennsylvania Utility Law Project | 4-page PDF in English and Spanish

Crozer Transition Center (through PA CareerLink of Delaware County)

PA CareerLink of Delaware County is hosting the Crozer Transition Center.

Visit the PA CareerLink of Delaware County. 1-page PDF | Crozer Transition Center webpage

The Rapid Response Transition Center for Crozer Health System employees, operated by Pennsylvania CareerLink Delaware County, provides essential support services to help dislocated workers transition to new opportunities.

Located at 160 E. 7th St., Chester, PA 19013, the center offers unemployment compensation guidance, job search assistance, career counseling, resume writing, and health insurance enrollment.

Services are available through virtual workshops and in-person appointments. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled by emailing Pa.CrozerTransitionCenter.info@edsi.com.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 610-876-4855.

1-page PDF | PA CareerLink of Delaware County’s Crozer Transition Center webpage

In the news

Former Crozer Health system employees struggle to access unemployment benefits

Legal aid groups organize webinar to guide Crozer employees in seeking unemployment benefits

  • by Justin Udo | KYW Newsradio | April 30, 2025 | https://bit.ly/KYW-4-30-2025

  • Lee Scoratow, LASP Staff Attorney; Erica Briant, LASP Director of Community Engagement & Training; and Julia Simon-Mishel, Philadelphia Legal Assistance Supervising Attorney, Unemployment Compensation Unit discuss their May 1 presentation in response to the sudden closure of Crozer Health in Delaware County.

unemployment compensationMarion Fraleypublic benefits