Layoffs, position eliminations, business closures, and involuntary hours reductions qualify. Pennsylvania applies the "necessitous and compelling cause" standard under 43 P.S. § 402(b) for voluntary quits: the reason must be real, substantial, and would compel a reasonable person similarly situated to act the same way. Discharge for willful misconduct (43 P.S. § 402(e)) disqualifies; discharge for inability or poor performance without deliberate intent generally does not.

The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. Your highest-quarter wages determine your weekly benefit rate via the Table (43 P.S. § 804(e)(1)). You also need total base-period wages of at least $3,391 and at least 37% of those wages earned outside your highest quarter — Pennsylvania's wage distribution requirement ensures sustained work history, not a single concentrated earnings spike.

A credit week is any base-period week where you earned at least $116 in covered employment (43 P.S. § 4(u.1)). Credit weeks also set your benefit duration — a claimant with 22 credit weeks receives 22 weeks of benefits, not 26. Seasonal workers and part-time workers frequently receive fewer than 26 weeks for this reason.

State law requires claimants to be physically and mentally able to work, actively seeking suitable employment, and available to accept a suitable job offer when made (43 P.S. § 401). Work-search exemptions — temporary layoff with recall within 6 weeks, union hiring hall members, and PA L&I-approved training participants — each require prior PA L&I approval.