Our mission is to provide quality service with integrity, responsiveness and sensitivity to the employees of the School District of Philadelphia.

The Unemployment Department

-Represents the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) in responding to all unemployment claims and attending unemployment hearings. This means we submit all documents and communicate with all necessary parties/witnesses (excluding the claimant) relative to the claim. The SDP does not approve nor deny requests for unemployment benefits. The UC Benefits Office makes determinations and sends that information to the claimant and SDP separately.

Since we represent the SDP, we are not able to assist with questions regarding submitting an unemployment benefit application, the turnaround time on a decision, or the reason a decision was made. If you plan to apply for unemployment benefits, please use this form to assist you in completing the information needed about the SDP.

UC Benefits Website

Please Note: All employees have reasonable assurance of continued employment when school days restart after a school break or holiday.

Your position is determined *still employed* with the SDP during and after all previous and future breaks and holidays. That includes Spring Recess, Summer Break, and Winter Recess. This also applies to all holidays published on the School Calendar. By implication, this means that under Section 402.1 of the Pennsylvania  UC Law, employees may not be eligible for unemployment compensation (UC) during breaks, recesses and holidays.

This is the case even if the employee is not receiving pay or working less hours due to still being employed with the SDP.
Reasonable assurance is not an employment contract or employment confirmation.
Reasonable assurance only applies if the employee’s supervisor agrees to continue your employment.
Continued employment at the SDP is always at the discretion of employees’  supervisor(s), the Office of Talent, and the Board of Education.

How to file an Unemployment Claim

This link will take you to the PA Department of Labor & Industry site where you can submit a claim. When completing an application, it is important to use the following specific information to help expedite your claim or refer to this form:

The Employer Name: School District of Philadelphia
Mailing Address: 440 N. Broad St Suite G-8
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Telephone Number: (215) 400-2340
Fax Number: (215) 400-4681
PA UC Account Number : 71-94492M

This information is all available on this PA Unemployment Form.

You may also contact the PA UC Service Center by phone at 888-313-7284.