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Miguel Castro

How to get copies of employer's evidence before my CUIAB appeal hearing?

I have an appeal hearing coming up with CUIAB in 3 weeks, and I'm really nervous because I don't know what my former employer has submitted against me. They're claiming misconduct, but I was laid off due to lack of work! I want to see what they're saying so I can properly prepare for my hearing. Has anyone successfully requested to see what their employer submitted to the appeals board? Where do I need to go to get these documents? Do I contact EDD directly or the CUIAB office? Any advice would be super helpful as I'm stressing about this appeal and don't want to lose my benefits.

You need to contact the CUIAB office handling your case directly. Call the CUIAB office where your hearing is scheduled (the number should be on your hearing notice) and request all exhibits and evidence that will be presented at your hearing. This is your right! They are required to provide you copies of all evidence that will be used in the hearing. Do this ASAP because it can take them a few days to process your request. When I went through this last year, I also submitted a formal written request by email to have everything documented. Good luck!

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Miguel Castro

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Thank you so much! That's exactly what I needed to know. The hearing notice does have a phone number - I'll call them first thing tomorrow morning. Should I specifically ask for 'exhibits' or is there special terminology I should use?

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when i had my appeal i didnt get any paperwork until the day of the hearing! the judge just handed all the evidence to me right there at the start. it was super stressful trying to read everything while also preparing to answer questions. definitely try to get it ahead of time!!!

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Miguel Castro

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Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! I want time to review everything and prepare responses. I'm definitely going to request the documents ahead of time.

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LunarEclipse

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I went through this nightmare last month. You need to contact CUIAB directly, NOT EDD. EDD won't help with this. Call the CUIAB office on your hearing notice and ask for the 'appeal file' or 'case file' - those are the terms they used with me. They'll email you everything they have. IMPORTANT: Sometimes employers submit additional evidence right before the hearing date, so call again a few days before your hearing to make sure you have EVERYTHING. My employer tried to blindside me with a bunch of 'policy violation' documents I'd never even seen before!

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Miguel Castro

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Thank you for the warning about last-minute submissions! I'll definitely call again closer to the hearing date. Did you win your appeal despite all that?

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Yara Khalil

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YOU HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS HERE!!! The CUIAB *must* provide you access to your case file before the hearing. It's in the unemployment insurance code. Don't let them tell you otherwise. If they give you any trouble, remind them that you're entitled to see all evidence that will be used in making a decision BEFORE the hearing. I went through 3 appeals (won all of them) and the CUIAB tried to stonewall me every time.

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Miguel Castro

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Thank you for being so clear about this. It's good to know I have the right to see these documents. Did you have to be forceful with them to get the files?

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Keisha Brown

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Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the CUIAB office listed on your hearing notice 2. Request all evidence and exhibits related to your case file 3. Ask about any employer-submitted documents specifically 4. Follow up with an email to create a paper trail of your request 5. If they haven't sent anything within 5 business days, call again You can also physically go to the CUIAB office and request to review your file in person if you're close enough. They have to let you see it. Make sure to bring ID and your hearing notice with your case number. Focus on preparing responses to the likely misconduct allegations. If they're claiming misconduct but you were laid off due to lack of work, gather any documentation proving the latter (layoff notice, emails, texts from managers, etc).

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Miguel Castro

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This step-by-step guide is exactly what I needed! I'll call tomorrow and follow up with an email. Thankfully I saved all communication about my layoff, including an email where my manager specifically mentioned 'position elimination due to restructuring.' Hopefully that helps.

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I've been trying to call EDD for a similar issue for WEEKS with no luck. Always get the 'too many callers' message and then a hang up. So frustrating!!! Has anyone had any luck getting through to them lately? I'm desperate to talk to someone about my appeal too.

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Amina Toure

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Try using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's the only way I was able to get through to EDD when dealing with my appeal. Basically it holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me so much stress and time. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km But for the original poster's question - you actually need to contact CUIAB not EDD for appeal documents. They're separate agencies.

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everyone is giving advice about calling but theres an easier way. just go to the CUIAB website and download form DE 6408 'request for copy of appeal record'. fill it out with your appeal case number and they have to send you everything. i did this last month and got all the docs in 3 days.

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Miguel Castro

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Thank you! I didn't know there was a specific form. I'll look for DE 6408 on their website right away. Did you submit it online or did you have to mail it in?

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One more important tip: when you get your employer's evidence, review it VERY carefully for inconsistencies or factual errors. Take notes on everything you disagree with and bring those notes to your hearing. The Administrative Law Judge will give both sides a chance to present their case. Stay calm, stick to facts, and directly address any false claims from your employer. Also, if your employer doesn't attend the hearing (which happens quite often), that generally works in your favor since they're not there to present their side or challenge your statements.

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Miguel Castro

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This is great advice. I'll definitely prepare detailed notes challenging any inaccuracies. I'm hoping my former employer doesn't show up, but I'll be ready either way. Thank you!

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Oliver Weber

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Ok but if your asking about CUIAB why are you posting in the EDD section?? This is for EDD unemployment not appeals board questions. Just saying.

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Miguel Castro

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The CUIAB handles EDD unemployment insurance appeals, so they're directly related. My appeal is specifically about my EDD unemployment benefits that were denied.

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LunarEclipse

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Update us after your hearing! I'd like to know how it goes. Appeals can be intimidating but if you have the truth on your side and good documentation, you have a decent chance. My hearing lasted about 40 minutes and the judge was actually pretty fair.

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Miguel Castro

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I definitely will! Thank you for the encouragement. I'm nervous but feeling better prepared now with all this advice. I'll come back and share what happens after my hearing.

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Ethan Clark

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Just went through this exact same situation 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: Call the CUIAB office first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) when they open - you'll have better luck getting through. When you call, ask specifically for your "complete appeal file" and mention you need it to prepare for your hearing. They emailed me a PDF with everything within 2 days. Also, don't panic if your employer's evidence looks bad at first glance. Mine submitted a bunch of write-ups I'd never seen before, but during the hearing it came out that they were backdated and not properly documented according to their own policies. The judge saw right through it. Document everything you have that supports your side - even text messages or informal communications can help your case. You got this!

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Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really encouraging to hear that you won despite the employer submitting questionable evidence. I'm definitely going to call right at 8 AM tomorrow - that's a great tip about timing. It's reassuring to know that judges can see through fabricated or backdated documentation. I've been worried that any employer "evidence" would automatically work against me, but your story gives me hope that the truth will come out during the hearing.

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I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just wanted to add that when you call CUIAB, make sure to have your Social Security number and case/appeal number ready - they'll need both to pull up your file. Also, if the first person you talk to seems unhelpful or says they can't provide the documents, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Sometimes the front desk staff aren't fully aware of your rights to access the appeal file. I had to escalate my request but eventually got everything I needed. The whole process is stressful enough without having to fight for basic information you're entitled to. Wishing you the best of luck with your hearing - it sounds like you have a solid case if you were truly laid off due to lack of work!

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Aaron Lee

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This is such valuable advice! I hadn't thought about having my SSN and case number ready - that will definitely save time when I call. And the tip about asking for a supervisor if needed is really smart. I've dealt with situations before where the first person I spoke to didn't have all the information or authority to help. It's good to know that persistence can pay off when you're just asking for what you're legally entitled to. Thank you for the encouragement about my case too - I'm feeling more confident that the truth will come out during the hearing!

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