What is an unemployment appeals tribunal - got notice for hearing next month
I received a letter saying I have to appear before an unemployment appeals tribunal next month and I'm completely lost. My claim was denied because they said I quit voluntarily but I was actually laid off due to company downsizing. The letter mentions something about a 'tribunal hearing' but doesn't really explain what that means. Is this like going to court? Do I need a lawyer? I've never dealt with anything like this before and I'm really stressed about it. Can someone explain what actually happens at these tribunal hearings?
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Paolo Esposito
An unemployment appeals tribunal is basically an administrative hearing where an impartial Administrative Law Judge reviews your case. It's not a court but it is a formal proceeding. You'll present your evidence about being laid off, and your former employer can also participate if they choose to. The judge will ask questions and make a decision based on the facts presented. You don't need a lawyer but you can bring one if you want.
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Keisha Brown
•Thank you! That's really helpful. Do you know if I can bring witnesses or documents to prove I was laid off?
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Amina Toure
i went through this last year when my employer said i was fired for attendance but i had medical documentation. the tribunal judge was actually pretty fair and listened to everything. bring any paperwork you have - termination letter, emails, anything that shows you were laid off not quit
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Keisha Brown
•Did you win your appeal? I have the layoff notice they gave me but I'm worried it won't be enough.
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Oliver Weber
The key thing to understand is that the burden of proof is on you to show you didn't quit voluntarily. Gather all documentation from your layoff - any written notice, emails about downsizing, company announcements, etc. The hearing is usually conducted by phone now. Make sure you have good phone service and a quiet place to take the call. Write down your key points beforehand so you don't forget anything important during the hearing.
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FireflyDreams
ugh the whole appeals process is such a nightmare!! i waited 6 weeks for my hearing then another 4 weeks for the decision. meanwhile you're not getting any benefits and bills keep piling up. the system is totally broken
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•That's exactly what I'm worried about. How am I supposed to survive without any income while waiting for this hearing?
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Javier Morales
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get more information about your hearing, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me understand what documents I needed to gather before my tribunal hearing.
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Keisha Brown
•Thanks for sharing that! I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for days with no luck.
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Emma Anderson
Just went through my tribunal hearing two weeks ago and won! The judge asked detailed questions about the circumstances of my separation. My employer didn't even show up to the hearing which helped my case. Make sure you speak clearly and stick to the facts. Don't get emotional even if you're frustrated. The decision came in the mail about 10 days later.
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Keisha Brown
•That gives me hope! Did you get back pay for all the weeks you were denied?
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