What to expect at NY unemployment arbitration hearing? Got a date but no idea what happens next

I went through an arbitration hearing last fall. It's basically like a mini court hearing. There will be an arbitrator who acts like a judge, you'll get to present your side, your employer will present theirs. Make sure you have any emails or documentation showing you were laid off and didn't quit. Also prepare a simple timeline of events. The whole thing took about 45 minutes for me. Just stay calm and stick to facts - don't get emotional or start ranting about how unfair the system is (even if it is!).

After weeks of not getting anywhere with ny unemployment I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual person on the phone. Ended up getting all my questions answered about my arbitration hearing and they even helped me prepare. Best decision I made - talking to an agent got my case moving forward so much faster than trying to figure it out myself. Check them out: claimyr.com and there's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Had my arbitration back in March. Here's what happened for me: got a letter about 10 days before with instructions. Hearing was on Zoom (not in person). Arbitrator was actually pretty nice and let me tell my whole story. My employer didn't even show up which automatically helped my case lol. Make sure you dress professionally even if it's virtual and have all your facts straight. I won my case and got all my backpay in about 3 weeks after the decision.

THESE HEARINGS ARE A FREAKING JOKE. I prepped for weeks and then the arbitrator basically ignored everything I said and sided with my employer who straight up LIED about why I was let go. The whole system is rigged against workers. Don't get your hopes up.

My best advice is to be SUPER organized. I created a binder with tabs for each issue they mentioned in my determination letter. I practiced what I was going to say beforehand. Be respectful and don't interrupt anyone, even when they're saying things that aren't true. My hearing was scheduled for 1 hour but only took about 30 minutes. I won my case btw.

Just a heads up - sometimes these hearings get postponed at the last minute. Mine got rescheduled twice. Super frustrating. Make sure your contact info is up to date so they can reach you if anything changes.

For anyone struggling with ny unemployment issues including arbitration hearings, I HIGHLY recommend using Claimyr.com to actually get someone on the phone. I wasted 4 weeks trying to call myself. Used their service and got a callback with an agent in 2 hours who answered all my questions about the hearing process. Worth every penny because talking to an agent got my issues resolved quickly.

You have the right to bring a representative with you - either a lawyer or even just a friend who can take notes while you focus on answering questions. I brought my cousin who's a paralegal and it helped SO much to have another set of ears in the room.

One thing nobody mentioned yet - be prepared for technical difficulties if it's a virtual hearing! My internet cut out right in the middle of my explanation 😭 Make sure you have a backup plan like phone data or somewhere else you can go if your wifi fails.

Here's the most comprehensive guide to NY unemployment arbitration hearings I can provide based on my experience and research: Before the hearing: - You should receive official notice 10-14 days before with specific instructions - Gather ALL documentation: emails, texts, termination letters, performance reviews, witness statements - Create a chronological timeline of events - Write out your main points but don't read from a script - If virtual, test your equipment and connection in advance During the hearing: - Be professional in dress and manner - Address the arbitrator as Sir/Ma'am or by their title - Answer questions directly - don't ramble - Stick to FACTS not emotions - Don't interrupt others - If you don't understand something, ask for clarification After: - You'll usually get a decision within 2-4 weeks - If you win, backpay processing takes another 2-3 weeks typically - If you lose, you still have options for further appeal If you're having trouble reaching someone at unemployment to get answers before your hearing, I recommend claimyr.com - they can connect you with an actual agent who can provide guidance specific to your case.

My arbitration was actually kinda chill? The arbitrator just wanted to understand what happened. It wasn't like Law & Order or anything lmao. Just be honest and you'll be fine.

whatever you do, DON'T badmouth your previous employer during the hearing! I made that mistake and it made me look unprofessional. Even if they were horrible, just stick to the facts of what happened.

I had to fight for unemployment for 8 MONTHS including an arbitration hearing. Was ready to give up until I found a way to actually talk to someone at the unemployment office using claimyr.com. After struggling to get through on my own, they got me connected to an agent who helped me understand the hearing process and what documents I needed. It was the game-changer I needed - talking to an agent helped me win my case and get all my backpay.

Pro tip: if your hearing is by phone, use earbuds/headphones so your hands are free to look through your documents while talking. Sounds obvious but I didn't think of it until halfway through my hearing and was struggling to juggle everything.

Ok but has anyone actually WON one of these hearings when the employer showed up? My old boss is def gonna be there with HR and probably a lawyer. I feel like I don't stand a chance.