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Appeals typically take 4-6 weeks for processing before OAH schedules a hearing. Here are some tips while you wait: 1. Continue filing weekly claims (very important) 2. Gather evidence for your case (emails, texts showing you had good cause) 3. Create a timeline of events leading to your separation 4. Check your mail daily as notices only come via USPS 5. If you move, update your address with both ESD and OAH I recommend looking at the OAH website as they have guides for unemployment hearings. If you truly were forced to resign, make sure you have documentation showing the conditions that made continued employment impossible or unreasonable.
Thank you for the advice! I'll start gathering my evidence. My boss essentially told me I needed to resign or they'd find a reason to fire me, but it was in person so I don't have it in writing. Will it just be my word against theirs at the hearing?
Without direct evidence of the conversation, it will be more challenging, but not impossible. Look for circumstantial evidence: any performance reviews showing good work, sudden changes in treatment, witnesses who saw/heard anything relevant, any texts/emails that hint at the situation even if they don't state it explicitly. Document any relevant workplace issues that led to this situation. Also, during the hearing, be very specific about exactly what was said, when and where the conversation occurred, and any other details. Specific testimony is often more credible than generalities.
Hey there! I was in your exact situation last month - redetermination lost in the void and couldn't get through on the phone. I ended up trying the Claimyr service someone mentioned above, and I hate to admit it worked really well. But here's a hack: if you can find someone who works for the state government (any department), they often have internal contact numbers or can help escalate your issue. My neighbor works for DOL and was able to get me in touch with someone at ESD directly. \n\nAlso, don't forget to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the redetermination! I made that mistake and it caused even more problems.
I work with older job seekers and want to mention that while you're waiting for ESD resolution, you might want to connect with your local WorkSource office. They have specific programs for job seekers 55+ that can help with the "ghost job" situation you're experiencing. They offer free workshops on addressing age bias in interviews and can sometimes match you directly with employers who specifically value experienced workers. Additionally, the WorkSource case managers can sometimes help expedite ESD issues.
dont forget to check your ESD account for any hidden "alert" messages. Sometimes they say theres a problem but DONT EVEN TELL YOU. I was stuck for 2 months before finding out they needed a document and never bothered to tell me!!! Check the NOTICES section.
btw the phone system asks different questions sometimes. like they word them weird compared to online. just pay attention. oh and have a pen ready cuz they give u a confirmation number at the end
Just to follow up on your original question - changing your PIN is absolutely fine and won't affect your claim status. The UI telephone system (1-800-318-6022) and eServices are just different ways to access the same claim system. The PIN is purely for telephone security verification, similar to your eServices password being for online security. One advantage of phone filing is that it's available longer hours than the website, which sometimes goes down for maintenance. But as others mentioned, the online system offers more features like uploading documents or checking detailed claim status.
Diego Fisher
UPDATE: I called the main ESD number this morning and after a 45-minute wait, finally got through to an agent. They confirmed there IS an adjudicator assigned to my claim who's trying to reach me about the separation issue. Apparently my former employer is claiming I quit voluntarily (which would disqualify me), but I was actually laid off due to a department reorganization. The agent put notes in my file about the best times to reach me and gave me the adjudicator's direct line. She said I should gather any documentation proving the layoff (termination letter, emails, etc.) before the fact-finding interview. Just wanted to update in case anyone else runs into this situation!
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Henrietta Beasley
Glad you got it sorted out! That's exactly the right approach. For the fact-finding interview, be prepared to explain in detail: 1. The exact circumstances of your separation 2. Any conversations you had with management about it 3. Whether you received any documentation 4. If there were any witnesses Stick to facts rather than emotions, and have your timeline clear. If your employer is claiming you quit but you were laid off, that's a significant discrepancy they need to resolve before approving benefits. Good luck with the interview!
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Diego Fisher
•Thanks for the advice! I have the termination letter that clearly states "position eliminated due to departmental restructuring" so hopefully that will be enough evidence. I'm nervous about the interview but feeling better prepared now.
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