


Ask the community...
While you're waiting for your appeal confirmation, I recommend preparing your evidence. Gather anything that proves you were laid off: termination letter, emails, texts with your boss, contact info for coworkers who were also laid off, etc. The more documentation you have showing it wasn't voluntary, the better your chances. Also write down a timeline of events while it's fresh in your memory.
I had this exact same sitatuion last quarter!!! Actually what happened was my appeal confirmation got sent to my old address even though I updated everything in the system. Maybe check with your old address if you moved recently? Just a thought.
The problem with ESD is they're so INCONSISTENT!! My friend and I had almost identical overpayment situations but she got a payment plan of $60/month and they wanted me to pay $225/month!! When I asked why, they just gave me some generic explanation about "financial assessment" but wouldn't explain the actual formula. Its just whoever you get on the phone that day and what mood theyre in!!! The whole system is broken.
To add to my earlier comment about winning appeals - preparation is everything. The Administrative Law Judges who hear these cases have very specific procedures. A few more tips: 1. The burden of proof is on ESD, not you. They must prove you weren't eligible. 2. You can request a postponement if you need more time to gather evidence. 3. You can call witnesses (like former employers) to testify on your behalf. 4. Keep your testimony focused on the specific issue in the determination letter. Regarding repayment: if you're experiencing financial hardship, you can request a reduction or waiver of the overpayment. You'll need to complete ESD's financial statement form and provide documentation of your income and expenses. In extreme cases of hardship, I've seen ESD waive overpayments entirely.
This is incredibly helpful information! I didn't know I could potentially get a waiver if I can prove financial hardship. I'll start gathering all my financial records along with the documentation about my separation reason. I really appreciate everyone's help here - I was feeling completely lost before.
Just to clarify one technical point about reopening claims: when you reopen, you're required to register for job search services through WorkSource again and resume your job search activities (3 per week). Even if you were exempt before (like on standby status), you need to check if that exemption still applies when reopening. This is a common issue people miss when reopening claims. The job search requirements are strictly enforced now compared to earlier years.
Let us know how it goes! I'm curious if there are any delays with reopening claims in 2025. When I did mine last year it was pretty quick, but I've heard ESD's systems have been updated since then.
Just wanted to update: reopened my claim yesterday and it went through without any issues! The system accepted it right away and I was able to file for this week. It shows my claim as active with the same weekly benefit amount I had before. So relieved that I don't have to go through another long wait. Thanks everyone for the help!
One more critical tip: When you get your hearing notice, it will tell you how to submit evidence. Make sure you share all evidence with both the Office of Administrative Hearings AND your former employer by the deadline (usually 1 week before). If you miss this step, the judge might not consider your evidence. Also, prepare a clear, chronological statement about what happened. Practice explaining your situation concisely - judges appreciate when you can present your case in an organized way without rambling. Focus on facts rather than emotions, even though I know this is a stressful situation. Good luck with your appeal!
has anyone had their employer just not show up to the hearing? mine didn't bother coming to the call and the judge basically had to rule in my favor since they couldn't prove their case without being there lol
Yes! This happened to me as well. My former employer made a big deal about contesting my claim but then never showed up for the hearing. The judge still asked me questions about what happened, but without the employer there to present evidence of misconduct, I won by default. It's actually pretty common from what I've heard from others.
Logan Scott
my friend did the WorkSource thing and said they helped him with resume writing and interview practice which was actually useful. maybe try that part even if their training isn't AI specific
0 coins
Caden Nguyen
•yeah worksource helped me w/ my linkedin profile for free and that got me more interviews even tho i didnt do any of their training programs
0 coins
Chloe Green
To update on your question about online certifications: Online training CAN qualify for CAT if it's from an approved provider and is part of a structured program with defined start/end dates and course hours. Self-paced learning generally doesn't qualify. I'd recommend these steps: 1. Set up an appointment with a WorkSource career counselor (they're familiar with what ESD typically approves) 2. Bring a list of specific AI programs you're interested in 3. Ask them to help you determine which would likely qualify for CAT 4. Have them help you with the application paperwork In my experience, having a WorkSource counselor advocate for your application increases approval chances substantially. They know exactly what documentation ESD is looking for.
0 coins
Mila Walker
•This is excellent advice - thank you! I'll make an appointment with WorkSource this week. I've been researching a few structured online programs that have specific cohort start dates, so hopefully those might qualify. Did you find your training led directly to employment afterward?
0 coins