After OAH hearing - fastest way to check ESD decision and timeline for results?

The OAH usually updates their online portal first, typically within 10-14 days after your hearing. Log in to the OAH portal (not the ESD one) and check under 'Decisions' or 'Case Status'. They'll mail the official decision copy after it's been uploaded to the portal, so checking online is definitely faster. The judge is required to issue a decision within 30 days of the hearing date, but most come through within 2 weeks. Good luck!

i just went thru this in january!! they took 18 days to decide mine but i won and got all my backpay just dont get too excited cause even after they decide ESD still takes like 3-4 weeks to actually pay you its so frustrating

My sister went through almost exactly the same thing back in November! The wait is absolutely excruciating. Her hearing went well and the judge seemed sympathetic but then they still took over 3 weeks to make a decision! Then even after she won, ESD dragged their feet for another month processing the payment. The system is so broken.

I HATE the waiting!!! When I had my hearing in February the judge told me 2-3 weeks but it took FIVE WEEKS!!! Everyday checking the mail like a crazy person! And then when I finally got the decision it was NEGATIVE and all that waiting for NOTHING!!! Now I'm appealing to the Commissioner which is ANOTHER 6 months wait!!!! This system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!!!

Just to clarify some misinformation here - the OAH is required to mail a written decision within 30 days after the hearing concludes. They don't always upload to the portal first, though many judges do. The most reliable way to check is actually to call the OAH directly at 1-855-929-7297. Have your docket number ready, and they can tell you if a decision has been made and its status. If your decision is favorable, ESD should implement it within 30 days, but there are often delays. If you don't see movement in your ESD account within 2 weeks of receiving a favorable decision, I recommend calling ESD directly. Getting through can be difficult though.

If you're struggling to reach ESD by phone (who isn't?), I highly recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that basically connects you directly to an ESD agent, bypassing all the hold time and disconnects. I used it last month after my hearing and got through in about 15 minutes instead of spending days trying to reach someone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to follow up on implementing my hearing decision.

Just to add some important information: if the OAH rules in your favor, ESD has the right to petition for review within 30 days, which could further delay your payment. If they don't petition for review, the decision becomes final and ESD must implement it. You can check if ESD has filed a petition by calling OAH or checking the portal. If you receive a favorable decision, keep a close eye on your ESD account. Sometimes they'll update your claim status before actually releasing payment. Look for status changes from "denied" to "paid" or for the disqualification to be removed. Once you see those changes, payment is usually processed within 3-5 business days.

oh yeah forgot to mention they sent me an email when the decision was posted! but it went to my spam folder so check there too