ESD appeal hearing timeline - how long after submitting paperwork?

The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) process typically takes 3-5 weeks from the date you filed your appeal to get a hearing scheduled. You should receive a Notice of Hearing in the mail with the exact date and time, usually at least 7-10 days before your actual hearing date. Make sure your mailing address is up-to-date in the system. You should continue filing your weekly claims during this time even though you won't receive benefits until the appeal is decided in your favor.

mine took almost 2 months last year lol good luck

When I went through the appeal process last fall, it took about 4 weeks to get my hearing scheduled. The important thing to remember is that you need to gather ALL your evidence now - pay stubs, any emails or texts about your separation, witness contact info - anything that proves you were laid off rather than quitting. The determination letter is the denial you already received. The Notice of Hearing is what you're waiting for now, which will come from OAH, not ESD directly. Keep filing your weekly claims! If you win your appeal, they'll pay all the back weeks you claimed during the wait.

u shud try calling them to check status... sometimes they "lose" appeals or it sits on someones desk 4ever

The real issue isnt even the hearing date, its how long after the hearing until you get a DECISION. My hearing was quick (like 30 min phone call) but then it took another 3 weeks to get the judges decision!!! Even when I won it took another week for ESD to start paying me. The whole process took like 9 weeks from appeal to money in my account. The system is designed to make people give up, I swear.

Make sure you have a clear phone line for your hearing! I missed my call because I was in a bad reception area, and they rescheduled me which added another 3 weeks to the process. Also, be very organized with your evidence and practice explaining your situation clearly and calmly. The judge will appreciate it if you're concise and stick to the facts. I'd recommend writing down a timeline of events related to your separation from employment, with specific dates if possible. When presenting your case, focus on demonstrating that you were laid off rather than quitting. If your former employer argues against you, don't interrupt them - you'll get your chance to respond. Keep filing your weekly claims during this entire process. If you win, you'll get retroactive payment for all weeks claimed.

Also, in case it helps ease your stress a little - if you win your appeal, you will receive all back payments for the weeks you've been claiming. While it doesn't help with immediate bills, you will eventually get the full amount you're entitled to if the judge rules in your favor. I'd recommend checking your appeal status on the OAH portal as well: https://www.oah.wa.gov/ They have a separate system from ESD where you can sometimes see updates on your case status.

One important thing to remember is that if your employer doesn't show up for the hearing (which happens fairly often), that significantly increases your chances of winning. But don't count on that - still be fully prepared. Also, make sure you understand exactly why ESD denied your claim. In your case, it sounds like they believe you voluntarily quit rather than being laid off. You'll need to focus specifically on proving that aspect of your case with documentation or witness statements if possible.