ESD appeal hearing tomorrow about school attendance - what questions will the judge ask?

i went thru an appeal last year but mine was for quitting my job. the judge was actually pretty chill, just asked me straight questions about why i left and if i was looking for work. you'll be fine just be honest

Bring documentation showing you dropped out of school, like a withdrawal confirmation or a letter stating your enrollment status changed. The judge will mainly focus on: 1) whether you're able and available for full-time work, 2) if school was interfering with your ability to accept work, and 3) your current job search activities. They'll want to know when exactly you dropped out and why. Make sure you can clearly explain that you prioritized employment over education. These hearings typically last 30-45 minutes. Be direct, factual, and don't volunteer unnecessary information. Good luck!

Judges at these things just want the facts. Be honest. Don't ramble. Answer exactly what they ask. They've heard it all before so don't stress too much.

I just went through an appeal hearing last month for a similar issue. The judge was actually fair and listened carefully to my explanation. The most important questions were about my availability for work and whether I had any schedule restrictions. They'll probably ask you: - When exactly did you drop out? - Why did you decide to drop out? - What job search activities have you done since dropping out? - Are you available for all shifts/hours? - Would you refuse any job offers because of school schedules? My hearing took about 35 minutes. The judge made a decision within 10 days and ruled in my favor. Just stay calm and stick to the facts. Bring any evidence you have about dropping out of school, and records of your job search activities if you have them.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!!!! I had an appeal hearing last year and the judge already had their mind made up before I even spoke!! They denied me because according to them I "wasn't available for work" even though I HAD PROOF I was looking for jobs every single day!! These appeal judges are just there to deny claims and save ESD money. Don't get your hopes up!!!!

I've helped several people prepare for ESD appeal hearings. The good news is that school attendance disqualifications are typically easier to overcome than misconduct or voluntary quit cases. The judge will focus on: 1. Verifying your current enrollment status (bring any withdrawal documentation) 2. When and why you dropped out 3. Your availability for full-time work (any hour/shift limitations?) 4. Your active job search efforts (bring your job search log if possible) The key legal standard is whether you're "able and available" for work. Since you dropped out specifically to find employment, that strengthens your case considerably. Be prepared to answer if you plan to return to school in the future, and if so, how you'll balance work and studies. Emphasize that work takes priority. Stay calm, answer questions directly, and don't volunteer unnecessary information. Most hearings last 30-45 minutes. You'll receive a written decision within 7-14 days.

I had my appeal last year about something else but the same OAH office. Getting through to ask questions beforehand was IMPOSSIBLE. Spent hours on hold and never got through to anyone. Was so frustrating to not be able to ask simple questions before such an important hearing.

my cousin had an appeal for something similar and she said the judge mostly just wanted to know she was actually looking for jobs and not just saying she was. do u have proof of job applications?

I'm kinda in the same situation but havent got my appeal date yet. Let us know how yours goes tomorrow if u dont mind! Good luck!

UPDATE: Had my hearing this morning and it went WAY better than I expected! The judge was actually really nice and just wanted to understand my situation. The whole thing took about 30 minutes. They asked when I dropped out, why I dropped out, and what jobs I've been applying for. I showed them my withdrawal email and my job search records. They said I should receive a decision within 10 days but seemed pretty positive about my case. Thanks everyone for all your advice - it really helped calm my nerves!