ESD denied my UI after quitting toxic job - appeal hearing timeline?
I just got hit with a disqualification notice from ESD last week stating I'm no longer eligible for my unemployment benefits. The reason? A part-time retail position I accepted and then quit after only FOUR DAYS back in July 2025. I had to leave because my direct supervisor was incredibly toxic - screaming at employees on the sales floor, making belittling comments, and even throwing a pricing gun when I asked about the correct markdown procedure! I've already submitted my appeal through eServices explaining the hostile work environment, but I have no idea what happens next. How long before I receive notification about my appeal hearing date? Will it come through eServices, regular mail, or both? And typically how many weeks between filing the appeal and the actual hearing date? My savings are getting dangerously low, and I need to know how to plan financially while this gets resolved. Checking my mail and eServices obsessively every day hoping for news!
18 comments
Fatima Al-Qasimi
You'll typically get the appeal hearing notice mailed to your physical address within 2-3 weeks after filing. They'll also post it to your eServices account, but I'd watch your regular mail closely. The actual hearing date is usually scheduled 3-5 weeks after you receive the notice. Since you quit voluntarily, make sure you gather any evidence showing the hostile work environment - texts, emails, witness contact info, etc. The burden of proof will be on you to show you had "good cause" to quit that job. For this specific situation (hostile workplace), they'll expect you to show you attempted to resolve the issue with higher management before quitting. Did you report your supervisor to anyone?
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Giovanni Colombo
•Thank you for the timeline info! That helps a lot with planning. Yes, I actually did email the store manager the day before I quit detailing the supervisor's behavior, but never got a response. I have that email saved. I also have text messages with two coworkers where we discussed the supervisor's behavior right after incidents happened. Will these be enough as evidence? Or should I try to get written statements from my former coworkers? I'm really nervous about the hearing.
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Dylan Cooper
I had similar isssue wit a toxic manager who threw a STAPLER at me!! when I quit they denied my benefits to. had to wait 7 WEEKS for my appeal hearing and won but they never paid me for those 7 weeks even tho I won. system is rigged against workers!!!! make sure u file ur weekly claims during appeal time or u will never get that money even if u win
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Sofia Ramirez
•That's not entirely accurate. If you win your appeal, you should get backpay for all weeks you properly filed claims for, even during the appeal period. If you didn't get paid for those weeks, you should call ESD to ask why. You might have missed something in your continued claim filing requirements.
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Dmitry Volkov
When I had to appeal a disqualification last year, I got my hearing notice in about 10 days through both mail and eServices. The hearing itself was scheduled for about a month later, but then got rescheduled because the employer asked for more time. Just be aware that can happen! The whole process took almost 8 weeks total. Make sure you keep submitting your weekly claims during this time! Even when you're disqualified, you need to keep claiming each week so you can get backpay if you win the appeal. Has anyone tried using Claimyr to reach ESD about appeal status? I used it when I needed clarification about my hearing documents (https://claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an actual ESD agent in under 30 minutes when I couldn't get through for days on my own. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was really helpful for getting confirmation about what evidence I needed to prepare.
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StarSeeker
•Y'all know you can just keep calling ESD over and over again, right? You don't need to pay someone to connect you. I just hit redial for an hour and eventually got through. These services are just taking advantage of desperate people.
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Ava Martinez
Been hearing officers for 4 years. Here's what you need to know for a hostile workplace quit case: 1. Appeal hearing notices are mailed within 10-15 business days after appeal filing (postal service can add delays) 2. Hearings are typically scheduled 3-6 weeks from notice date 3. You MUST prove: - The supervisor's behavior created an intolerable work environment - You attempted to resolve the issue before quitting - A reasonable person would have quit under similar circumstances 4. Best evidence for your case: - Documentation of incidents (dates, times, exact behavior) - Witnesses who observed the behavior - Evidence you reported the behavior to management - Medical documentation if you experienced anxiety/stress 5. Continue filing weekly claims during the entire appeal process Prepare a clear timeline of events and practice explaining why you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. Success rates for these appeals hover around 60% when properly documented.
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Giovanni Colombo
•This is incredibly helpful! I do have dated text messages documenting the supervisor's outbursts right after they happened. I also emailed the manager but got no response. Does the fact that I only worked there 4 days hurt my case? I wasn't sure if I was supposed to give them more time to address it, but after the pricing gun throwing incident, I genuinely felt unsafe.
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Miguel Ortiz
lol ur gonna lose. ESD always sides with employers. I had WAY worse than u and still lost my appeal. They expect u to basically be physically attacked before quitting is "justified" 🙄
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Sofia Ramirez
•That's not true at all. I won my appeal for a hostile work environment case last year. The key is having documentation and showing you tried to resolve it through proper channels first. Each case is judged on its individual merits.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
Since you only worked there for 4 days, make sure you emphasize the severity of the incidents and why you felt immediate action was necessary. For the hearing itself, it will likely be by phone. Be prepared with all your documents in front of you, speak clearly, and stick to factual information rather than emotional responses. Also, the Administrative Law Judge will give both you and your former employer time to present your case and ask questions. Don't interrupt when others are speaking, and take notes so you can address points during your turn. The more prepared and professional you appear, the better your chances.
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Giovanni Colombo
•Thank you for these tips! Should I send my evidence to OAH before the hearing or just have it ready to reference during the call? The appeal confirmation didn't give any guidance on submitting evidence ahead of time.
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Ava Martinez
You should submit your evidence to both OAH and the employer at least 1 week before the hearing date. The hearing notice will include instructions for submitting evidence. If you wait to just reference it during the call, the judge may not give it as much weight. This includes any texts, emails, written timeline of events, and contact information for witnesses willing to testify. And yes, the short duration of employment (4 days) doesn't automatically hurt your case if the incidents were severe enough to justify immediate resignation. The price gun throwing could be construed as a physical threat, which strengthens your position considerably.
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StarSeeker
•Also make sure you call in to your hearing 10-15 minutes early! I was exactly on time for mine and they'd already started without me. Had to scramble to catch up.
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Dylan Cooper
Anybody else notice ESD is taking WAY longer on appeals this year??? My neibors appeal took 12 WEEKS start to finish!! system is broken!!
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Appeal timelines can vary significantly based on current caseload. While some appeals are resolved quickly, others take longer, especially if there are scheduling conflicts with employers or if the case is particularly complex. The 3-6 week timeframe is an average, not a guarantee.
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Giovanni Colombo
Update: Just received my hearing notice today - exactly 11 days after filing my appeal! The hearing is scheduled for 3 weeks from now. Thank you everyone for the advice. I'm gathering all my evidence and will submit it ahead of time as suggested. Will let you know how it goes!
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Sofia Ramirez
•Great news! Make sure to prepare and practice your testimony beforehand. Be concise and focus on the facts. And definitely submit that evidence of attempting to contact the manager - that's going to be crucial for your case. Good luck!
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