ESD denied my claim using WRONG employer history - lost OAH hearing - what now?

omg the EXACT same thing happened to my boyfriend last summer!! esd kept focusing on some job he quit in 2021 instead of the construction job he got laid off from. took him like 4 months to get it fixed

You're absolutely right that ESD should be basing eligibility on your most recent separation. This is a common issue when you have multiple employers in your base year. What you need to do is file a formal "Redetermination Request" specifically stating that ESD used the wrong separation in their decision. There's a specific form for this on the ESD website under Forms and Publications. Since you've already had an OAH hearing, you'll need to indicate on the form that there was a material error in the facts used for the determination. Include all documentation showing your layoff from the seasonal employer (layoff notice, final paystub, etc).

I've seen this happen SO many times - the ESD system is completely broken!! They don't even bother reading the documentation you send. They just make random decisions based on whatever employer pops up first in their stupid system. I fought with them for 9 MONTHS over a similar issue before finally getting my benefits. The system is DESIGNED to wear you down until you give up!!

The only thing that finally worked was getting through to an actual claims specialist who could look at my full file. But calling was impossible - always disconnected after 3+ hours on hold. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at ESD. They have this service that basically waits on hold for you then calls you when an agent is available. Totally worth it! Check out their demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - Once I explained my situation to the claims specialist, they fixed it within a week.

heyy not to get off topic but i think i might be having a similar issue?? my determination letter mentions a job i had in 2023 but I was actually working at two places simultaneously until March 2025 when i got laid off from both. should i be worried they're only looking at one employer??

This is a pretty straightforward issue, though frustrating. You need to request what's called a "Redetermination based on Material Facts" - this is different from an appeal. Since your OAH hearing already happened, you should also submit this form: "Petition for Commissioner's Review" which gives you one more chance to have your case reviewed even after an OAH decision. You have 30 days from the OAH decision to file this. Make sure to clearly state: "ESD based determination on separation from Employer X in 2022, but my most recent employer was Employer Y in 2025, from which I was laid off due to lack of work." Then attach your documentation. The key is getting to a claims specialist who can actually review your full work history. Regular agents often can't help with complex issues like this.

wait the OAH judge couldnt look at ur actual work history?! that seems crazy to me. i thought the whole point of a hearing was to look at ALL the facts??

Update: I submitted both the Redetermination Request and the Petition for Commissioner's Review yesterday. I also managed to talk to an actual claims specialist using the Claimyr service someone suggested above (which actually worked!). The specialist could see the problem right away - they had my work history completely mixed up in the system. She said she's flagging my account for urgent review and created a new fact-finding for my most recent employer. I'm cautiously hopeful this might finally get resolved. Will update when I hear more. Thanks for all the advice!

Good luck! my cousin had something similar last yr took about 3 weeks after talking to specialist but she did get all her back pay eventually. hang in there!