ESD phone hearing length for childcare disqualification - anyone been through this?

My phone hearing lasted about 45 minutes, but I've heard they can go anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the complexity of your case. The judge will ask you questions about why you couldn't work, and you'll need to explain your situation clearly. For your specific situation, you should definitely gather documentation about your son's disability and the sudden loss of your childcare provider. The "good cause" exception can definitely apply in cases like yours, but you need to show that you made reasonable efforts to find alternative care. Bring any emails, texts, or applications showing you tried to find other childcare options. Also get a letter from your son's doctor explaining his special needs if possible.

i had a hearing last month it was like 20 min tops. judge just wanted basic info. dont stress it

In your situation, you need to focus on two key elements for the hearing: 1. The "able and available" requirement can be waived if you can demonstrate "good cause" - caring for a child with a disability qualifies under WAC 192-170-010(1)(b)(ii) as a potential good cause exception. 2. You need to demonstrate that: - You had no reasonable alternatives (bring evidence of attempts to find care) - The situation was temporary and beyond your control (sudden loss of provider) - You are now able and available for work (current childcare arrangements) Bring any documentation showing your son's diagnosis, special needs requirements, and the timeline of when your previous provider quit. Also document all attempts to find alternative care (even unsuccessful ones). As for timing, the Notice of Hearing should state an estimated length, but in my experience helping claimants, these typically run 45-90 minutes for cases involving ability and availability issues. Be prepared with all your documentation organized and ready to reference.

My sister went through something similar with her kid who has special needs and the ESD actually approved her claim after the hearing. The key was proving she was ACTIVELY looking for appropriate childcare but couldn't find any that could handle his specific disabilities. She won her appeal! But yeah the hearing was like an hour long and pretty stressful tbh. Good luck!!

If you're having trouble reaching ESD to ask questions before your hearing, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was getting disconnected for days trying to ask about my upcoming hearing, and they got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. It was worth it to get my questions answered before my hearing since I was super nervous about it. The agent gave me some pointers about what documents to have ready.

hey forgot to say make sure ur on time for the call becuz my friend missed hers and esd automatically ruled against her n she had to start the whole appeal over again. big hassle

When I had my hearing last month, the judge was EXTREMELY hostile! Kept interrupting me and twisting my words. Be prepared for them to try to trip you up - they are NOT on your side. They kept me on the phone for almost 2 hours and then STILL denied my claim even though I had all the documentation they asked for!!! The system is RIGGED against claimants!!!!

i had a hearing too few months back it was cause i got sick not related to kids though but anyways mine took like 35 minutes or so they just asked basic stuff no need to be nervous they just wana hear your side of things my employer didnt even call in

Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention - make sure to dial in about 5-10 minutes early to the hearing. There's usually a virtual waiting room, and being punctual makes a good impression. Also, have a quiet place for the call if possible, and take notes during the hearing. If the judge uses any terminology you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Good luck with your hearing!