Employer no-show at my ESD appeal hearing - what happens now?

This is actually good news for you. When employers don't show up to hearings, they can't present counter-testimony to whatever you said. The judge will still review all documents that were submitted before the hearing deadline, but without the employer there to explain their side or question your testimony, you definitely have an advantage. In my experience as an advocate, employer no-shows significantly increase approval rates, especially in cases like yours where there are medical factors involved. The fact that you were able to explain the "pivot program" and your medical limitations without opposition is positive. Expect a written decision in about 7-14 days. While waiting, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims so there's no gap if you win.

Something similar hapend to me last month!! my boss didnt show up to my hearing either and I won my case! Judge said they take that as the employer not contestng the claim anymore. got my decision letter 9 days later. keep checking your mail!!

Just to provide accurate information: an employer no-show doesn't automatically mean you win. The judge will still evaluate all evidence submitted before the hearing, including any employer statements or documentation already in your file. However, it definitely helps your case because there's no one there to counter your testimony or ask challenging questions. The key factor will be whether you can demonstrate that you had good cause to leave the position. Medical issues that prevent you from performing required duties, especially when documented, often qualify as good cause. The "pivot program" element is also important - if you can show it was essentially a prelude to termination rather than a genuine improvement opportunity, that can help your case. Expect a written decision in 1-2 weeks. They'll mail it to your address on file. If approved, backpay should be processed for all weeks you've properly filed.

I was in almost the exact same boat! Working at Amazon too (fulfillment center), got put on a performance plan while dealing with a back injury, and ended up leaving. Employer didn't show to my hearing either. The judge was pretty sympathetic to my situation. Amazon had submitted a bunch of paperwork ahead of time, but without someone there to explain their side, the judge seemed to take my explanation of events more seriously. I won my case and got back pay for all 8 weeks I had been filing. The most important thing in my case was proving that I COULDN'T do the work because of my health issues, not that I WOULDN'T do it. Make sure that distinction was clear in what you told the judge.

anybody else notice that ESD is taking FOREVER to process anything these days??? my neighbor waited 11 weeks for her appeal decision!! the whole system is broken if u ask me

Hey, if you need to reach ESD while waiting for your decision, try using Claimyr. I was in the same boat last month - endless busy signals and hangups when trying to check on my appeal status. Claimyr got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending days trying. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Their website is claimyr.com. Seriously saved my sanity during the waiting period.

BUCKLE UP FOR THE WAIT!!! My hearing was 5 WEEKS AGO and still no decision!!! Called OAH and they said "it's in process" whatever that means. ESD is the absolute WORST system I've ever dealt with. They're probably too busy denying legitimate claims to actually process appeals in a timely manner!!!

make sure u keep filing ur weekly claims while u wait!!! my cousin didnt do that and when he won his appeal he only got paid for the weeks he actually filed!

Update us when you get your decision! Based on what you've described (medical issues + pivot program + employer no-show), I think you have a strong case. The key factor in voluntary quit cases is whether you had "good cause" to leave, and medical inability to perform required duties often meets that standard. The appeal decision will include detailed reasoning from the judge about why they ruled the way they did. This is actually really helpful because even if you don't win, the decision will explain exactly what evidence was missing or what standards weren't met. That gives you a clear roadmap if you need to appeal to the Commissioner Review Office (the next level of appeal).