Fired after employer found out I was applying to jobs for UI requirements - now stuck waiting for OAH hearing

Same thing happend to me but took 7 weeks to get the hearing letter from OAH. System is backed up like crazy right now. Just FYI your employer CAN fire you in WA state for pretty much any reason except for protected class stuff, its called at-will employment. BUT that doesnt mean you cant get UI! If they fired you for applying to jobs that the ESD requires you to do thats not misconduct so you should win your appeal.

I'm sorry you're going through this. To clarify some important points: 1. Washington is indeed an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employment for almost any reason that isn't specifically protected by law. 2. For your appeal, focus on demonstrating that you were meeting ESD's job search requirements, not being dishonest. The key factor for benefits eligibility is whether your termination was due to misconduct or not. 3. OAH hearings are currently taking 6-8 weeks to schedule after an appeal is filed. This timeline has been consistent since early 2025. 4. While waiting, continue filing your weekly claims even though they'll show as "denied" - if you win your appeal, you'll be paid retroactively for all weeks properly claimed. 5. Start preparing your evidence now - gather communications about your termination, employment handbook, and documentation of your job search activities.

the OAH is a JOKE!!!! i waited 11 weeks for my hearing and then they cancled it the DAY BEFORE because the ESD "judge" had a conflict. another 3 weeks of waiting after that. they dont care that people are losing there homes while they take there sweet time!!!

Have you tried getting through to an ESD agent directly? I was stuck in limbo for weeks until I finally got someone on the phone who could actually explain what was happening with my case and escalate it. After calling over 30 times and getting disconnected, I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an agent in under 30 minutes. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was able to add notes to my file for the judge and gave me a better timeline of what to expect. Might be worth trying while you wait for the official OAH letter.

I went through an OAH hearing in March after being denied. Here's my advice: - Start preparing your testimony now, especially regarding why job searching wasn't dishonest but was required by ESD - The hearing is very formal but mine was done by phone - My employer showed up with an attorney which I wasn't expecting - The judge will ask very specific questions about your work policies and termination - I won my case and it took exactly 10 days after the hearing to get the decision - Then another 5 days before money appeared in my account BTW during the wait time, I called 211 and got connected with emergency rental assistance. That might help you stay afloat while waiting.

sorry your going through this, i got fired from amazon last year for something stupid and had to wait 9 weeks for my oah hearing but i won! one thing nobody told me - you can call oah every week and check if your hearing has been scheduled yet even before you get the letter. the number is somewhere on there website. squeaky wheel gets the grease maybe? dunno if it helped but i got my hearing scheduled a bit faster than some people here.

While you're waiting for your hearing date, don't forget to maintain your job search activities and document them thoroughly. Even though your weekly claims are being denied right now, you need to continue following all UI requirements as if you were receiving benefits. This includes completing and logging 3 job search activities per week. If you win your appeal, you'll need to verify all these activities retroactively before they release any payments. Missing even one week of proper documentation could prevent you from receiving benefits for that week, even after a favorable decision. Regarding your specific situation, the fact that you were terminated for participating in activities required by ESD works in your favor. This shouldn't constitute misconduct under Washington's UI laws, as you were following legal requirements for benefits you were entitled to receive.

anyone else notice that hearings are taking longer since they closed that renton office???? my sister had a hearing in like 3 weeks last year but my cousin waited like 2 months last month for the same type of issue. just saying maybe call your state rep too? my cousin did that and suddenly got a hearing date...