OAH hearing for out-of-state disqualification next week - how long will it last and when to expect backpay?

I had an OAH hearing last month about a similar issue. My hearing lasted about 45 minutes. The judge asked me questions about my availability to work while I was away, whether I would have been able to return for an interview, and if I continued my job search activities. Make sure you have documentation showing you were applying for jobs during that period! Also, bring any evidence that shows you could have returned quickly for an interview if needed. As for backpay - mine took about 3 weeks after the judge's decision to actually hit my account. The judge made the decision at the end of my hearing, but ESD takes time to process everything after receiving the official order.

I went through this EXACT situation in January!! They cut me off claiming I wasnt available for work because I went to help my brother move for 10 days. My hearing lasted over an HOUR because the ESD rep kept trying to trip me up with weird questions. MAKE SURE you have screenshots of your job search logs from that time!!! The judge overturned it for me but only because I could prove I was still searching. As for backpay, its been over a month and I still havent gotten all of mine!!! They paid 6 weeks right away but the rest is still "processing" whatever that means!!!

I've sat through dozens of these hearings (former ESD employee). Some important things to know: 1. Hearings typically last 30-60 minutes depending on complexity 2. Being physically out of state isn't automatically disqualifying - the key is proving you were "able and available" for work 3. Bring evidence of: job applications submitted during that period, any interviews you participated in remotely, and documentation showing you could have returned for in-person interviews if needed 4. Be prepared to explain why you were out of state and how you maintained your job search requirements 5. Backpay processing time varies but typically takes 2-4 weeks after a favorable decision The judge will likely ask about your work search activities and how quickly you could have returned for an in-person interview. Stay calm and answer honestly.

I had a similar situation but didn't bother with the hearing and just gave up... regretting that now after reading these comments. Sounds like people actually win these things!

Been through 2 OAH hearings myself. Piece of advice nobody told me: TAKE NOTES during the hearing!!! The judge talks fast and covers lots of details. Write everything down so you dont miss anything important. Also after they make the decision it took forEVER to get my payments. I had to call like 50 times and finally got through to someone who fixed it. The system is so broken!

My hearing last year was for a totally different reason but I can tell you they are super FORMAL and intimidating! The judge talked alot about "burden of proof" and stuff. Just be prepared for it to feel very court-like even tho its just on the phone. Mine took almost exactly 45 min.

BTW i fogot to mention... make absolutely SURE you call in 5-10 minutes early for your hearing!!! My judge was super strict about timing and actually noted in the record that I was "punctual" which I think helped my case lol. Also don't interrupt the judge EVER even if they say something wrong just wait your turn to speak!!!

One more tip - if the judge rules in your favor during the hearing, ask them specifically when you can expect the decision to be finalized and sent to ESD. Then mark your calendar for about 2 weeks after that date, and if you haven't seen movement on your claim by then, that's when you should contact ESD directly. Often the decision gets made but sits in someone's queue at ESD for processing.