OAH hearing for relocation denial - ESD completely misinterpreted my housing crisis documentation

I had a similar nightmare with ESD misinterpreting my documents. For your OAH hearing, make sure you have EVERYTHING organized chronologically with dates clearly marked. Write up a timeline document that connects each piece of evidence to specific dates and facts you're trying to prove. When you speak at the hearing, be super calm and factual - no matter how frustrated you are. Definitely get that free legal help! The Unemployment Law Project saved me. They'll help you prepare exactly what to say and how to present your case. Make sure you understand the specific disqualification reason they're using against you - sounds like they're treating this as a voluntary quit without good cause rather than a quit due to relocation necessity.

ESD adudication is a joke rn tbh... they denied me 4 times over something so simple i couldnt believe it. they said i didnt provide pay stubs when i literally uploaded them 3 DIFFERENT TIMES!!! dont stress too much about OAH tho, the judges are waaaaay more reasonable than ESD. just talk slow and have all ur stuff ready.

When relocating due to housing issues, ESD considers several factors to determine if it qualifies as "good cause" for voluntarily leaving employment. The key elements they should be evaluating include: 1. The necessity of the move (which you've documented with the situation involving your roommate and court requirements) 2. The distance of the relocation (65 miles is generally considered outside commuting distance) 3. Your attempts to maintain employment (asking employer for housing options) 4. Your continued job search efforts in the new location For your hearing, I recommend organizing your testimony around these specific points. Have a concise opening statement that directly addresses why your situation meets the legal standard for good cause. When referring to documents, specify exhibit numbers and page numbers so the judge can follow along easily. The Unemployment Law Project is an excellent resource. Their attorneys understand the specific legal standards that apply to your case and can help you frame your arguments effectively.

Have you tried calling ESD directly to get clarification before your hearing? Sometimes getting a knowledgeable agent on the phone can help sort things out. But getting through is nearly impossible these days... I spent 3 weeks trying to reach someone about my adjudication issue.

THEY DO THIS ALL THE TIME!!!! I swear they have some kind of quota to deny people! I had an almost identical situation where they completely distorted what I wrote. In my case, they said I was fired for misconduct when I clearly explained I was laid off due to business slowdown. It's like they don't even read what we submit!!!!

Based on what you've described, you have a solid case for the OAH hearing. Relocation due to housing issues can qualify as good cause for leaving employment, especially when you've documented that: 1. You had no reasonable alternative (the court requirements add significant weight here) 2. You attempted to find local housing, including asking your employer 3. The distance (65 miles) exceeds reasonable commuting distance Be sure to practice your testimony beforehand. The judge will likely ask why you couldn't commute from your partner's home, so prepare a clear answer about the distance, transportation costs, or other barriers. The Unemployment Law Project is excellent - they can review your specific situation and give tailored advice. If they can't represent you on short notice, ask if they can at least do a prep session.

I went through an OAH hearing last year and won. Here's what helped me: 1. I organized a binder with tabs for each piece of evidence, numbered to match the exhibits 2. I wrote out answers to likely questions so I wouldn't get flustered 3. I practiced explaining my situation in under 2 minutes (judges appreciate conciseness) 4. I made a simple timeline showing key dates (when housing issue arose, when I notified employer, when I moved, etc.) 5. I had documentation showing I'd been applying for jobs consistently Stay calm during the hearing, address the judge respectfully, don't interrupt anyone, and stick to the facts. The judge will likely ask if you've reviewed all exhibits - make sure you have! Definitely use the Unemployment Law Project - they can review your case and might even represent you at the hearing if they have availability.

btw did they actually told u why they denied u? my letter was so vague i had no idea what they were even saying i did wrong lol