OAH portal shows wrong info in my denial reason - mentions claims from past 4 years I never filed

This is CLASSIC ESD bureaucratic nonsense! I had something similar where they claimed I had "voluntarily quit" a job I was laid off from. The paperwork had details that weren't even from my work history! You NEED to contact them ASAP and get this fixed before your hearing!!! Don't wait for the hearing because they WILL use whatever garbage is in their system to make a decision. Their record-keeping is a total mess since covid.

I work with unemployment appeals regularly, and this actually happens more often than you'd think. What you're seeing is likely a standardized denial template where they failed to update or remove irrelevant sections. Here's what I suggest: 1. Print the denial documents and highlight the incorrect information 2. Prepare a clear statement explaining you've never filed before 3. Gather employment records from the past 4+ years to show your work history 4. Contact the OAH directly (not just ESD) to report the error 5. Request that a note be added to your file before the hearing This way, you'll be prepared either way. If they don't fix it before the hearing, you'll have documentation ready to address it immediately with the judge.

Yes, definitely bring documentation showing your continuous employment. The more evidence you have, the better. When I had my hearing, the judge appreciated that I came prepared with organized documentation, and it made a big difference in my case outcome. Also, during your hearing, calmly explain the discrepancy right at the beginning. Say something like: "Before we proceed, I'd like to address an error in the denial documents. They reference previous unemployment claims, but this is my first time ever applying for benefits." Judges are used to seeing ESD errors and will usually listen if you approach it professionally.

Have you tried contacting Claimyr? I was stuck in a similar situation where I couldn't reach anyone at ESD to fix my records before a hearing. A friend recommended claimyr.com which got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent was able to note the error in my file, which helped tremendously during my hearing. The judge acknowledged there was a documented system error that had been reported before the hearing date. Made a big difference in how my case was viewed.

just fyi sometimes the system pulls old info from other ppl w same name or SSN typos ive seen this happen to lots of ppl its usually just a simple fix if u can actually talk to someone lol good luck w that

Another important tip: When you're at your hearing, ask the judge to acknowledge on the record that there's an error in your documentation. Say something like: "I'd like the record to reflect that the denial reason references previous claims that don't exist." This creates an official note that could be important if you need to appeal further. Also, don't get frustrated or angry about the error during your hearing - judges see a lot of cases and respond better to calm, factual presentations. Just methodically present your evidence showing you've been continuously employed until your qualifying separation from work.

i had my hearing last month and won even tho there were mistakes in my paperwork. just explain calmly at the start that youve never applied before and the info about previous claims is wrong. judges know ESD makes mistakes all the time tbh. bring all your docs but dont overwhelm them with too much stuff. focus on proving you qualify for THIS claim not disproving the mistake about old claims if that makes sense

Update on the Claimyr suggestion - after the OP mentioned they'll check it out, I wanted to add that when I used it, I just had my claim ID and SSN ready, which is what the ESD agent needed to look up my file. The whole thing took about 25 minutes total from starting the service to talking with an agent. Just sharing in case it helps!

UPDATE: I used Claimyr and got through to an ESD rep today! They confirmed there was indeed a mix-up in their system. Someone with a similar name had previous claims, and somehow that info got linked to my case. The agent made detailed notes in my file and is sending corrected info to OAH before my hearing. They said to still bring my employment history docs as backup. Feeling SO much better now - thank you all for the advice!