What does 'disposition reversed' in OAH hearing portal mean for my ESD appeal?
I've been fighting with ESD since they denied my benefits 7 weeks ago claiming I quit voluntarily (I definitely didn't - I was laid off when my department got outsourced). I filed an appeal right away and finally had my hearing with an Administrative Law Judge last Tuesday. I've been obsessively checking the OAH online portal since then, and today it changed from 'decision pending' to 'disposition reversed.' Does this mean I won my appeal? Will ESD have to pay me the back benefits now? How long before I actually see any money? I'm so stressed trying to interpret all this legal terminology!
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Miguel Harvey
Congratulations! "Disposition reversed" means the ALJ has overturned ESD's original decision. So yes, you won your appeal! The ALJ found that ESD was incorrect in their determination that you quit voluntarily. You should receive the official written decision in the mail within about 5-7 business days that explains the ruling in detail. Once ESD processes the reversal (which can take 1-3 weeks), they'll release any benefits they were holding. Make sure you've continued filing your weekly claims during this whole process - you'll only get paid for weeks you properly claimed.
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Finnegan Gunn
•Oh thank god!! Yes I've been filing every single week even though it felt pointless. So I don't need to call ESD or do anything else? Just wait for them to process it? I'm owed almost $6,700 at this point and my credit cards are maxed out.
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Ashley Simian
Pretty sure that means ur good! I had the same thing happen in January when they tried to say I was fired for misconduct (I wasnt). My portal said disposition reversed and like 2 weeks later I had all my back pay. KEEP FILING WEEKLY CLAIMS while u wait!!!!
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Finnegan Gunn
•That's so relieving to hear! Did you have to do anything to make them process it or did they just automatically pay you after those 2 weeks?
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Ashley Simian
•They just did it automatic but it seemed to take FOREVER. The money showed up all at once tho, not week by week. Hang in there!
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Oliver Cheng
DONT GET EXCITED YET. mine said reversed but then ESD filed an appeal to the commissioners review office which can overturn the ALJ. Then you have to wait ANOTHER 4 months to see if the commissioner agrees with you or with ESD. The system is rigged!!!
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Miguel Harvey
•While it's true ESD can petition for Commissioner's Review, it's relatively rare for straightforward cases like a layoff due to outsourcing. The Commissioner typically only reviews cases with complex legal issues or where the ALJ possibly misinterpreted the law. Most ALJ reversals stand without further appeal, especially for separation issues like this one.
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Finnegan Gunn
•That sounds terrifying! The thought of waiting 4 more months makes me sick. How do I find out if ESD is appealing my case?
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Taylor To
Yes, "disposition reversed" means the ALJ overturned ESD's denial. You should receive the written decision within a week that explains their reasoning. ESD typically takes 2-3 weeks to process the reversal and release payments, but it can sometimes take longer if they're backlogged. If you need to check on the status or expedite payment after you receive the written decision, you'll want to contact ESD directly. Unfortunately, their phone lines are notoriously difficult to get through. I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have a service that helps you get through to an ESD agent without spending hours on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 I used them after waiting 3 weeks post-decision and got my issue resolved in one call. Definitely worth it when you're dealing with substantial back benefits.
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Finnegan Gunn
•Thanks for the suggestion! I'll give ESD a couple weeks to process this on their own, but if nothing happens I'll definitely check out that service. I'm desperate to get this money - been surviving on Ramen and help from my parents.
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Ella Cofer
•I tried calling Claimyr last month when ESD was messing up my claim and it actually worked! Got through to someone in like 25 minutes instead of being on hold for 4+ hours like i usually do. Just make sure you have all your claim paperwork ready when they connect you.
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Kevin Bell
wait does anyone know what happens with the appeal if you start working again before they make a decision? i also got denied and appealed and have a hearing next week but i just got a new job. do i still get the back unemployment money if i win?
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Miguel Harvey
•Yes, even if you're working now, you can still receive back benefits for the weeks you were eligible and properly filed claims. Just make sure to report your new employment and earnings correctly on any weekly claims you file going forward. Congratulations on the new job!
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Kevin Bell
•thx! thats a relief, i was worried they would say nevermind since i have a job now lol
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Finnegan Gunn
Update: Got the official decision in the mail today! The ALJ totally sided with me and said ESD was wrong to deny my benefits. The letter says I'm eligible from my original filing date and ESD is ordered to pay all my back benefits! Now just waiting for the money to actually show up in my account. Feeling so relieved!
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Savannah Glover
•Congrats!! It's such a relief when they actually get something right for once! I went through something similar last year and it took about 10 days after I got the decision letter for the $ to hit my account.
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