Representation

ULP representation can be beneficial during such a turbulent time. The administrative hearing is your only chance to create a legal record regarding your unemployment benefits.

Having a ULP representative helps to ensure that a good record is created. The ULP representative will provide focus and direction during the hearing and ensure that your voice is heard.  Also, having a seasoned representative beside you can be invaluable in accessing and navigating the legal system in a time of stress and need.


REQUESTING REPRESENTATION

To  request representation for a hearing, please click on the link that best describes your situation:

1) I was denied unemployment benefits

2) I was denied benefits and I have filed an appeal

3) I am receiving benefits, but my employer is appealing

4) I have a hearing date

5) I was informed that you cannot represent me

6) None of these situations apply to me

1) I was denied unemployment benefits

If you have been denied benefits, you must start by filing an appeal with the state Employment Security Department (ESD) before you contact us. This must be mailed or faxed to the TeleCenter within 30 days from the day of your denial. Simply write "I disagree with the decision, and would like a hearing." There is no need to explain the reasons why you disagree as that will be discussed in the hearing.  If your appeal is late, explain why. But being sure to get the appeal filed within 30 days will make the process much easier.

Send the appeal to the TeleCenter by fax or mail to the fax number or address listed on the first page of the determination.

Within one week you should receive a "Notice: Appeal Filed" letter.  If you have received this letter, click here to find out what you next step is.  If you do not receive a "Notice: Appeal Filed" letter within a week, call the Claims TeleCenter to follow up and make sure your appeal was received.

 2) I was denied benefits and I have filed an appeal

If you already have a hearing date, click here. 

If you filed an appeal, you should have received a "Notice: Appeal Filed" letter within a week of filing your appeal.  If you have not received it within a week, contact the Claims TeleCenter to check on the status of your appeal. 

Look at the second page of your "Notice: Appeal Filed" letter.  At the top of the second page, you will find an address and phone number for the OAH, which stands for Office of Administrative Hearings.  The office listed here will handle your appeal and their telephone number is on the right side of the page.  Contact them and request that they send your file to the Unemployment Law Project.  The OAH offices have all of our contact information and will send us your file as soon as they are able. 

Contact us a few days later to see if we have received your file.  If we have, we will set up a telephone intake interview to talk with you about your case. 

3) I am receiving benefits, but my employer is appealing

If you already have a hearing date, click here. 

You should have received a "Notice: Appeal Filed" letter.  Look at the second page of this letter.  You will see addresses.  The address at the top of the page should say OAH, which stands for Office of Administrative Hearings.  The office listed here will handle your appeal and their telephone number is on the right side of the page.  Contact them and request that they send your file to the Unemployment Law Project.  The OAH offices have all of our contact information and will send us your file as soon as they are able. 

Contact us a few days later to see if we have received your file.  If we have, we will set up a telephone intake interview to talk with you about your case. 

4) I have a hearing date

If you already have a hearing date, look at the top of the page of the "Notice of Hearing."  You will see the address and phone number for the Office of Administrative Hearings.  Immediately call that number and request that they send your file to the Unemployment Law Project.  The Offices of Administrative Hearings has all of our contact information and will send your file as soon as they are able. 

Call us the following day after you make this request to see if we have received your file.  If we have, we will set up an intake interview to talk with you about your case. 

If you have a hearing date within 24 hours of contacting us, we may not be able to represent you, but we will work with you to set up an appointment for you to speak with on of our representatives through our helpline.
 

5) I have been informed that you cannot represent me

Because we have limited staff and resources, we are not able to represent everyone who requests our assistance. If we notify you that we cannot help you at your hearing, you can either hire a private attorney or represent yourself. Unemployment hearings are informal enough that you can represent yourself. Indeed, in over 90% of hearings, individuals do represent themselves.

If you choose to represent yourself, the ULP has a telephone helpline where we give information and advice to those who are navigating the system on their own. Call us: we can answer questions and give advice on the hearing process, how to present your case, how to handle evidence and witnesses, overpayments, appeal rights and issues and other related topics. The helpline is open during regular business hours. Call (206) 441-9178 x10 or toll-free 1(888) 441-9178 x10 to request an appointment.

IF YOU DECIDE TO REPRESENT YOURSELF, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE SELF-HELP RESOURCES AND OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SECTION ON REPRESENTING YOURSELF.