How to Fight for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
- 1). File your appeal by written notice or state form immediately after receiving your notice of benefit denial by mail. Mail, hand deliver or fax your appeal to the state department of labor's appeal review board within the state's appeal filing period, which can be between 10 and 30 days of the date on your denial letter.
- 2). Receive your notice of appeal hearing within a couple of weeks of filing your appeal. Read the notice to find out the date and location of the hearing. Continue to certify for your unemployment benefits through the state by calling in or logging on to the website during the entire appeal process if you want to receive payment after your successful appeal.
- 3). Gather all supporting evidence that the reason your benefits were denied is invalid, such as a time card, official correspondence from your employer, or photographic evidence. Contact any witnesses who might be able to corroborate your claim, such as former coworkers or colleagues. Ask them to testify on your behalf at your upcoming hearing.
- 4). Hire legal representation if you feel you would be better represented by a professional than yourself. Contact your state bar association or legal aid office for legal referrals of attorneys who either specialize in unemployment hearings or offer low cost services to unemployed individuals (see Resources).
- 5). Show up to your appeal hearing on time and dressed professionally. Bring your evidence with you to show to the appeal board. Do not talk while other testimony is being given, and speak clearly and calmly when giving your own testimony. Receive the appeal decision by mail within two weeks of the hearing.
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