UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - HEARINGS AND APPEALS - REOPENING DEFAULT - CASE NO. 4

Additional aspects about the special instructions and notices that should be noted: documents will usually speak louder than words. Many times, the Claimant, during the DOL investigation stage, will omit sending documentation to support their eligibility for benefits and such an omission may be the reason why the Claimant is faced with a hearing. Likewise, the Claimant must be prepared to have the Employer present documents in support of the Employer's claim. There are some hearings where it is basically the Employer testifies that "X happened" and the Claimant will testify "No Y happened" but usually documents will be introduced at hearings (it is a good idea to bring two copies, otherwise the hearing is interrupted by the ALJ making copies for each party) and once again, this highlights the need for Claimants to obtain representation when they first receive a notice of adverse determination or when they receive notice of an employer's request for hearing.