Why are unemployment hearings scheduled?
When an individual (claimant) files for unemployment benefits, the State will gather separation information from both the claimant and the employer through the mail, fax and sometimes via telephone. The State will then render an initial determination allowing or denying benefits. Some states will allow reviews of the initial determination, which is referred to as a “reconsidered” determination. If the employer or claimant disagrees with the initial or reconsidered determination, either can file an appeal. The State will then schedule an unemployment hearing, and assign a hearing officer to take testimony from the employer’s witnesses and the claimant.
