If your Oregon unemployment benefits are reduced or denied by the Oregon Employment Department (OED), you have the right to appeal and request a hearing. Employers can also request a hearing if they disagree with a benefits decision.
If you decide to appeal, you must continue filing for benefits each week. Otherwise, you may not receive unemployment compensation for those weeks, even if you win your appeal. To estimate your weekly benefit amount, you can use the Oregon unemployment calculator.
The denial letter you receive will include a form for requesting a hearing. It will also include instructions for submitting your appeal within 20 days of the date on the letter. The letter will also explain why you do not meet the Oregon unemployment eligibility requirements.
How to file an appeal in Oregon
You can request an unemployment hearing by fax, mail, telephone, or online.
Appeal online
You can submit a hearing request through the Contact Us Form on the Oregon website.
Appeal by fax
You can fax your appeal form to (503) 947-1335.
Appeal by mail
If you choose to mail your form, send it to the following address:
Office of Administrative Hearings
875 Union St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Appeal by telephone
If you are unable to use any of the methods listed above, you can call the Unemployment Insurance Contact Center or visit your local Oregon unemployment office.
What to include when you file an appeal in Oregon
To ensure the appeals process goes smoothly, provide the following information with your request:
- The date on which the decision you are appealing was mailed to you
- Your Social Security Number or Customer Identification Number (CID)
- The administrative decision number or any other specific information that can help identify the decision you are appealing
- Any additional information that can help us understand why you disagree with the decision
- Any dates or times when you will not be available for a hearing
- Language assistance and disability accommodations will be provided at no cost upon request.
If you have requested an unemployment hearing and need to update your address, it is your responsibility to inform both the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Unemployment Insurance Contact Center.
Why was I denied unemployment insurance benefits?
Here are some reasons why your Oregon unemployment claim was denied:
You quit your job without good cause. If you voluntarily left your job without a valid reason, such as unsafe working conditions, you may be disqualified from receiving UI benefits.
You were fired for misconduct. If you were fired for violating company policies or engaging in willful or deliberate actions that harmed the employer’s interests, you may be ineligible for Oregon unemployment compensation.
You did not meet the wage or work requirements. To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must have earned enough wages and worked enough hours within your 12-month base period.
You refused suitable work. If you turn down a job offer that is deemed suitable for your skills, education, and experience, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.
You did not actively seek work. To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be actively seeking employment and reporting your job search activities or you can be disqualified from receiving UI benefits.
You are receiving severance pay. If you are receiving severance pay from your former employer, you may be ineligible to receive unemployment benefits during the period covered by the severance pay.
You are self-employed. If you are self-employed or work as an independent contractor, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits under Oregon law.
You are not a United States citizen. You must be a U.S. citizen or be legally allowed to perform full-time work in the state of Oregon.
There may be other factors specific to your case that could affect your eligibility. If you have been denied benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision and provide additional information to support your claim.
After you request a hearing
The Oregon Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) will review your appeal and schedule a telephone hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. You will receive a Notice of Hearing in the mail, which will inform you of the scheduled hearing date and time.
The Administrative Law Judge will explain the hearing process and answer any questions you may have. During the hearing, you will have the opportunity to explain why you believe your unemployment insurance application should have been approved.
Steps in the Oregon unemployment appeal process
Hearings are scheduled between 2-6 months after the OAH receives the appeal request. Be sure to keep filing your weekly claim during this time. After the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge will issue a decision within two weeks.
If you disagree with the Administrative Law Judge’s decision, you can request an additional review with the Employment Appeals Board (EAB).
If you disagree with the EAB’s decision, your last option is to file a petition for judicial review with the Oregon Court of Appeals. At this point, you should consider hiring an employment lawyer to represent you in court.
Tips for your virtual hearing
Here are some tips to help you during your hearing.
Dress appropriately, just as if you are appearing in a courtroom. Be sure to provide honest and accurate information at all times to avoid possible issues with Oregon unemployment fraud.
Find a private, quiet location with minimal interruptions and distractions. Be aware of what’s behind you if you’re joining a video call. Make sure your device has reliable connectivity and coverage. If you are using a smartphone, you can download and sign up for the Cisco Webex Meetings app.
Before the scheduled hearing time, test your audio and video at https://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html. Make sure your microphone and webcam are on, speakers are turned up, and audio and video are enabled so everyone can see and hear you. If connecting to audio by phone, do not place the call on hold at any time.
During the hearing, mute your audio until asked to speak by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Mute any other devices in the room to avoid feedback and frequently verify that your microphone is muted. Speak one at a time to minimize any audio or video lag. Do not speak over others or record the hearing without express permission from the ALJ. If you experience technical difficulties, inform the ALJ immediately.