If your Indiana unemployment claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. You can also appeal if you disagree with a decision, such as the way your weekly benefit amount was calculated.
Note: Keep filing your weekly claims during the appeal process to avoid losing back pay if you win.
Once you submit your appeal request, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will hear your unemployment case. Your past employer can also appeal, and they have the right to show up at the hearing. There is no charge for appealing a decision.
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How to file an Indiana unemployment appeal
When submitting your appeal request, include the following information. You have 10 days to appeal from the date of your denial notice.
- Clearly explain why you disagree with the decision.
- Sign your name and state whether you are the employee or employer
- Include your full name, address, and phone number
- Include the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
You can submit your appeal request by fax, mail, or in person at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development office.
Fax: (317) 233-6888
Mailing address:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Attn: Appeals Division
10 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
In person:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Attn: Appeals Division
10 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
How to prepare for your appeal hearing
Typically, your appeal hearing will occur 8-10 weeks after you file. You’ll get a Notice of Hearing with important instructions at least 10 days before the scheduled date. If you decide not to go through with the hearing, inform the Department as soon as possible for efficient operation.
You have the right to hire an employment attorney, but it’s not mandatory.
Make sure the phone number listed on your Acknowledgment Sheet is accurate. The Administrative Law Judge will use this number to call you for the hearing. If the listed number is incorrect, update it on the Acknowledgment Sheet and return it at least 48 hours before the hearing. You can send it via mail, fax, or hand it in personally.
Most hearings are conducted over the phone. To confirm your contact information, you may call the judge’s clerk 48 hours prior to the hearing. If leaving a voicemail, include your phone number, the judge’s name, your name, and the case number for clarity.
Appeal Hearing
During the hearing, the administrative law judge will help you understand how the appeals process works and will answer any questions you have.
You must attend the hearing. If you don’t, the judge will cancel your appeal. If it’s a phone hearing, be ready for the call. The judge will try at least once to reach you.
Here are a few tips for phone hearings:
- The call might show up as ‘Blocked’ or ‘Number Unavailable’ on your phone.
- Turn off any call blockers or screening tools you have.
- Make sure your phone is charged and working well.
- Sometimes the judge might be late because of another hearing, so be patient.
The unemployment insurance hearing is digitally recorded for accuracy. After reviewing all the evidence provided during the hearing, the administrative law judge will make a decision. This verdict is typically sent within about 10 business days following the hearing.
If you disagree with the decision
If you disagree with the administrative law judge’s decision, don’t lose hope. You can appeal again to the Review Board.
You must send your appeal to the Review Board within 15 days. Write out why you disagree with the judge’s decision, and be sure to sign your letter. Include your case number, address, and phone number on everything you send.
If you have new information or documents, include them in your appeal and explain why you didn’t provide them before.
Send your appeal in one of the following ways:
Mail it to:
ATTN: Review Board
10 North Senate Ave., SE018
Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Fax it to: (317) 233-3348.
Deliver in person:
DWD Lobby
10 N. Senate Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Keep proof of when you sent your appeal, like a fax confirmation or postage receipt.
If you disagree with the Review Board’s decision, you can appeal again, this time to the Indiana Court of Appeals. At this stage of the appeals process, you will need to be represented by an employment attorney. The final level of appeal is to go before the Indiana Supreme Court.
Why was my Indiana unemployment claim denied?
After submitting your initial UI application or weekly claim, there are several reasons why you may not be eligible for Indiana unemployment benefits.
Common examples include:
- You failed or refused a drug test before starting a new job.
- You said no to a job offer that fits your skills and experience.
- You didn’t show up to a job meeting set up by your local WorkOne office.
- You didn’t provide evidence that you completed your weekly work search requirements.
- You were accused of committing Indiana unemployment fraud.
- You can’t work right now because you’re sick, hurt, or on a break.
- You were fired from your job for misconduct.
Each of these reasons disqualifies you from getting unemployment compensation in Indiana.