An unemployment appeal hearing is similar to a court of law hearing, but it is not as formal, typically lasts less than an hour and is customarily conducted by telephone. The purpose of an unemployment hearing is to allow all parties to present testimony and evidence that will enable the administrative law judge (ALJ), sometimes referred to as a hearing officer, to issue a reasonable and unbiased decision. Unemployment hearings are usually the final opportunity to submit new testimony or evidence. The following resources cover the importance of hearing participation, each party's responsibility, what happens during a hearing and how to prepare for a hearing.

Resources

• Unemployment hearing process infographic

• A Guide to a State of Michigan UIA Hearing

• Hearing Videos:

  • Preparing for Your Unemployment Hearing (5:27 minutes)

  • Essential Information for Your Unemployment Hearing (8:04 minutes)

  • Example: A Typical Unemployment Hearing (12:34 minutes)

Worker Advocacy Program

The Advocacy Program offers no-cost assistance to unemployed and under-employed workers seeking assistance with their unemployment appeal hearings with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR). Workers may select their own advocate from a statewide network of qualified consultants. Advocates are independent contractors - they are not employees of the State of Michigan UIA and they are not required to be attorneys. As a result, the State of Michigan UIA does not dictate or control the decisions and/or actions of the advocates.