How To Preserve Evidence for UC Hearings

How To Preserve Evidence for UC Hearings

When you apply for unemployment compensation, there are certain documents you will want to gather.

If you are denied benefits and need to appeal, or if your employer contests your benefits, you will want to have documents that show you are eligible for benefits.

Here are some documents/evidence you may want to keep records of: 

  • Records of the times that you spoke with your employer.

    It is very helpful to have proof of your written or verbal communications with your employer. Think about saving records of these common ways people communicate with their employer:

  • Emails
    You may lose access to your work email account. Make sure you use your personal email to communicate with your employer OR forward all your work emails to your personal email.
  • Phone Calls
    If you often communicate by phone, it can be helpful to get copies of your phone records or a call log. You can also just take screenshots of your phone’s call history if the relevant calls are still there. Employers often deny that calls were made, or claim they made certain calls. Having proof can be very helpful.
  • Text Messages
    If you communicate by text message, take screenshots of those text messages. We recommend then emailing them to your self or saving them on the cloud. Phones often break or are lost, this makes sure you don’t lose this proof.
  • A copy of your employer's policies (employee handbook).

    It's always a good idea to know what your employer's rules, policies, and procedures are. This is especially important if you lost your job or quit due to rules not being followed.

  • Your medical records.

    If your lost your job or quit for health related reasons, it may be helpful to have documents that show your medical issues. You should keep copies of any documentation, for example:

  • Notes from your doctor
  • Hospital paperwork, including discharge paperwork
  • Medical records or test results
  • Communications from your doctor to your employer requesting accommodations or a leave of absence 

I need to apply for unemployment benefits.

I'm looking for information about sending in an appeal.