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What Happens at the Appeal Tribunal Hearing
See Before the Hearing about how to call in or appear for the appeal hearing.
All hearings are recorded. The law requires the Hearing Officer to give a very specific opening statement at the beginning of each hearing. This opening statement includes:
- Information identifying the case for the record
- What determination and issues are on appeal
- Who is taking part in the hearing
- Each party’s rights
- The procedures used for the hearing
The Hearing Officer will put everyone who will speak under oath, and then answer questions about the opening statement before hearing any testimony.
If you have more than one person present, you must designate one primary representative, which may be you or your chosen representative. That primary representative will be able to:
- Question the witnesses
- Give their own testimony
- Look at and object to documents
Order of Testimony in a Hearing
The Hearing Officer will hear statements from each side in turn, one witness at a time. The Hearing Officer will question the witnesses, and then allow them to add relevant information.
The witness’s primary representative will be able to question the witness. The other side can then question the witness. The hearing will follow this procedure until everyone has spoken.
The Hearing Officer will discuss any documents that were sent in by either party or that are part of the case file. Documents will be admitted into evidence after ruling on any objections by either side.
The Hearing Officer will then let both sides add any new testimony before ending the hearing.
Sample Hearing
This sample hearing is typical of unemployment benefits hearings; however, hearing officers have flexibility in how to conduct a hearing. Hearings vary depending on the facts, issues, witnesses, and other factors.
Resources
Check Appeals Status - Appeal Tribunal
- Online at Unemployment Benefits Services
- E-mail Appeals Department: appeals.status@twc.texas.gov
- Call Appeals Department: 512-463-2807
