Read the
decision against the notice and the record

The appeal instructions come first. Preserve the decision, envelope
or electronic service record, and proof of any further appeal.

Claimant waiting with paperwork in a quiet administrative office.

Review the decision in five
passes

1. Issue

Did the decision resolve the same issue or issues listed in the
hearing notice? Did it reach a ground that was not adequately
noticed?

2. Findings

List each factual finding. Identify the testimony or exhibit that
supports it. Mark findings that omit material undisputed facts or rest
on an assumption rather than evidence.

3. Credibility

If testimony conflicted, did the decision explain which account it
accepted and why? A mere result is not always a complete credibility
analysis.

4. Law

Did the decision state the correct standard, assign the burden
correctly, and apply every required element or factor?

5. Relief

Does the order clearly state the affected weeks, repayment,
disqualification, penalty, remand, or other consequence?

Distinguish a
weak record from a reviewable error

A later appeal cannot always repair missing testimony or exhibits.
Ask whether the problem is:

  • the tribunal ignored or misstated evidence already in the
    record;
  • the tribunal applied the wrong law;
  • the procedure denied adequate notice or a meaningful opportunity to
    present the case; or
  • the necessary evidence was never introduced.

The first three may support review. The fourth may reveal a serious
practical problem but not an easy appellate remedy.

Print the decision-error
review

State law and procedure
control

The governing definition, burden, deadline, hearing procedure, and
review route vary by jurisdiction. Use the notice in your own case and
the current official sources for your state. The national material on
this page explains recurring issues and advocacy methods; it does not
replace the state-specific rule.

Find your state guide
Understand the federal-state UI
system