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Please read the hearing notice carefully and follow all instructions. All interested parties to the appeal will be notified in writing at their address of record. If your appeal is related to why you're no longer working, your employer will be notified to participate in the hearing.

HEARING PROCEDURE The hearing officer will conduct the hearing and will also record the hearing. No one other than the hearing officer may record the hearing. All participants will need to take an oath before they provide testimony.

EVIDENCE AND AFFIDAVITS If you have documents supporting your case, mail them to the address provided, or fax copies to 334-956-5882 before your hearing date. Please only share documents that are relevant to your case (other documentation won't be considered). If you or your witnesses can't attend the hearing, you may submit an affidavit. The affidavit should list all facts in chronological order, giving dates, places, and names. Affidavits must be received by the hearing officer before the hearing. Please note that affidavits carry less weight than testimony under oath during a hearing so its in your best interest to attend your hearing, if possible.

ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND SUBPOENAS You may have witnesses participate in the hearing on your behalf. If a witness refuses to appear voluntarily, you may request that the individual be subpoenaed. Documents may also be subpoenaed. Requests for subpoenas should be made by contacting the Hearings and Appeals Division as far in advance of the hearing as possible to allow for preparation, mailing, and delivery. You must provide the Department with the residential address of the person you wish to subpoena.

THE APPEALS DECISION The hearing officer will make a written decision and mail it to all interested parties within a reasonable time after the hearing. If you have questions about the hearing or the decision, please contact the Hearings and Appeals Division. If either party disagrees with the hearing officer’s decision, an appeal may be filed to the Board of Appeals.

THE BOARD OF APPEALS If either party disagrees with the hearing officer’s decision, an appeal may be filed to the Board of Appeals. This is the second level of administrative appeal. The Board of Appeals is a three-member body appointed by the Governor. Board of Appeals hearings are only conducted by telephone. If you're filing an appeal to the Board of Appeals, it must be received within fifteen (15) calendar days after the mailing date of the hearing officer's decision. Your appeal should include your name, Social Security number, and the reason you disagree with the decision made on your claim. Send your appeal to the Board of Appeals by writing to: Alabama Department of Workforce Board of Appeals 50 N. Ripley Street Montgomery, Alabama 36130 FAX 334-956-7494 You can also submit your appeal request online at www.labor.alabama.gov/boa or by email at boardofappeals@workforce.alabama.gov.