OAH is open on a modified operating schedule at least until June 8th and all employees still are teleworking. This requires that the agency prepare for and conduct REMOTE prioritized hearings for Public Benefits or Unemployment Insurance applicants/recipients where benefits have been denied or cut. These hearings recommenced the week of March 30, 2020.
All other hearings, except emergency hearings as designated by the Mayor, are gradually being resumed as OAH continues to develop the capacity and infrastructure to do so, with an initial focus on licensing and enforcement matters.
OAH will update these notices to advise litigants as these hearings resume. However, ALL hearings will continue to be conducted by telephone until further notice.
Specifically, OAH will resume Public Sector Workers’ Compensation hearings on May 1.
Additional information about Public Benefits cases can be obtained by calling (202) 671-0055.
Additional information about Unemployment Insurance Benefits cases can be obtained by calling (202) 442-8175.
For additional information about all other cases, call (202) 442-9094.
OAH understands that hearings by telephone are less than ideal; however, this cannot be avoided as we try to protect one another during the pandemic. So, we ask your cooperation in the following ways:
· Because the ability to send and receive regular mail may be limited during the pandemic, please make all efforts to communicate with the OAH electronically through [email protected] or the above phone numbers during normal working hours: 9 am – 5 pm.
· Where possible, please include an email address and a phone number at which you can be reached, so OAH staff can reach you quickly and most effectively as the need arises.
· If you do not have or cannot provide an email address or a phone number at which you can be reached, please call these numbers for additional assistance.
· Please understand that the technology is not perfect and that OAH staff, including the Administrative Law Judges who hear your cases, are working to make the experience as effective as possible. So, your patience and good humor is appreciated during this difficult time.
· If you would prefer not to have a hearing by telephone, you may request that OAH postpone your hearing to a time when in-person hearings are authorized to resume. An administrative law judge will then decide whether to conduct your hearing by telephone or postpone the hearing.
