Mikhail Bogomolny has interpreted at many hearings of the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (CUIAB), where an administrative law judge decides appeals of unemployment benefit decisions by the EDD. He is a California-certified court interpreter, and he knows how these hearings run, so a Russian-speaking claimant or employer can follow everything and be understood exactly.
How does a CUIAB hearing work?
An administrative law judge (ALJ) hears the appeal. Most hearings are by phone, and the judge won't call you: you call in at the scheduled time (no more than 5 minutes early) and enter the conference ID from your Notice of Hearing. Some hearings are in person; then arrive at least 15 minutes early to review the case file. The judge explains the procedure, places the participants and the interpreter under oath, and asks questions. The claimant and the employer each tell their side, can question each other and can present documents. The hearing is recorded, and the decision is mailed later.
How do I get a Russian interpreter?
CUIAB provides an interpreter at no cost to the party: the board contracts with interpreting agencies and pays them itself. Your Notice of Hearing says whether an interpreter will be provided. If it doesn't mention one and you need Russian, call the Office of Appeals right away or send a request through your My Appeal account. More on the CUIAB website. If you have questions about your appeal itself, ask the appeals office or an attorney; Mikhail interprets and does not give legal advice.
Tips from the interpreter's side
- Answer the question you were asked: the judge will ask for more if needed
- Speak in short pieces and let the interpreter finish before you continue
- Don't interrupt or argue while the other side speaks: you will get your turn (more on how to speak through an interpreter)
- Dates matter: when you were hired, when you stopped working and why. Have them written down
- Didn't understand? Say so. Never answer a question you didn't understand
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for an interpreter at a CUIAB hearing?
No. CUIAB provides an interpreter at no cost to the party. Your Notice of Hearing says whether one will be provided; if it doesn't and you need Russian, call the Office of Appeals right away.
Can the hearing be held by phone?
Yes. Most CUIAB hearings are by phone: you call in yourself with the conference ID from your Notice of Hearing, and the interpreter is on the same call. You can ask to switch to an in-person hearing through My Appeal or the Office of Appeals.
Can a relative interpret for me?
It is better to have a professional interpreter: the judge needs your exact words, and a relative is not neutral. Ask the appeals office for a Russian interpreter.