About the Commissioner's Review Office
The CRO makes legal decisions in cases referring to unemployment benefits and taxes, and to paid leave benefits and premiums. A case gets referred to this office at a particular stage of the appeal process.
For appeals related to the Unemployment Insurance program:
- Workers can read about the appeal hearing or proceeding process.
- Employers can read how to appeal an unemployment tax decision.
For appeals related to Paid Family and Medical Leave program, workers and employers can go to the Paid Leave website to read about filing disputes.
How to petition the Commissioner's Review Office
The decision you receive from the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) will explain how to petition the CRO. Submit your petition within 30 days of the date your OAH decision letter is mailed or delivered, whichever is earlier.
How the Commissioner's Review Office handles appeals
A judge from the CRO will review the OAH decision about your case. The judge will review all testimony and evidence. They also will review the OAH judge's findings, conclusions and decision. The judge will make sure that:
- The decision meets the requirements of the Washington Administrative Procedure Act - Title 34.05 RCW. Read the law on the Washington State Legislature website.
- The findings are accurate.
- The decision properly applies the laws about unemployment insurance benefits and taxation under the Washington Employment Security Act - Title 50 RCW. Read the law on the Washington State Legislature website.
- The decision properly applies the laws about Paid Family and Medical Leave under Title 50A RCW. Read the law on the Washington State Legislature website.
After their review, the judge from the CRO will decide your case. You'll receive a letter about the decision.
If you disagree with the decision
You can ask a Washington state court to review your case.
Past decisions
Each year, the CRO determines that specific cases set precedents for unemployment and paid leave law. The Employment Security Department and the Office of Administrative Hearings need to follow these precedents.