Unemployment appeal help???

I was terminated from my former employer in October of 2011 in the State of Illinois. After fighting through the unemployment hoops of filing, appeals and phone interviews I was granted my unemployment benefits in January of 2012.
Last week I received an appeal notice from the Illinois unemployment office saying my employer was apealing the judges decision to grant me my benefits.

During my final appeal, the phone interview, my employer was not present it was just the referee (judge) and myself. I was granted my benefits, now the new appeal says that even though they did not appear for the interview they can still appeal but have to show good cause for they did not appear.

Is anyone familiar with the Illinois unemployment laws and this process, also do I have anything to be worried about such as losing my benefits or will I have to pay back benefits if denied?

Potentially, they can require you pay back benefits. Likely, if you make it through this hearing you are fine.

In most states, in order for an employer to win an unemployment hearing, they will have to show that your actions were intentional and willful. Therefore now the employer has an even bigger hurdle because he also has to show good cause as to why they did not appear for the interview. It all comes down to the specific facts of the case and what the judge/referee ultimately determines.