EDD Appeal Hearing Tomorrow - Can Medical Records for Depression Help or Hurt My Case?

Definitely bring those medical records! I was in a similar situation with a late appeal last year. The judge specifically asked me why I missed the deadline, and having documentation that showed I was dealing with a medical condition that affected my ability to meet deadlines was crucial. Just bring the specific pages related to your depression diagnosis and treatment during that timeframe - no need for unrelated medical info. Make sure the documentation clearly shows dates that align with the missed deadline period.

I dont think it could hurt you, good luck tomorow!!!

LISTEN UP - the EDD appeals system is DESIGNED to wear you down!!! They HOPE you'll miss deadlines so they can deny you. I went through THREE appeals before getting approved and the FIRST thing they focus on is procedural stuff like deadlines. ABSOLUTELY bring those records, but only the SPECIFIC pages about depression affecting your ability to meet deadlines. DO NOT give them your whole medical file - they will use ANY unrelated info against you somehow. Also be prepared to explain EXACTLY how your depression prevented you from filing on time. Be very specific - couldn't get out of bed? Couldn't focus enough to complete forms? Didn't open mail? Whatever it was, be ready to explain it clearly. Good luck - the system is BROKEN but you can still win!!

Hi there, I work as a disability advocate and help people with EDD SDI appeals frequently. Your medical records can absolutely help your case as they demonstrate "good cause" for missing the deadline. The California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board recognizes that medical conditions can prevent timely filing. A few recommendations: 1. Bring only the specific pages documenting your depression diagnosis, treatment dates, and severity during the relevant time period 2. If possible, ask your doctor to write a brief statement specifically addressing how your condition impacted your ability to meet deadlines 3. Prepare a clear, concise explanation of how your depression affected your daily functioning during that time 4. Be ready to explain what changed that allowed you to file the appeal when you did This information won't hurt your case - it directly addresses the procedural issue of timeliness. The judge needs to determine if you had good cause for filing late before they can even consider the merits of your disability claim. Best of luck with your hearing!

when i had my appeal i was late becuz i didnt know about the deadline honestly just told them i was confused and they were ok with it. but your depression reason is way better so def bring that up!!

Just went through something similar with my SDI appeal last month. I was so frustrated trying to reach EDD to explain my situation before the hearing - kept calling for DAYS and couldn't get through to anyone. I finally tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD representative in under 25 minutes. The rep was able to note in my file that I had medical documentation coming for the late appeal before my hearing date. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Might be worth trying to get through to someone before your hearing to give them a heads up about your documentation. Made my actual hearing go much smoother since they were already aware of my situation.

I think I might be the only one with a different take here...couldn't this potentially hurt your disability case? If you're claiming depression was so severe you couldn't file paperwork on time, might they question if you were too depressed to work? Just playing devil's advocate here. I'm not a lawyer though so definitely listen to the more experienced folks here.

Update: I had my hearing this morning and it went better than expected! The judge was very understanding about my late filing once I explained my depression and showed the medical records. She specifically said the documentation was helpful since it showed I had "good cause" for missing the deadline. Now they'll review the actual reason for my disability claim denial, and I should hear back in 7-10 business days. Fingers crossed! Thank you all for the advice and support - it really helped me prepare and feel less anxious going in!

So glad to hear your hearing went well! That's such a relief after all the stress you were going through. The fact that the judge understood your situation and accepted the medical documentation is really encouraging. It sounds like bringing those specific records was definitely the right call. Waiting 7-10 days is going to feel like forever, but you've done everything you can at this point. Hoping you get good news soon - you've been through enough already and deserve to have this resolved in your favor. Keep us posted when you hear back!