EDD benefits denied - Tips for appealing CA SDI decision?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle. My EDD benefits got denied and now I need to appeal. Has anyone gone through this process before? I'm not sure what to expect or how to prepare for the appeal call. Any advice would be really appreciated!
58 comments


Kara Yoshida
lmao watch them deny your appeal too. EDD is a clown show 🤡
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Philip Cowan
•Bruh, why you gotta be so negative? OP's already stressed
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Kara Yoshida
•Just keeping it real. Better to be prepared for the worst 🤷♂️
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Caesar Grant
•It's okay to be prepared for all outcomes, but let's stay positive and focus on how to make a strong case for the appeal.
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Dana Doyle
Been there, done that. The appeal process can be a real headache, but don't lose hope! Make sure you have all your documentation ready - pay stubs, termination letter, anything that supports your case. And be prepared to explain your situation clearly and concisely.
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Manny Lark
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Rita Jacobs
•Wait, seriously? How does that even work? Sounds too good to be true tbh
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Khalid Howes
•$20?? That's highway robbery! 😤
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Manny Lark
•I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imho
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Ben Cooper
•Hmm, interesting. Might have to give this a try. Thx for sharing!
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Naila Gordon
•While Claimyr seems reliable and effective, it's important to weigh the costs. For some, $20 might be worth the time saved, but always check if there are any other free resources available first.
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Liam Duke
ugh, the EDD system is such a joke. I swear they deny people just to see who will fight back. Good luck with your appeal, OP!
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Naila Gordon
Listen up, cause I've been through this rodeo before. Here's what you need to know for your appeal: 1. Gather all relevant documents: pay stubs, employment records, termination letter, etc. 2. Write a clear, concise statement explaining why you believe the denial was incorrect 3. Practice your explanation - you want to sound confident and prepared 4. Be polite but firm during the call 5. Take notes during the conversation 6. Ask for clarification if you don't understand something 7. Follow up in writing after the call to summarize what was discussed Remember, the appeals process can take time, so be patient. And don't be afraid to seek legal help if you need it. Good luck!
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Vera Visnjic
Protip: If you can't get through on the phone, try reaching out on social media. Sometimes their Twitter support is more responsive.
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Jake Sinclair
•I've actually gotten responses faster on Twitter than on any other platform. Worth a shot!
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Rosie Harper
anyone else feel like were living in a dystopian nightmare? the fact that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get basic support is ridiculous
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Lorenzo McCormick
When navigating an EDD appeal, patience and preparedness are key. Ensure your documentation is complete and clearly articulate your points during the call. Using services like Claimyr can help reach live agents quicker, but weigh the costs. Engage local representatives for additional support, and consider recording conversations for accuracy, ensuring compliance with state laws. Explore innovative solutions like AI for drafting letters, but verify the output thoroughly. Finally, maintain a positive mindset and take care of your well-being during this challenging process.
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Reina Salazar
tldr on EDD appeals: document everything, be persistent, and don't take no for an answer. You got this!
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Khalid Howes
Thanks again, everyone. You've all been so helpful. I'm gonna start gathering my documents and preparing my statement. Wish me luck!
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Oliver Brown
•Good luck, OP! You've got this! 🍀
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Mary Bates
•Rooting for you! Let us know how it goes
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Clay blendedgen
•May the force be with you, young padawan 🙏
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Ayla Kumar
•Stay strong and focused, OP. You've got a whole community behind you!
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Demi Hall
I appealed my denial last year and won. Here's a pro tip: record the call if you can (check your state laws first). It helped me remember all the details later.
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Mateusius Townsend
•This is actually really smart. Wish I'd thought of that when I had my appeal call 🤦♂️
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Khalid Howes
•Oh, good idea! I'll def look into the laws about that. Thanks!
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Kara Yoshida
•Be sure to inform the other party that you're recording, as some states require all parties to consent.
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Caesar Grant
Hey OP, what was the reason they gave for denying your benefits? Might help us give more specific advice.
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Khalid Howes
•They said my employer reported I was fired for misconduct, but it wasn't true. I have documentation to prove otherwise.
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Lena Schultz
•Sounds like you have a strong case if you can provide evidence to counter their claim.
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Pedro Sawyer
Has anyone tried using AI to help draft their appeal letter? I've heard some people are doing that now.
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Mae Bennett
•Woah, that's some next level stuff. The future is now, I guess 🤖
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Beatrice Marshall
•Idk man, seems risky. What if the AI doesn't understand the nuances of your situation?
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Melina Haruko
•I used ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts for the appeal. It was actually pretty helpful!
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Dallas Villalobos
•AI can be a useful tool, but always make sure to review and personalize the draft for accuracy and completeness.
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Lena Schultz
I'm in the same boat, waiting for my appeal hearing. This whole process is so frustrating. Solidarity, friend. 🤜🤛
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Khalid Howes
•Ugh, sorry to hear that. Hope your appeal goes well too!
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Gemma Andrews
•We're all in this sinking ship together 😅 Good luck to both of you!
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Pedro Sawyer
•Stay strong, everyone. Remember, persistence is key.
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Elliott luviBorBatman
Have you considered reaching out to your local assemblymember or state senator? Sometimes they can help expedite the process or provide additional resources.
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Demi Hall
•Great suggestion! They are there to represent our interests and can sometimes cut through the red tape.
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Jake Sinclair
Anyone else feel like they need a law degree just to navigate this system? 🎓🤯
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Brielle Johnson
•For real tho. I've learned more about labor laws in the past year than I ever wanted to know
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Honorah King
•Lol, right? Maybe we should all go to law school after this 😂
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Oliver Brown
•A basic understanding of your rights can go a long way. Keep educating yourselves!
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Khalid Howes
Wow, thanks everyone for the quick responses! This is really helpful. I'm feeling a bit less overwhelmed now.
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Cynthia Love
•You got this, OP! 💪 Keep us updated on how it goes
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Darren Brooks
•Dont forget to breathe, lol. These things can be stressful af
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Rosie Harper
•Remember that taking breaks can help reduce stress. It's a marathon, not a sprint!
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
Is it just me or has the EDD system gotten even worse since the pandemic? I swear it used to be easier to deal with.
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Demi Lagos
•Nah, it's always been a dumpster fire. We just notice it more now
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Mason Lopez
•I think theyre just overwhelmed. Still sucks for us tho
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Vera Visnjic
•The pandemic has certainly put more strain on systems that were already stretched thin.
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Dallas Villalobos
Remember to take care of yourself during this process, OP. It can be really stressful. Don't forget to eat, sleep, and maybe do some meditation or something to stay calm.
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Ryan Kim
Hey Darcy! I went through the EDD appeal process about 6 months ago and totally understand the stress you're feeling right now. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of events leading up to my termination - it made it easier to present my case clearly during the call. Also, don't be afraid to ask the hearing officer to repeat questions if you need clarification. They're actually pretty patient and want to make sure they get all the facts right. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from appeal to decision, so try to be patient. You've got tons of great advice in this thread already - sounds like you're in good hands with this community! 🤞
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Madeline Blaze
•Thanks for sharing your experience, Ryan! Creating a timeline is such a smart idea - I never would have thought of that. It's really reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through this and came out successful. Did you end up winning your appeal? Also, any specific tips on what kind of documentation helped you the most?
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Lara Woods
I'm really sorry to hear about your denial, Darcy. The EDD appeal process can definitely feel overwhelming at first, but you're taking the right step by reaching out for advice. From what I've seen in similar cases, the key is being super organized with your documentation and staying calm during the hearing. Make sure you have copies of everything - your original application, any correspondence from EDD, pay stubs, and especially anything that contradicts their reason for denial. Practice explaining your situation out loud beforehand so you sound confident. The hearing officers are generally fair, but they need clear facts to work with. Also, don't hesitate to ask for a postponement if you need more time to prepare - it's better to be ready than to rush. Keep your head up, you've got this! 💪
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Luca Marino
•This is really solid advice, Lara! I'm also going through an appeal right now and the organization tip is so important. I made the mistake of not having everything sorted properly for my first call and it was a mess. One thing I'd add is to write down key points you want to make beforehand - when you're nervous it's easy to forget important details. Also, if anyone's interested, there are some free legal aid clinics that help with EDD appeals if you qualify based on income. Might be worth looking into if you're feeling really lost with the legal stuff.
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