EDD denied my disability claim with 'interstate claim' issue - need help with appeal

i had somrthing similar happen last yr but with UI not SDI. the interstate stuff is super confusing. i won my appeal but it took like 2 months to get resolved. make sure u have all ur w2s and paystubs ready and def mention that u paid CA taxes!!! thats what helped me

You absolutely have a strong case for your appeal. Section 602(2) and 602(4) clearly apply to your situation as you've correctly identified. I went through an SDI appeal hearing last year (different issue but same process). Here's what you should do: 1. In your appeal letter, clearly cite both sections and explain how they apply to your specific situation 2. Include copies of your W-2s showing California wages 3. Include proof you paid California state taxes (very important) 4. Provide any documentation showing your work was performed in California (emails showing your location, equipment shipments to your CA address, etc.) 5. Request a phone/video hearing if possible - they're typically less stressful The good news is that when a specialist has already acknowledged you're right, this usually gets corrected during the appeal process. The judges are generally fair and follow the law. You'll likely get a hearing date within 4-6 weeks, and if you win, they'll pay all back benefits from your original filing date.

They ALWAYS deny first!!! EDD is a nightmare to deal with especially with interstate claims. My husband had the same issue when he worked remotely for a Texas company but we live in CA. Its all about the $$$$ - CA doesnt want to pay if they can make another state pay. FIGHT IT!!!

Have you tried calling the EDD directly to speak with someone higher up than the specialist? I had a similar situation and waiting for an appeal hearing seemed ridiculous when it was clearly their error. I spent hours trying to reach someone who could help. Have you tried Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to an actual EDD agent without the endless hold times. I used it a few months ago when I had issues with my claim and got through to someone in about 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd and their website is claimyr.com. Might be worth trying before going through the whole appeal process if you can get someone knowledgeable on the phone who can fix it.

I went through an SDI appeal hearing last year and won. Here's what to expect: - You'll get a notice with your hearing date about 3-4 weeks after submitting the appeal - The hearing is pretty informal - usually 30-45 minutes with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) - DEFINITELY request a phone/video hearing - much easier than going in person - Have all your documents organized and ready to reference - The judge will ask you questions directly about your employment situation - Be straightforward and stick to the facts - no need for emotional appeals - Specifically focus on how the sections of law apply to your situation In your case, since the specialist already admitted you were right, make sure to mention that in your appeal letter! That's a huge point in your favor. Also YES absolutely include proof of CA tax payments - that's critical evidence for establishing CA as your tax home. And importantly - continue certifying for benefits during the appeal process even if you're getting $0. If you win, they'll pay everything retroactively.

I represented myself. For straightforward cases like yours where it's clearly about application of the law (and the EDD person already admitted you should qualify), a lawyer probably isn't necessary. The ALJ knows the law and will apply it. If you can clearly explain your situation and cite the relevant sections, you should be fine. Save the money you'd spend on a lawyer.

@OP - One important clarification: if you've been filing for SDI (not UI), make sure your appeal specifically addresses disability eligibility. While the interstate issues are similar, SDI has additional medical certification requirements. Did your doctor complete and submit the medical certification form (DE 2501) correctly? Sometimes interstate claims get denied because the medical provider information gets lost in the system. Check your SDI Online account to verify all medical documentation is properly showing up.

Based on the information you've provided, you have an exceptionally strong appeal case. The EDD specialist acknowledging you're right is particularly significant - make sure to note in your appeal letter the date of that call and the specialist's name if you have it. One thing that hasn't been mentioned: California has a higher SDI payment rate (approximately 60-70% of wages up to a maximum of $1,620 weekly in 2025) compared to most other states, which is likely why this issue matters so much to you financially. Your appeal should emphasize that California is properly your state of coverage because: 1. Your base of operations is in California (you work from home in Sacramento) 2. You are a California resident (for 8+ years) 3. You pay California state income taxes 4. Your services are performed entirely within California I recommend organizing your appeal letter in sections that directly correspond to the legal requirements in Section 602. Make it extremely easy for the judge to see how the facts align with the law. Submit your appeal as soon as possible, as there are strict deadlines (typically 30 days from the denial notice).

This happened to my sister!!! EDD is a nightmare!!! She never even got her money and gave up after three appeals!!!! The system is BROKEN!!!!

Update: I just got off the phone with EDD using the Claimyr service someone recommended above. It actually worked! I got through to a senior specialist who reviewed my case and agreed that I should qualify under CA law since my base of operations is here and I'm a resident who pays CA taxes. She's escalating it to her supervisor to see if they can reverse the decision without going through the full appeal process! I'll still prepare the appeal just in case, but there's hope this might get resolved faster. Thanks everyone for all your helpful advice!