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3 months waiting for EDD overpayment appeal hearing date - normal timeline?

I received an EDD notice claiming I was overpaid $6,800 back in October 2024. I immediately filed an appeal because they miscalculated my earnings from my part-time job. Got a letter in December confirming they received my appeal paperwork, but it's now March 2025 and complete silence since then. No court date, no follow-up letters, nothing on my UI Online account. This is getting really stressful since they're threatening to garnish my wages if I don't pay. Has anyone gone through the appeal process recently? Is a 3+ month wait normal or should I be doing something else to move this along? My rent just went up and I'm panicking about having to come up with nearly $7k if my appeal doesn't work out.

JacksonHarris

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Welcome to the EDD slog. I waited 5 months for my hearing last year. They r SUPER backed up rn.

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Ella Thompson

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5 months?! That's insane. Did they stop collection activities while you were waiting or did they start garnishing before your hearing?

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Jeremiah Brown

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The normal timeframe for appeal hearings is 2-4 months, but it can stretch longer depending on your location and how backlogged your specific office is. Your best option right now is to contact the Appeals Board directly rather than waiting. The EDD and Appeals Board are separate entities, and your appeal status won't show in UI Online. Call the Appeals Board at 1-800-300-5616 and have your appeal case number ready (it should be on that December letter). You can request a status update and ask about approximate timeframes. Also, double-check that they have your current contact information - sometimes hearing notices get lost in the mail, and you don't want to miss your date. Make sure you're gathering all your documentation to prove the earnings miscalculation while you wait. Pay stubs, bank statements showing deposits, tax documents - anything that shows exactly what you earned during the period in question.

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Ella Thompson

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Thank you! That's really helpful. I've been calling the regular EDD number and getting nowhere. I didn't realize the Appeals Board was separate. I'll try calling them tomorrow morning.

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Royal_GM_Mark

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I had this exact same problem last year. The appeals process is insanely slow, but there's something important you should do RIGHT NOW - file a Request for Waiver of Overpayment. This is different from your appeal. While the appeal challenges whether you were overpaid at all, the waiver asks them not to collect while your appeal is pending. You need form DE 1446W. Fill it out explaining financial hardship and that collection would be against "equity and good conscience" since you're disputing the overpayment. This can prevent wage garnishment while you wait for your hearing. Also, have you tried reaching EDD to ask about your appeal status? I know it's nearly impossible to get through on the phone lines.

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Ella Thompson

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Thank you! I had no idea about the waiver option. That would be a huge relief. And yes, I've been calling EDD almost daily but either get disconnected or told they can't help with appeals. So frustrating!

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I was in your same spot last year with an $8,200 overpayment notice. Waited 4 months for my hearing date. The trick to getting through to EDD is using Claimyr. I was skeptical at first, but after weeks of failed calls, I tried their service at claimyr.com and they got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD agent was able to tell me my appeal status and gave me a rough timeframe for when to expect my hearing notice. Saved me weeks of stress not knowing what was happening. They can't speed up your hearing date, but at least you'll know where you stand.

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Chris King

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I used Claimyr too! WAY better than wasting hours on hold. The peace of mind was worth it just to know what was going on with my claim.

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Rachel Clark

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Does this actually work?? I've been trying to get through to EDD for 2 weeks!!! I keep getting the stupid "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then they hang up on me. So frustrating!!!!!

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Zachary Hughes

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you guys are all making this more complicated then it needs to be lol. just call the APPEALS office directly not EDD. completely different departments. i had my hearing in like 2.5 months. its (800) 878-7513 for socal or (916) 263-8787 for norcal. they'll tell you exactly when ur hearing is scheduled

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Ella Thompson

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Thanks for the direct numbers! Didn't realize there were different ones for different regions. I'm in NorCal so I'll try the 916 number.

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Rachel Clark

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I'M GOING THROUGH THIS EXACT NIGHTMARE RIGHT NOW!!!! Been waiting since NOVEMBER for my appeal hearing!!! It's absolute GARBAGE how they expect us to just sit around waiting while they threaten to take our money! I called the appeals office and they said "we're processing appeals in the order received" and couldn't even give me an ESTIMATE of when I'd get a date. Meanwhile EDD sent me a notice that they're going to start collection activities soon. HOW IS THIS LEGAL??? The system is BROKEN and they don't care at all!!

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Chris King

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The whole system is designed to wear you down until you just give up and pay. Happened to my cousin. Four month wait and then they scheduled his hearing on a Tuesday morning with 5 days notice. Couldn't get off work, missed the hearing, automatic loss.

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Rachel Clark

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EXACTLY!!!! It's a complete SCAM! They make it so difficult on purpose!!

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Jeremiah Brown

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Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: 1. The Appeals Board should NOT start collection actions while your appeal is pending - that's against their procedures. If you received a notice about collections starting, call immediately to have it paused. 2. You have rights during this process. They must give you at least 10 calendar days notice before your hearing date. 3. If you can't make the scheduled hearing date, you can request ONE postponement with a valid reason. 4. Hearing notices come by mail only, not through UI Online, so make sure your address is current. 5. While waiting, organize your evidence - wage statements, timecards, communications with employers. You'll need to submit these before or during your hearing. The 3+ month wait is unfortunately common, especially for more complex cases. The administrative law judges are handling thousands of cases across the state.

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Ella Thompson

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Thank you for all this information. I checked today and EDD does have my current address. I'll get all my documentation together while I wait. I have all my pay stubs and bank deposits that clearly show they calculated my income incorrectly. Hoping that will be enough evidence.

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JacksonHarris

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btw when u finally get ur hearing date be SUPER prepared!! my brother lost his appeal bc he didnt bring the right documents. make a folder with EVERYTHING - all pay stubs, any emails w/ your employer, bank statements, tax forms, etc.

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Ella Thompson

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Thanks for the tip! I've started collecting everything. Did your brother's hearing happen in person or over the phone/video?

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JacksonHarris

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his was over phone. they gave him option for in-person but phone was faster appointment. make sure ur in quiet place w/ good connection!!

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Royal_GM_Mark

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One more thing I forgot to mention - the hearing process itself is actually pretty straightforward once you finally get a date. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will review your case first, then ask questions about your specific situation. They're generally fair and will listen to your explanation about the miscalculated earnings. Make sure you can clearly explain: 1. Why you believe the calculation is wrong 2. What evidence you have to prove your actual earnings 3. How you reported your income during certifications The hearings typically last 30-45 minutes. You'll receive the judge's decision by mail within 2-3 weeks after the hearing. Hang in there - the waiting is definitely the hardest part of the whole process.

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Ella Thompson

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This is really helpful to know what to expect. I've been stressing about the hearing itself. Sounds less intimidating than I imagined. I can definitely explain the calculation error - they counted the same earnings twice for two different weeks. I have pay stubs showing exactly when I was paid and for which work periods.

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