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That's fantastic news that you got your refund! 🎉 I'm currently going through the same situation - just won my appeal last week for a $3,400 overpayment that I already paid back. Your timeline of 5 weeks gives me hope, even though it feels like forever when you're waiting for your own money back. Did you notice any status changes in your EDD online account before the money showed up, or did it just appear without warning?
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I'm so glad you got your appeal submitted online successfully! That's a huge weight off your shoulders. I went through a similar availability dispute last year and want to share a few tips for your hearing preparation: 1. Organize your evidence chronologically - it helps tell a clear story 2. If you have any medical documentation that might have affected your availability, bring copies 3. Practice explaining why you disagree with their decision in 2-3 sentences - hearings can move quickly 4. Write down the names and contact info of any witnesses who can vouch for your work search efforts One thing that really helped me was calling a few of the employers I had applied to and asking if they could provide written confirmation that I had applied and was available to start work. Most were willing to send a quick email confirming this. Also, don't be intimidated by the formal process - the hearing officers are generally fair and just want to understand the facts. You've already taken the hardest step by getting your appeal in on time. Keep us updated on how it goes!
This is incredibly helpful advice! I never thought about getting written confirmation from employers I applied to - that's such a smart idea. I do have all my work search records organized and my part-time pay stubs showing I was reporting hours correctly. The medical documentation tip is interesting too - I did have a minor procedure during that time but it didn't affect my availability for work, so I should probably bring documentation showing it was outpatient and didn't impact my job search. Thanks for the encouragement about not being intimidated - I'm definitely nervous but feeling more confident now that I have a clear plan for gathering evidence. I'll definitely keep everyone updated on how the hearing goes!
I'm glad to see you got your appeal submitted successfully through the online system! That's such a relief when you're dealing with tight deadlines. For others who might be reading this thread with similar issues, I wanted to add that if you can't find the online appeal option in your UI Online account, it might be because your case type doesn't support online appeals yet, or there could be a technical issue. In those cases, definitely go with the certified mail option to the PO Box on your disqualification notice. Also, for anyone facing similar "availability for work" disqualifications - make sure you understand exactly what EDD thinks you did wrong. Sometimes these denials happen due to misunderstandings about reporting part-time work or temporary unavailability. The more specific you can be in your appeal about why their decision is incorrect, the better your chances. Document everything and keep copies of all your communications! Best of luck with your hearing preparation!
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I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! I was disqualified for 5 weeks earlier this year due to "insufficient work search" when I was actually searching but didn't document it properly while dealing with my dad's hospitalization. Like you, I'm back to receiving benefits but those weeks just disappeared. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the DE 1000M form or that you could appeal specific weeks without affecting your current claim status. I'm definitely going to follow the advice here about gathering medical documentation and creating a timeline of events. One question for the group - has anyone had success appealing when the issue was work search documentation rather than availability? I was definitely looking for work during those weeks, I just wasn't keeping detailed records because I was so focused on my dad's medical crisis. I have some email confirmations from job applications, but not the comprehensive logs EDD apparently wanted. Thank you so much for posting this @Yara - sometimes it really helps to know you're not alone in dealing with EDD's confusing processes!
@Amara - Yes, work search documentation appeals can definitely be successful! I actually won an appeal for similar reasons last year. The key is showing you were genuinely conducting work search activities even if you weren't documenting them properly due to your family crisis. For your appeal, gather whatever evidence you can find - those email confirmations from job applications are actually really valuable! Also look for: - Browser history showing job site visits during those weeks - LinkedIn activity/profile views if you were networking - Any text messages or calls about job opportunities - Even credit card/bank statements showing travel to interviews or job fairs The good news is that work search appeals often focus more on whether you were actually looking for work (which you clearly were) rather than just whether you followed their documentation requirements perfectly. Explain in your appeal letter how the medical crisis with your dad made it impossible to maintain detailed records, but provide whatever evidence you do have to show continuous job search efforts. The administrative law judges understand that life crises can interfere with paperwork while people are still genuinely seeking employment. You've got this!
I want to emphasize something really important that might get lost in all the detailed advice here - **you absolutely have the right to appeal those disqualified weeks**, and the EDD rep who told you to "be grateful" was completely out of line. I've been through the appeals process twice (once for availability issues, once for work search), and both times I was initially told by phone reps that there was "nothing that could be done." That's simply not true. The appeals process exists specifically for situations like yours where life circumstances create temporary issues with unemployment requirements. A few key points to remember as you move forward: 1. **File the DE 1000M immediately** - even being several months late, medical family emergencies are textbook examples of "good cause" for late filing 2. **Don't let them intimidate you** - you're not asking for charity, you're asking for benefits you may have been rightfully entitled to 3. **Document everything** - but don't stress if you don't have perfect records. Judges understand that people in crisis situations don't always maintain perfect paperwork The fact that you're currently receiving benefits actually strengthens your appeal case because it shows your underlying eligibility was never truly in question. Those 6 weeks were likely disqualified due to a temporary availability issue during a legitimate family medical emergency. Keep us updated on how your appeal goes - this community is rooting for you!
Thank you so much for this encouraging message! You're absolutely right about not letting them intimidate me. That phone rep really made me feel like I was being unreasonable for even asking about those weeks, but reading everyone's experiences here has shown me that appeals are a normal part of the process. It's really reassuring to hear from someone who's been through this twice and won both times. I'm definitely filing the DE 1000M this week - I've been gathering all the medical documentation and job search records everyone suggested. The fact that multiple people have mentioned medical emergencies as textbook "good cause" gives me a lot more confidence. I'll absolutely keep everyone updated on how the appeal goes. This thread has been a lifesaver - I went from feeling hopeless and confused to having a clear action plan. Thank you for the reminder that I have rights in this process!
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To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
The is typically about verifying your for unemployment benefits. They may ask about your work separation (why you left your job), availability to work, job search efforts, or any discrepancies in your information. Since you mentioned having an out-of-state address while claiming California benefits, that could be what they want to clarify. Make sure you have documentation ready about your work history and reason for being out of state. Good luck with your interview!
This is really helpful advice! I'm in a similar situation and was wondering what kind of documentation would be most important to have ready. Should I prepare pay stubs, my termination letter, and proof of my California residence? Also, do they typically ask detailed questions about job search activities during these interviews?
Yes, definitely have those documents ready! Pay stubs, termination letter, and proof of CA residence are essential. For job search, they usually ask how many jobs you've applied to per week and may want specific company names and dates. Since you're dealing with an out-of-state address situation like the original poster, also prepare an explanation of why you're temporarily out of state but still eligible for CA benefits (like helping family). Having a clear, honest explanation ready will help the go smoothly.
Lilah Brooks
I'm going through this exact same situation right now and honestly, reading through everyone's experiences has been such a huge relief! I've been stuck on "review required" for about 2 weeks and was starting to think I was the only one dealing with this nightmare. The 8 AM calling strategy that @Luis Johnson and others have mentioned sounds like pure gold - I had no idea timing mattered that much! I've been calling randomly throughout the day and getting nowhere. Also never thought to check my spam folder for EDD communications - that's brilliant advice from @Mateo Hernandez. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become unemployment claim detectives just to get basic information about our own benefits, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing what actually works. I'm definitely setting multiple alarms tomorrow morning and joining the early calling brigade. The fact that so many people here have successfully gotten through this bureaucratic maze gives me real hope. One question for those who've been through this - when you finally got through to someone, were they able to tell you exactly what documents or verification they needed right on the call? Or did they just give you general guidance? Trying to be as prepared as possible for when I (hopefully) connect with someone! Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - knowing we're all figuring this out together makes it feel way less overwhelming! 🙏
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Serene Snow
•Hey Lilah! I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you too - it really is a lifesaver when you're stuck in this EDD limbo! I'm actually new to this community but have been lurking and reading everyone's experiences because I'm in a similar boat (just hit day 4 of "review required" status myself). From what I've gathered reading through all these responses, it sounds like when people finally get through to an agent, they can usually tell you exactly what's needed right on the call. @Luis Johnson mentioned that the rep walked him through uploading documents through the UI Online portal, which sounds super helpful. It seems like having your ID, recent pay stubs, and any employment documentation ready is a good idea though, just in case! I m'also planning to join the 8 AM calling marathon tomorrow morning after reading about everyone s'success with that strategy. The spam folder tip is something I never would have thought of either - definitely going to check that regularly now. It s'wild that we need to become EDD navigation experts, but at least we ve'got each other s'backs in figuring this out! Good luck with your call tomorrow - hoping we all get some answers soon! 🤞
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Laila Fury
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now and it's been such a stressful experience! My claim has been stuck on "review required" for about a week now with absolutely no communication from EDD about what they need or how long this might take. Reading through everyone's experiences here has honestly been a huge relief though - I had no idea this was such a common problem! The 8 AM calling strategy that so many people have mentioned sounds like the real key to getting through. I've been calling at random times during the day and never getting anywhere, so I'm definitely going to set multiple alarms tomorrow morning and join the early calling brigade. Also never thought to check my spam folder regularly for EDD communications - that's such a good tip! It's absolutely mind-blowing that we have to become EDD system experts just to get basic information about our own claims, but I'm grateful to have found this community where people share what actually works. The reassurance that "review required" is often just routine verification rather than something we did wrong has really helped calm my nerves. One thing I'm wondering - for those who have successfully gotten through this process, did you notice any patterns in terms of what types of verification they typically ask for? I want to make sure I have all my documents ready (ID, pay stubs, employment records, etc.) so I can handle whatever they need right away when I hopefully connect with someone. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and advice - knowing we're all navigating this bureaucratic nightmare together makes it feel so much less overwhelming! 🙏
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Chris King
•Hey Laila! I'm new to this community but have been dealing with the exact same situation - just got hit with "review required" status a few days ago and was totally panicking until I found this thread! It's crazy how common this issue seems to be, but also reassuring to know so many people have gotten through it successfully. From what I've been reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the most common verification requests are identity documents (driver's license, state ID), recent pay stubs from your last job, and sometimes employment verification forms. A few people mentioned they needed to provide bank statements or proof of address too. It definitely seems smart to have all that stuff ready to go! I'm also planning to join the 8 AM calling marathon tomorrow after seeing how many success stories mention that strategy. The spam folder tip is something I never would have thought of either - apparently EDD emails love hiding in there! It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become unemployment claim ninjas just to access our own benefits, but at least we're all figuring it out together. One thing that's helped me stay calm is remembering what several people said about this often being routine checks rather than actual problems with our claims. Still stressful, but not as scary as it initially seemed! Good luck with your calling tomorrow - hoping we all get some answers soon! 💪
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