As someone who works in employment law, I want to emphasize a few critical points that haven't been fully covered here. First, make sure your appeal letter specifically references the "Notice of Determination" date and number - this helps EDD track your case properly. Second, if you're appealing a self-employment documentation issue, include a clear explanation of WHY the original documentation should have been sufficient. Don't just resubmit the same docs - explain what each document proves and why EDD's rejection was incorrect. Third, consider requesting an in-person hearing if you're more comfortable presenting your case face-to-face rather than over the phone. You have that right! Finally, if your appeal is successful, you'll receive all back benefits for the weeks you were disqualified, so keep certifying as others mentioned. The appeals process can feel intimidating, but the Administrative Law Judges are generally fair and want to get to the truth of your situation.

I'm dealing with a very similar self-employment documentation appeal right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you used any online platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or banking apps for your freelance payments, screenshots of those transaction histories can be really valuable supporting evidence. I learned this the hard way when I initially only submitted my Schedule C and bank statements, but the EDD rep I finally got through to mentioned that payment platform records often provide the clearest timeline of self-employment income. Also, if you worked through any freelance websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or similar platforms, your profile and earnings history from those sites can serve as additional documentation. Just make sure to black out any sensitive client information while keeping the payment amounts and dates visible. The key seems to be showing multiple sources of evidence that all tell the same story about your legitimate self-employment income. Good luck to everyone going through this process!

UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning after using the Claimyr service someone recommended. The EDD rep was actually super helpful once I reached them! They've put a special flag on my account to revert to paper checks immediately AND they're sending an emergency payment for the disputed amount that should arrive in 5 days. I still have to deal with Money Network for the fraud investigation, but at least I won't be waiting weeks for rent money. Also filed all the complaints recommended and my assemblyperson's office called me back - they're sending an official inquiry to EDD's executive office about my case. Thanks everyone for all the advice - this community has been way more helpful than any official channels!

So glad to hear you got some resolution! This is exactly why I always tell people not to give up - EDD can actually be helpful when you finally reach the right person. The emergency payment option is something a lot of people don't know about. For anyone else reading this dealing with similar issues, Zainab's experience shows that persistence pays off. The combination of using multiple channels (Claimyr for EDD contact, assemblyperson involvement, CFPB complaints, and specific terminology with Money Network) is really the way to go. Keep us updated on how the final resolution goes with Money Network. Your case could help others who are going through this nightmare. Really hoping EDD finally switches to a more secure payment vendor - this has gone on way too long.

I went through this same thing a few months ago! The key is being persistent and having all your paperwork ready. Like others mentioned, gather your last pay stub, termination letter, and anything that shows your actual last day of work. When I called, I had to explain that my employer initially gave me the wrong information about my last day. The rep was actually pretty helpful once I got through (took about 45 minutes on hold). One thing I wish I knew beforehand - they might ask for additional verification, so scan/photo everything before you call. Also, don't get discouraged if the first person you talk to says they can't help - ask to speak to a supervisor if needed. Good luck!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My employer filed my termination date wrong and it's been such a headache. I've been trying to get through to someone for over a week now. Reading all these responses is really helpful - I didn't realize I needed to gather so much documentation. Going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning with all my paperwork ready. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess! 🤞

I've been following this thread and want to add my two cents as someone who recently went through the EDD nightmare. After being unemployed for 8 months and dealing with a frozen claim, I finally got resolution last month. Here's what worked for me: 1) I called first thing Monday morning at exactly 8:00 AM - seems like they reset their phone queues then, 2) I kept a detailed log of every call attempt with timestamps, 3) I contacted my assemblyperson's office after 3 months of no progress (they were incredibly helpful!), and 4) I joined local Facebook groups where people share real-time tips about which phone numbers are working. The key is persistence and having multiple strategies. Don't rely on just one approach. Also, if you're tech-savvy, there are some browser extensions that can help automate the calling process. The system is definitely broken, but there are ways to work around it. Hang in there everyone - your benefits ARE coming, it just takes way longer than it should. Stay strong! 💪

Just wanted to jump in here as someone new to this community. I'm currently dealing with my own EDD situation - been waiting 3 months for my claim to be processed after being laid off from my retail job. Reading through all these experiences is both reassuring and terrifying! It's crazy that so many of us are going through the same struggle with the system. I'm definitely going to try some of the strategies mentioned here, especially the Monday 8 AM calling tip and reaching out to my assemblyperson's office. Has anyone had success with the EDD customer service chat feature, or is calling still the best option? Also curious if anyone knows whether weekends are completely pointless to try calling or if there's any skeleton crew working then. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it really helps to know we're not alone in this mess! 🙏

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! As someone who just received my disqualification notice yesterday, I was completely overwhelmed and had no idea where to even start with the appeals process. The EDD website is such a maze and I spent hours yesterday trying to figure out where to send my DE 1000M form. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences and advice has been a game-changer. I'm definitely going with the Sacramento P.O. Box address that everyone confirmed, and I love all the extra tips about certified mail with restricted delivery, taking photos before sealing, writing "APPEAL - TIME SENSITIVE" on the envelope, and using the secure messaging system as a backup. The advice about including a cover letter, putting your SSN on every page, and organizing documents chronologically is exactly the kind of practical guidance you can't find anywhere else. I'm also going to start gathering my evidence now rather than waiting until closer to the hearing date. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your experiences - both the successes and the mistakes to avoid. This community is providing the real-world help that people desperately need when dealing with EDD's confusing system. I feel so much more confident about my appeal now!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm also going through the appeals process right now and this has been incredibly helpful. One small addition to all the excellent advice here - if you're mailing your appeal close to the deadline, consider sending it on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than Friday. I learned this from a postal worker friend who said mail sent on Fridays sometimes doesn't get processed until the following Monday, which could potentially push you past your deadline depending on timing. Also, when you're writing your appeal statement, don't be afraid to be emotional but keep it factual. I mean, briefly mention how the disqualification has impacted you (financial stress, unable to support family, etc.) but then immediately pivot to the facts and evidence. The appeals judges are human and understanding your situation helps, but they ultimately need concrete reasons to overturn the decision. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences here - this community support makes such a difficult process feel much more manageable!