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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.
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Hey there! I just went through this same situation about 3 months ago - missed my EDD interview because I had COVID and was basically delirious with fever (completely spaced on the appointment). The whole process was way less terrifying than I built it up to be in my head. A few things that really helped me prepare: - I called the Appeals Office directly (not the main EDD number) about a week before my hearing to confirm the time and phone number they'd be calling from - I practiced explaining my situation out loud beforehand so I wouldn't stumble over my words - I made sure I had all my job search documentation organized just in case they asked The actual hearing was super straightforward - the judge asked why I missed the interview, confirmed I was looking for work and available to work, and asked a couple questions about my last job. The whole thing took maybe 20 minutes. Got my approval letter about 2 weeks later and all my back payments hit my account within a few days after that. Since you're being upfront about an honest mistake with the dates, I think you'll be totally fine. The judges deal with people who try to game the system all the time, so genuine human error is refreshing for them to hear! You've got this - just stay calm and be honest during the hearing!
Thank you so much for all the detailed advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Calling the Appeals Office directly to confirm the details is such a smart idea - I wouldn't have thought of that. I've been so focused on just getting the appeal form submitted that I hadn't considered the practical prep steps for the actual hearing. It's really encouraging to hear that the judges can tell the difference between honest mistakes and people trying to game the system. I've been beating myself up over this silly calendar mix-up, but hearing from everyone here that these things happen and the process is manageable is giving me so much more confidence. I'm definitely going to practice explaining what happened out loud beforehand - great suggestion! And I'll make sure to organize all my job search stuff just in case. Thank you again for the encouragement!
I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago! I missed my EDD phone interview because I wrote down the wrong day in my calendar (wrote Tuesday instead of Thursday - felt so stupid). The stress and anxiety you're feeling right now is totally normal, but I promise it's not as bad as it seems. Here's what worked for me: - Filed my appeal immediately (sounds like you're already on this!) - Kept certifying every two weeks religiously - When the hearing date came, I just explained honestly that I made a calendar error and apologized - The judge was actually pretty understanding - apparently simple scheduling mistakes are super common The hearing itself was maybe 25 minutes over the phone. The judge asked why I missed the interview, confirmed I was actively job searching, and asked about my availability for work. No trick questions or trying to trip me up - just straightforward stuff. I got my decision about 10 days after the hearing (approved!) and all my back pay showed up within a week. The whole process from appeal to resolution took about 7 weeks total. The key is being completely honest about the mistake and showing that you're taking it seriously by staying on top of your certifications and job search. Calendar mix-ups happen to everyone - you're going to be fine!
This is so reassuring to hear! I made almost the exact same mistake - got confused about which day my interview was scheduled for. It's embarrassing but hearing that calendar errors are actually common makes me feel less like a complete idiot. 7 weeks total timeline doesn't sound too bad, especially knowing there's light at the end of the tunnel with back pay. I've been so worried about how I'm going to make it through the next couple months financially, but knowing that others have successfully gotten through this process is giving me hope. Thank you for sharing your experience and for the encouragement! I'm definitely going to stay on top of my certifications and job search documentation. Really appreciate you taking the time to help out a fellow person dealing with EDD stress!
Miguel Ramos
Awesome!! So glad u got ur money back! Thanks for coming back to update us
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Samantha Howard
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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