I'm going through something similar right now! My employer also didn't show up to my appeal hearing last week. The judge told me that while it's a good sign when employers don't participate, she still had to evaluate my case based on the evidence presented. Like you, I was terminated for alleged "performance issues" but never received any formal write-ups or improvement plans. The judge seemed particularly interested in that detail when I mentioned it. I'm still waiting for my decision too - it's nerve-wracking! From what I've read in these comments, it sounds like we both have decent chances since our employers didn't bother to present their side. Fingers crossed for both of us! How long did your hearing actually take? Mine was only about 20 minutes.

I'm in a very similar boat! Had my appeal hearing 10 days ago and my former employer was a complete no-show too. The judge spent almost 45 minutes grilling me about every detail of my termination even though they didn't provide any counter-evidence. I was fired for "attendance issues" but when I explained that I had documented medical reasons for my absences (which I provided to HR), the judge seemed to take note of that. What's frustrating is that my employer contested my initial claim but then couldn't be bothered to actually defend their position at the hearing. The judge told me the same thing - decision in 7-10 days by mail. I'm on day 10 now and obsessively checking my mailbox! From everything I've read and heard from others, employer no-shows usually work in our favor, but like others mentioned, it's not guaranteed. The judge still has to evaluate whether there was actual misconduct. In your case, the lack of written warnings is huge - that suggests they didn't follow proper progressive discipline procedures. I've got 4 months of pending payments riding on this decision, so I totally understand the stress. Hang in there - sounds like you presented your case well and the employer's absence definitely doesn't help their credibility!

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

You can find your EDD customer account number in several places: 1) On any previous correspondence from EDD (letters, notices, or emails), 2) On your UI Online account - log in at edd.ca.gov and it should display your account number, 3) On your EDD debit card if you have one, or 4) Call EDD customer service at 1-800-300-5616 (though wait times can be long). If you can't access UI Online and don't have any paperwork, you may need to call or visit a local EDD office with your ID and Social Security card to verify your identity and get your account number.

I'm really hoping this Q3 2025 timeline is accurate! I've been dealing with the Money Network card for almost a year now and it's been such a headache. The random maintenance windows always seem to happen at the worst times, and I've had issues with ATM withdrawals being declined even when I had funds available. Has anyone else experienced problems with using the card at certain retailers? I've noticed some places like Costco don't accept it, which is frustrating when you're trying to buy groceries in bulk to save money while on unemployment. Direct deposit would solve all these issues since I could just use my regular debit card everywhere. @Malik Jenkins - thanks for sharing that inside info from the stakeholder meeting! Do you know if they mentioned anything about whether existing claimants would be automatically enrolled in direct deposit or if we'd have to opt-in manually?

I just called EDD yesterday about a different issue and asked the rep about direct deposit while I had them on the line. They said they're "working on it" but couldn't give me any specific timeline beyond "sometime this year." The rep did mention that when it becomes available, we'll probably need to log into our EDD online account and manually add our banking information - it won't be automatic. Also wanted to mention for anyone having issues with the Money Network card at retailers - I've found that running it as "credit" instead of "debit" works better at places that sometimes decline it. And if you're shopping at Costco, you can buy Costco cash cards online with the Money Network card, then use those in-store. It's an extra step but works as a workaround until we hopefully get direct deposit!

I just wanted to follow up - have you decided what you're going to do? If you do apply now, please come back and let us know what happens. Your experience could help others in similar situations understand how EDD is handling these borderline base period cases.

Just wanted to share my experience since I was in a very similar situation! I had wages from late 2022 and was told conflicting things about when I could file. What really helped me was requesting a "wage and potential benefit inquiry" from EDD - you can do this online or by calling. They'll send you a letter showing exactly what wages they have on file for you and what your potential benefit amount would be if you filed now vs. waiting. This way you can see exactly what the EDD system shows for your earnings history before you actually file a claim. It takes about a week to get the letter but it's worth it for peace of mind. If they show wages that would qualify you now, then you know the rep was right. If not, you'll know you need to wait. Also, that small 2024 freelance work you mentioned could definitely make a difference - even a few hundred dollars in the right quarter can sometimes make you eligible under the alternate base period rules.

UPDATE: The money just posted to my card! It took about 36 hours from when the payment date showed in my EDD account. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance! I'm definitely going to look into switching to direct deposit based on the advice here.

So glad you got your payment! This is exactly why I always tell people not to panic when there's a delay between EDD showing "paid" and the Money Network card actually having the funds. The 24-48 hour window is pretty standard, though it can feel like forever when you're waiting for money you need. Direct deposit really is a game changer - I made the switch about 6 months ago and never looked back. The funds typically hit my bank account the same day or next business day after EDD processes the payment. Much more reliable than dealing with the card system delays!