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UPDATE: I had my hearing yesterday and wanted to follow up! It lasted about 50 minutes. I used several of your suggestions: 1. I explained my childcare situation at the beginning 2. I brought new coloring books and quiet toys which worked for about 30 minutes 3. I used the library study room suggestion!! This was a LIFESAVER because when my daughter got fussy, I was able to step outside the room briefly where my friend could watch her in the main area while I finished testifying The judge was actually very understanding about my situation. My employer tried to argue that my childcare emergencies weren't valid reasons for leaving early, and the judge specifically asked them about their flexibility policies for parents, which made them look pretty bad! Now I just have to wait for the decision. Thank you all so much for your help - I felt so much more prepared!
This is great to hear! The fact that the judge questioned your employer about their flexibility policies for parents is actually a good sign. That suggests they're considering whether your employer made reasonable accommodations before terminating you. Typically you should receive a decision within 7-14 days. Fingers crossed for you!
Yes, subsequent transfers typically process faster. Once your bank has established a pattern with EDD deposits, they usually release the funds more quickly. After 2-3 payments, you should see a more consistent 2-3 day window from certification to deposit.
Work search requirements for DUA are modified - you don't have to do the full work search activities initially if your unemployment is directly caused by the disaster. However, after 4 weeks, you will need to begin work search activities unless you have a definite return-to-work date with your previous employer. Make sure to document any communication with your former employer about rebuilding/reopening plans.
I'm so confused about all this. I applied for disaster benefits too but I'm not sure if I should be certifying for weeks now or waiting??? The EDD website is so confusing and I don't want to mess anything up. Will they backpay us for the weeks we're waiting for approval?
Yes, DUA benefits will be backdated to the date you became unemployed due to the disaster. Don't try to certify until you receive the paper notice with your DUA claim number. The system won't let you certify for DUA weeks until your claim is registered in the system. This is different from regular UI claims.
My appeal was an absolute disaster and I lost because I wasn't prepared enough. Don't make my mistake! Make sure you understand the exact reason they disqualified you and address that specifically.
This is an important point. Your Notice of Determination should state the specific section of the unemployment insurance code they used to disqualify you. For voluntary quit cases, it's usually Section 1256. Make sure you understand what you need to prove to overcome their determination. For voluntary quit disputes, the burden of proof actually shifts to the employer - they need to prove you voluntarily left without good cause. If they don't participate in the hearing, your chances of winning increase significantly (though you should still be fully prepared). Also, the judge should send you a packet before the hearing with any evidence that's been submitted. Review this carefully - it will show what your employer has said about your separation.
Update us after your hearing! I'm scheduled for mine in 3 weeks (different issue - they claim I didn't report some income but it was actually reported on the following certification). Would love to hear how yours goes.
Connor O'Brien
Here's a definitive answer based on EDD's latest guidance (March 2025): The virtual orientation process varies by claim type and factors in your application responses: 1. Standard UI claims: Watch both videos = completion (status updates in 2-3 business days) 2. Claims with special circumstances (language needs, industry-specific requirements, etc.): Watch videos AND receive follow-up call The confusion stems from EDD using the same 'Virtual Orientation' portal for both processes. Your confirmation email should specify if you need a call, but many people miss this detail. Since your status is still 'Action Required' after completing the videos, I recommend: 1. Check your confirmation email for any mention of a follow-up call 2. Wait 3 full business days for system update 3. If still showing 'Action Required' after day 3, contact EDD One important note: You can still certify for benefits while waiting for the orientation status to update.
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Javier Morales
•This is so helpful! I just checked my email again and it doesn't explicitly mention a follow-up call, just says to complete the orientation at the scheduled time. I'll give it the 3 days and then reach out if needed. Thank you!
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Freya Andersen
when i did my orientation last year i had to do way more than just watch videos, had to fill out a whole worksheet and upload it, then had interview. sounds like they keep changing everything!!! typical edd chaos lol
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Hiroshi Nakamura
•Yeah they completely revamped the system in December 2024. Now most people just watch the videos unless you have special circumstances. They realized the old system was causing too many delays in processing claims.
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