Update: I was finally able to get through to EDD this morning! Called at exactly 8:00am and only had to wait about 45 minutes. The representative was actually really nice and said this happens frequently. She updated my severance amount in the system and explained that I'll still need to report the severance when I actually receive it during certification, but now the system has the correct expected amount. She said this won't delay my benefits as long as the correction is made before they process my claim. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

for future reference, any1 filing for unemployment should know that severance does affect when u can start getting benefits. EDD considers severance as wages for the period it covers, so they won't pay benefits until after that period ends. thats why its super important to report it right.

btw when u finally get ur hearing date make sure u answer when they call!!! my cousin missed his call cuz he didn't recognize the number and they ruled against him automatically!!! they usually call from a sacramento area code (916

One more thing regarding the actual hearing - make sure you request a copy of your EDD file before the hearing. You have a right to see all the evidence they're using against you. You can do this by calling the Appeals Board and specifically requesting your case file. This way you'll know exactly what they're claiming about your unreported income and can prepare accordingly.

my friend had something similar and she just set up a payment plan for like $10/month during her appeal. that way she was technically complying while not really paying much. when she won they cancelled the whole thing. might be worth considering if ur worried

I see a lot of conflicting advice here, so let me clarify as someone familiar with the process. You have several options during an appeal: 1. Request a Stay of Collection (form DE 1447) - this is your BEST option 2. Set up a minimal payment plan as a backup if stay is denied 3. Request a waiver of overpayment if repayment would cause financial hardship Collection CAN legally proceed during appeal unless you get the stay. If you win your appeal, you'll receive a Notice of Affirmative Decision and any payments made will be refunded, but this can take 30-45 days to process. Current appeal timelines in California are running 8-12 weeks minimum. Call the Appeals office directly (not regular EDD) at their specific number to check your status.

Did anyone else notice that the resume services at these centers got way better since 2025 started? I went last year and it was basic help, but I went again in January and they had this whole AI-optimization thing going on now. The counselor actually showed me how the ATS systems work and what they scan for. Seems like EDD finally realized this was a major problem for job seekers.

Quick update since there's been some good discussion here - most AJCCs now offer: 1. Resume review and ATS optimization 2. Cover letter assistance 3. Mock interviews (sometimes virtual) 4. Workshops on LinkedIn profiles 5. Access to job fairs and hiring events Also, many centers have evening hours once or twice a week (typically until 7pm) to accommodate working job-seekers. Always check their websites or call for the most current schedules.

something nobody told me is that u can request a copy of your employers response before the hearing!!! call edd and ask for it so u know what theyre gonna say

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I feel much more prepared now. I've started gathering my evidence - found texts from my manager cancelling my shifts, paystubs showing my hours dropping from 30+ to under 10 per week, and even a text where I specifically asked for more hours and was told they "didn't have enough business right now." I've also started writing out my timeline and practicing explaining my situation clearly. I'll definitely request my employer's response too, that's a great tip! I'll update this thread after my hearing to let everyone know how it went. Fingers crossed!