


Ask the community...
Anyone know if they do hearings on Fridays? My sister-in-law had an EDD appeal last month and she said they told her they only do hearings Monday-Thursday. But maybe that was just in her office?
This varies by field office and ALJ availability. Some offices do conduct hearings on Fridays, though typically fewer than other weekdays. I've never seen weekend hearings scheduled, however. When you call to reschedule, be prepared with multiple date/time options across different days of the week to increase your chances of finding a suitable time.
Since you're a law student, I should mention that you can also submit a written statement if absolutely necessary. If rescheduling doesn't work out, you could attend your class and submit a detailed written argument for your appeal. It's not ideal, but it's better than not participating at all. The notice should explain how to submit written evidence/statements. I'd still prioritize attending the hearing in person if possible though - it's much more effective to answer the judge's questions directly.
That's an interesting backup option I hadn't considered. I definitely prefer to attend and speak directly with the judge, but it's good to know I could submit something in writing if all else fails. Thank you for pointing this out. I'll review my notice again to find the instructions for written submissions.
One more thing to be aware of - once you're approved, it takes about 3 weeks to receive your EDD debit card (Money Network) if this is your first time on unemployment. After that, payments are much faster as they just load the card. Just wanted to mention this so you can plan accordingly for that initial waiting period.
I just went through the application process last month - make sure you check your UI Online account DAILY after applying. Sometimes they need additional information but only notify you through the portal, not by email or text. Missing those requests can delay your claim by weeks.
dont waste ur time with the website just call them directly using the claimyr thing others mentioned. the website will make u think ur eligible when ur not or vice versa. edd's computer system is from the stone age seriously
Update: I took everyone's advice and filed a new claim. I also used the Claimyr service to get through to EDD (thanks for that recommendation!). The agent reviewed my work history and explained that I do qualify for a new claim since I had wages in 2023 that weren't part of my previous claim's base period. My weekly benefit amount will be lower than my previous claim because my highest quarter earnings were less, but I'm approved for the full 26 weeks. Just wanted to thank everyone who helped me understand this confusing process!
After you won your appeal, did they tell you if you'd have to serve any penalty weeks? I also won my appeal recently but even after that I had to serve 5 penalty weeks because of how I originally answered a question on my application. Just wondering if that might be causing additional delay for you.
I've been through 3 appeals with EDD (lucky me!) and each time the timeline was different. First one took 4 weeks from hearing to payment, second one was about 6 weeks, and the third one somehow processed in just 10 days. It seems to really depend on which office is handling your appeal and their current workload. The most important thing is that you won - the money will come eventually, even if it takes longer than it should.
Caesar Grant
EDD doesnt care about are industry they just want to deny benefits lol. ive been on sets where NOBODY got paid for 3+ months and then EDD acts like we're commiting fraud when we finally get the $$$. system is rigged against gig workers
0 coins
Philip Cowan
•While the system definitely has issues with gig work, I've found EDD staff are generally reasonable once they understand the situation. It's more about their system not being designed for our industry's payment practices than them actively trying to deny benefits. Documentation is key.
0 coins
Caesar Grant
•maybe ur lucky but they've screwed me 3 times now. last time took 8 weeks to resolve
0 coins
Cynthia Love
UPDATE: Had my phone interview today! The rep was actually really understanding once I explained everything clearly. They added notes to my account about the film industry payment structure and are releasing all my held payments! Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about having all my documentation ready and asking for a permanent note in my file about irregular industry payments. Such a relief!
0 coins
Philip Cowan
•Great news! Glad it worked out. Did they give you any additional advice for handling similar situations in the future?
0 coins
Cynthia Love
•Yes! They suggested I add a note in the comments section of my certification each time explaining if I'm expecting delayed payment from a production company. They also said I should keep certifying as normal even when payments are on hold during these investigations.
0 coins