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About your certification problem - try logging out completely, clearing your browser cache/cookies, and logging back in. Sometimes the UI Online system glitches and won't show certification weeks until you do this. Happened to me twice!
One more important tip: call the EDD Appeals Office directly instead of the main EDD number. Their number is different (look for CA Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board) and often has shorter wait times. They can at least tell you if your appeal has been scheduled yet even if you haven't received the notice. Also, you mentioned doing freelance work - make sure you're reporting that income correctly. Even during appeal, you need to report any earnings. When/if your appeal is approved, they'll adjust your payments based on reported earnings during those weeks. Missing income reporting can create overpayment problems later.
In my experience assisting claimants with appeals, the timeline depends greatly on how complex your case is and the current workload at that particular office. Simple cases (like those involving straightforward separation issues) tend to be decided more quickly than complex cases involving multiple eligibility issues or extensive evidence. Also, decisions are typically issued faster when the judge makes their determination during the hearing. If your judge indicated they needed to review additional evidence or legal precedents, that could extend the timeline. For what it's worth, most San Bernardino appeals I've seen in 2025 have been resolved within 2-3 weeks. If it goes beyond that, don't hesitate to follow up.
That's helpful context. My case is about whether I was fired for misconduct or performance issues (I say performance, employer says misconduct). The judge did say he wanted to review my employee handbook that my employer submitted before making a decision, so sounds like mine might take the full 2-3 weeks based on what you're saying.
Everyone keeps talking about how backed up they are, but it's because they're DELIBERATELY SLOW. My cousin works for the state (not EDD but another department) and he says EDD is under orders to delay payments as much as possible because the unemployment fund is depleted. The whole "backlog" excuse is just a cover for intentionally withholding benefits. They're hoping people give up or find jobs before they have to pay out. It's all political.
UPDATE ON APPEALS CONTACT: As of last month, the Appeals Board has introduced a new online status check system that might help you. Go to edd.ca.gov/appeals and look for the "Appeal Status Portal" link. You'll need your case number and confirmation number from your acknowledgment letter. It won't give you the decision, but it will tell you if a decision has been made and when it was mailed. Also, if you're facing eviction, make sure to file for a hardship expedite using Form DE 1430H. You can download it from the EDD website under Forms and Publications. Send it with your eviction notice to the Appeals office that held your hearing.
This is why I hate retail jobs. They do this on purpose to keep from laying people off officially. My daughter went through something similar at her grocery store job. They cut her to 8 hours a week but technically kept her "employed" so they wouldn't have to pay unemployment. She applied for UI anyway and got it, but her manager gave her attitude about it. Don't let them intimidate you!
That's exactly what I think is happening! They know if they formally lay us off they'd have higher UI costs. Did your daughter have any issues with her claim or was it pretty straightforward?
One more thing to be aware of: when you certify each week, you'll need to say "yes" to the question asking if you looked for work. Make sure you're actually applying to at least a few jobs each week and keep records of your job search activities (company name, date, position, how you applied). EDD can request this information at any time, especially if your employer tries to challenge your claim.
LordCommander
did u check ur spam folder?? sometimes edd emails go there
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Madeline Blaze
Update: Thanks everyone for your help! I checked my UI Online inbox and found the Notice of Award letter that I didn't know to look for. I also set up direct deposit so I won't have to wait for the card after my first payment. I feel much better knowing this is normal and not something wrong with my claim. I'll post again if I run into any issues with my first certification on Sunday!
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Emma Swift
•direct deposit is def the way to go!! so much faster
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