One more important tip: during your appeal hearing, focus on these specific points:\n\n1. Your overall work history (8 years of good service)\n2. The isolated nature of this incident (single occurrence)\n3. Lack of prior warnings about this specific issue\n4. Lack of training on the importance of this documentation requirement\n5. No substantial harm to employer (if that's accurate)\n\nAvoid arguing about whether the termination itself was fair - that's not what the hearing is about. The only question is whether your actions rose to the level of \

Thank you! I was definitely planning to argue that the firing was unfair, so I'm glad you pointed this out. I'll focus specifically on why this doesn't meet the legal definition of misconduct instead. I really appreciate everyone's help here!

my cousin works at edd she says their super backed up right now cuz of some computer upgrade thing so everything's taking longer than normal fyi

UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD! The rep said exactly what some of you mentioned - the system flagged my certification because of the return date change. She reviewed my account, confirmed I was still eligible for those days, and manually pushed the payment through. She said it should switch from pending to paid within 24-48 hours. Just sharing in case anyone else runs into this issue!

She got the written decision about 10 days after the hearing, but I've heard it can take up to 30 days depending on the judge's caseload. They told her at the end of the hearing that they'd mail the decision, but she was able to see it posted in her UI Online account first.

Thanks for the info! 10 days isn't too bad. I'm hoping mine comes quickly too.

My hearing was supposed to be in person pre-covid but I imagine phone is similar. I was super nervous too but honestly its pretty informal. I wrote down all my points beforehand which helped a lot because I get nervous and forget things. BTW my employer didn't even show up to defend their position and I automatically won! Hope the same happens for you!

To answer your follow-up question - yes, my employer did show up with their HR person, but the judge made sure everyone had a chance to speak without interruptions. After the hearing, I received the decision in about 10 days, and my back benefits were processed about a week after that. One thing I didn't mention: the hearing was recorded, so speak clearly and try not to talk over anyone. And remember that constructive discharge (what happened to you with reduced hours) is recognized as good cause to leave a job. The EDD Guide for Appeals specifically mentions this.

When I was going through identity verification last year, I spent TWO MONTHS with no benefits because of EDD's incompetence!!!! I submitted and resubmitted documents THREE TIMES and they still claimed they "never received them" even though I had confirmation emails!!!! The entire system is DESIGNED to deny legitimate claims and make us give up!!!! The only thing that worked was when I contacted my state assembly member's office and they intervened on my behalf. Don't waste your time with their phone system - it's BROKEN ON PURPOSE!!!!

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally got through to EDD this morning! I used the Claimyr service that someone suggested here, and it actually worked - got me connected to a live agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed they received my ID verification but it was still in the processing queue. She was able to expedite it while I was on the phone, and my conditional payment hold has been lifted! All my pending payments should be released in the next 24-48 hours. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your advice.