


Ask the community...
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The agent explained that because my claim involves both workers' comp AND unemployment, they need special documentation. Apparently, my application was flagged because I checked "Yes" for "Are you receiving or expecting to receive workers' compensation?" The agent helped me submit the additional documentation they need (doctor's work status report, employer letter confirming reduced hours, etc.) They're sending my claim for "special review" by a different department that handles these hybrid cases. The agent said it could take 10-14 days but should be resolved. She also said I shouldn't need a formal appeal if I provide all the documentation they requested. Thanks everyone for your advice and support! Will update when I hear back.
Just be careful because even after my claim was "approved" through special review, my first payment got stuck in pending for almost 3 weeks!! Had to call AGAIN to get them to release it. They're sooooo disorganized it's insane. Make sure you're checking your UI Online account daily!
San Diego resident here too. The CUIAB (California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board) is absolutely swamped right now. I had a hearing in February that took 4.5 months to schedule. The system is especially backed up in our area because they had staff shortages at the San Diego office and were redirecting some cases to Sacramento for a while, which created extra delays. My advice is to continue certifying for benefits each week even while waiting for your appeal. If you win, you'll get all the back pay for those weeks. If you stop certifying, you won't be eligible for those weeks even if you win your appeal.
Thank you for that tip! I've been certifying each week but always answering "yes" to the question about being disqualified, since technically I am. Should I be doing something different?
You're doing it correctly. Just keep certifying and answering truthfully. The system will keep your weeks in pending status, but if you win the appeal, they'll all get processed at once. One other thing - if your hearing is by phone (many still are), make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception and have all your documents laid out in front of you. I was so nervous during mine that I forgot to mention some important details.
when i had my appeal last year, my employer didn't even show up!! still got my benefits after like 3 weeks from hearing date. sometimes these companys know there lying and dont want to get caught in there lies lol
Update us when you get this resolved! It would be helpful to know what the actual issue was so others can learn from your experience. These payment delays seem to be happening more frequently in 2025 than they did last year.
Will do! I'm going to try calling Money Network first thing tomorrow, and if that doesn't work, I'll try the Claimyr service to reach EDD. I'll let everyone know what happens.
UPDATE: Finally got this resolved! Called Money Network first - they confirmed no pending deposits on their end. Used the Claimyr service (it worked exactly like in their demo video) and got through to EDD in about 20 minutes. Turns out there was a "payment review flag" on my account because I had reported some part-time income on my last certification. Even though the payment showed as issued in the system, it was actually on hold! The EDD rep released the payment while I was on the phone and said the money should be on my card within 24-48 hours. What a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.
One more thing - RECORD your hearing!!! California is a two-party consent state but the judge will almost certainly give permission if you ask at the beginning. That way if you need to appeal further you have the exact record of what was said. I wish I had done this with my first hearing.
An update would be really appreciated after your hearing! These homeschooling cases are important precedents for others. Generally, judges are looking for: 1. Evidence you're available for a substantial field of employment (not just 1-2 jobs) 2. Proof your restrictions (evening/weekend work) still leave you available for a significant portion of jobs in your field 3. Confirmation that you haven't declined suitable work If you present your case clearly along these lines focusing on your availability rather than your restrictions, you have a good chance of success. The standard isn't that you must be available for ALL work - just a sufficient portion of the job market.
Omar Farouk
i had to wait like 4 months for my hearing butt hen they canceled it and rescheduled for 2 monht later! so frustrating!!!
0 coins
Emma Wilson
Something else to consider - if your financial situation is truly dire, you might want to look into emergency assistance programs while waiting for your appeal. Many counties have rental assistance, food banks, and utility payment help available. 211 is a good resource to find what's available in your area. The appeal process is definitely taking much longer than it should, but there are resources to help bridge the gap.
0 coins
Javier Cruz
•Thank you for this suggestion. I've already been using the food bank, but I'll call 211 to see what other assistance might be available. At this point, I need all the help I can get.
0 coins