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The EDD system is such BS!!! They always side with employers and make it impossible for regular people to get benefits we PAID INTO. I went through something similar and had to appeal THREE TIMES before getting approved. The whole system is rigged against workers!!!
While I understand your frustration, I don't think this kind of response is helpful to the OP's specific situation. They're asking for practical advice on navigating the system as it exists, not commentary on its fairness.
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'm going to draft a formal letter declining the position and clearly outlining the reasons (40% pay cut, variable schedule incompatible with childcare, etc.). I'll gather documentation about my childcare costs to show how the new position would be financially impossible. Just to clarify one more thing - a few of you mentioned an eligibility interview. How long does it typically take to get scheduled for one after filing my claim? I'm trying to budget for how long we might be waiting for benefits to start coming in.
Currently, eligibility interviews are taking about 2-3 weeks to schedule after your initial claim is filed, but it can vary depending on case volume. Make sure you still certify for benefits every two weeks even while waiting for the interview. If you're ultimately found eligible, you'll receive back payments for all weeks you certified for.
anybody know if its the same for pua claims? my mom has some weeks she never certified for from december but her claim ended in march
@OP - Did you get your payment situation sorted out? I'm curious what happened with those pending certifications from January. Did they actually process and pay them?
Yes! Finally got everything sorted. The pending payments stayed stuck for 2 weeks, but I managed to get through to EDD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. The rep explained that the system flagged the certifications as suspicious because they were done on the very last day of my benefit year. Had to answer some additional questions about why I delayed, but they released the payments after reviewing my case. Received everything yesterday! So relieved - it was about $2,400 I really needed.
when i got laid off in November i waited 2 weeks for my card and then found out they sent it to my old address from 3 years ago!!! had to pay $15 for expedited replacement. make sure they have your current address!!
Just wanted to add - if your interview doesn't go well and you get denied, don't give up! The appeal process actually has a pretty good success rate. Almost 50% of appeals get reversed in the claimant's favor. Just make sure you request the appeal within the 30-day window.
UPDATE: I had my eligibility interview yesterday. The interviewer was actually really thorough and let me explain everything. They asked for specific dates and details about my leave request and termination. I provided the email where I requested the extension and my termination letter. They said they'd be contacting my employer for follow-up and I should receive a determination in 7-10 days. My attorney prepped me well for the questions. Fingers crossed! Thank you all for the advice and support.
AstroAce
my neighbor is helping me with my edd case and she said bay area legal aid hass free workshops for people who filing appeals. they show you how to prepare evidence and stuff. might be worth checking if they have one before your deadline.
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Javier Torres
•That's really helpful, thank you! I'm not in the Bay Area but I'll check if there's something similar in my region. How is your case going?
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AstroAce
•its ok i guess. still waiting for my hearing date. been 3 weeks since i filed the appeal form. make sure u read all the paperwork they send u carefully!!! i missed a important deadline cuz i didnt open mail for few days
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Isabella Ferreira
Make sure you understand the difference between an ALJ hearing and a second-level appeal to the CUIAB Board. If you lose at the ALJ level, you can still appeal to the Board, which is why documentation is crucial. They'll review the record from your hearing but typically don't accept new evidence. For legal resources, try: 1. Center for Workers' Rights - They do free consultations for EDD cases 2. Legal Aid at Work - Their Workers' Rights Clinic can help with appeals 3. Your county's bar association - Many offer low-cost consultations with employment attorneys If you absolutely can't find affordable representation, at minimum have someone review your appeal statement before you submit it. The specific wording is extremely important.
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Javier Torres
•Thank you for the detailed information! I'm writing down all these resources. I didn't realize there were two levels of appeals - that's actually somewhat reassuring. Has anyone here gone through a second-level appeal? What was your experience like?
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Malik Johnson
•I went thru BOTH appeals and still lost because the system is RIGGED!! EDD always sides with employers no matter what evidence you have. I had to pay back $7,250 plus a 30% penalty even though I had proof I reported everything correctly!!!
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