i forgot to say my brothers case took like 3 months for the board to decide, and they sent the decision by mail not online which was weird. but yeah he won and kept all his benefits. ur husbands case sounds way stronger than my brothers even was honestly

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - I know exactly how exhausting the appeals process can be. I went through a similar situation last year when my employer appealed after I won my initial hearing. The good news is that the CUIAB board upholds the majority of ALJ decisions, especially when there's clear evidence like in your case. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed timeline of everything - dates of hearings, when decisions were mailed, when appeals were filed, etc. It helped me feel more in control of the situation. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to your local assembly member's office if the process drags on too long - they sometimes have constituent services that can help check on appeal status. Your husband's case sounds really strong given that the judge found their evidence "inconsistent and unpersuasive." That's pretty damning language that the board will likely respect. Hang in there - this too shall pass!

I was able to reach EDD yesterday after using the Claimyr service I mentioned above. The rep told me they're currently backlogged on processing claims from mass layoffs because they require additional verification from employers. So if you were part of a large layoff like you mentioned, that might be why you're stuck in pending. Definitely worth getting through to ask specifically about that.

I feel your pain! I went through something similar last year and finally got through using a combination of strategies. Here's what worked for me: 1) Download an auto-redial app on your phone so you don't have to manually keep calling, 2) Try calling the disability line at (800) 480-3287 and ask to be transferred to regular UI - sometimes they can help or the transfer gets you past the initial queue, 3) If you're really desperate, try calling your state senator's office too (not just assembly member) - they often have different EDD contacts. The mass layoff explanation makes total sense for why you're stuck. Don't give up - you WILL get through eventually!

update us after u file ur appeal!! im curious how this turns out

I'm in a similar situation and have been following this thread closely. Just wanted to add that when you're preparing your second appeal, make sure to request the complete hearing recording from your first appeal if you haven't already. Sometimes the ALJ's written decision doesn't accurately reflect what was actually said during the hearing, and you can use discrepancies between the recording and the written decision as grounds for your appeal. Also, don't forget to include any evidence that wasn't properly considered in the first hearing. If you have those emails praising your work and texts about safety violations, make sure they're prominently featured in your appeal packet with clear explanations of their relevance. The retaliation angle sounds promising given the timing of your termination after reporting safety issues. That's a strong legal argument that the ALJ may not have properly weighed. Good luck with your appeal!

One important thing to remember: Even if you lose your second level appeal, you still have options. You can request an Overpayment Waiver if repayment would cause extraordinary hardship and your overpayment wasn't due to fraud. There's a specific form for this (DE 1446W). Many people don't know about this option.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to share some encouragement. I'm currently caring for my disabled spouse and had to refuse a job that required travel 50% of the time. EDD initially said I should have taken it, but I won my first level appeal by emphasizing that California law specifically protects caregivers under the "suitable work" provisions. The key is showing that your caregiving duties aren't just a preference - they're a necessity that makes certain work schedules genuinely unsuitable. Document everything about your mother's care needs and your role as her sole caregiver. The fact that it was night shifts makes your case even stronger since that would literally prevent you from providing necessary care. Don't give up - the second level appeal is definitely worth pursuing, especially with the specific legal arguments others have mentioned here.

Thank you all for the helpful advice. I'm going to start documenting everything meticulously, see my doctor about the anxiety this is causing, and send an email to my boss outlining my concerns professionally. I'll also reach out to my former coworker for a written statement. I'm still scared about the whole process and whether I'll qualify, but at least I have a better understanding of what to expect now. I'll update this thread once I make my decision and go through the process with EDD.

Good luck with everything! I went through a similar situation a few years ago at a small marketing firm. The documentation really is key - I kept a detailed log with dates, times, witnesses present, and exact quotes when possible. Also, if you have any work-related text messages or emails that show the toxic behavior, screenshot those too. One thing that really helped my case was showing a pattern of behavior over time rather than just isolated incidents. EDD wants to see that this wasn't just a bad day or misunderstanding, but an ongoing problem that made your work environment truly unbearable. The fact that they've cycled through 3 people in your position within a year is actually strong evidence in your favor - it shows this isn't about your performance but about systemic workplace issues. Stay strong and prioritize your mental health. No job is worth sacrificing your wellbeing for.