California Unemployment
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EDD denied my claim after job change - appeal stuck since March with no updates
I'm so frustrated with this appeal situation and don't know what to do next. I worked at a marketing agency for nearly 3 years, then accepted a better position at a tech startup in December 2024. I gave proper two-weeks notice to my first employer and started the new job immediately after. Everything was going well until the startup suddenly laid off 30% of staff in late February 2025, including me (only 2.5 months after hiring me). When I filed for unemployment, EDD denied my claim saying I 'voluntarily quit without good cause' from my previous employer! That makes no sense - I left for a better opportunity and had continuous employment. I filed an appeal on March 19th and uploaded my termination letter from the startup as proof. It's now been over 7 weeks with absolutely no update. My UI Online account just shows 'Appeal Filed' status, no hearing date, nothing in the mail, and I can't even certify for weeks anymore. I'm completely stuck in limbo! I've tried calling EDD at least 25 times but can't get through to anyone. Has anyone dealt with this type of appeal situation? How long did your appeal process take? Do you think I have a legitimate case since I left for another job and didn't actually have any unemployment gap until the layoff? I'm doing some freelance work to survive, but it's nowhere near enough income.
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EDD appeal hearing in San Bernardino - how long for decision?
I just had my appeal hearing with an Administrative Law Judge last Thursday for my EDD disqualification. The judge seemed pretty fair and I think I presented my case well, but it's been 6 days and I'm getting really anxious about the outcome. My rent is due next week and I'm down to my last $230. Anyone from San Bernardino county gone through an appeal recently? How long did it take to get your decision letter? The judge mentioned 7-10 business days but I've heard horror stories about decisions taking weeks or even months during busy periods. Just trying to gauge if I should borrow money from family or if I might hear something this week.
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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.
Can't reach EDD Appeals - stuck in limbo for 8 weeks after hearing
I'm at my wit's end trying to contact the EDD Appeals department. Had my hearing 8 weeks ago and still no decision letter. The judge said I'd receive something in 7-10 days but nothing's shown up. I've called the regular EDD number (800-300-5616) probably 50+ times but they always say they 'can't transfer me' to Appeals and that I should just 'be patient.' I've tried calling the Sacramento Appeals office directly but always get voicemail. I've left 3 messages over the past two weeks with no callback. I'm about to get evicted and need to know if I'll be getting my benefits or not! Has anyone successfully reached the Appeals department recently? What number actually works? I'm desperate at this point.
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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.
i knew it!!!! this makes so much sense. they make everything sooooo complicated on purpose!!
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 incredibly helpful! I just checked the portal and it shows my case is "Decision Pending" with a note saying "Final Review" - at least now I know where I stand. I'll definitely submit that hardship form ASAP. THANK YOU!
EDD eligibility with drastically cut hours but still employed at retail store?
I'm currently employed at a big retail chain but my hours have been absolutely gutted. I went from working 32-35 hours weekly to just 5-7 hours per week! My paychecks dropped from about $1,250 to only $75-$90 biweekly. Management keeps saying we're still 'part-time employees' so we don't qualify for unemployment, but this feels like constructive termination. My bills haven't decreased just because my hours did! I'm still scheduled one day a week (sometimes just a 4-hour shift) and I'm desperate. Can I apply for partial unemployment while technically still employed? Has anyone successfully gotten benefits with severely reduced hours while still on the schedule? I'm in California if that matters.
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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?
It took about 3 weeks for her claim to process and she had to do a phone interview, but after that it was fine. Just be honest about your situation.
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.
EDD denied benefits after termination for single policy violation - can I win appeal with clean 8-year record?
After 8 years with the same company, I was suddenly terminated last week for a single policy violation. I've never received ANY write-ups during my entire time there - not one negative performance review, no complaints, nothing. My record was completely clean until this one incident.\n\nThe policy I broke was about not properly documenting customer interactions in our system. I honestly didn't even know it was a fireable offense, and no one had EVER mentioned any issues with my documentation before. No warnings, no coaching, nothing - just straight to termination.\n\nI applied for unemployment and EDD denied my claim, saying I was discharged for misconduct. I'm completely shocked. How can one mistake after 8 years of exemplary service be considered misconduct?\n\nI'm planning to appeal, but I'm worried about my chances. Has anyone successfully appealed a similar situation? What kind of evidence should I gather to show this was just an isolated incident and not any pattern of behavior? I'm really struggling financially now and desperately need these benefits.
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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 \
Oliver Zimmermann
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!
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Yara Nassar
AuthorThanks for the suggestion! I just tried it and unfortunately it's still showing the same status. I think it might be related to the type of appeal I filed, but I'm not sure. Really wish I could talk to someone about it.
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Keisha Robinson
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.
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Yara Nassar
AuthorThat's a great tip about calling the Appeals Office directly! I'll look up their number. And yes, I've been keeping detailed records of all my freelance income, dates worked, and client information just to be safe. I just wish I could actually report it somewhere in the system right now.
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