Can I still get EDD benefits I qualified for in 2020 but never received after hearing?

Unfortunately, there's a strict timeline for appealing EDD decisions - typically 30 days from the date on your determination notice. If your hearing was back in 2020 and you didn't file another appeal right after, it's likely too late now. The fact that you had a hearing means you already went through part of the appeals process. Did you ever receive a written decision notice after the hearing explaining the specific reason for denial?

same thing happned to me!!! EDD is such a mess. they told me i qualified then took it back. i never got a penny either and had to move back in with my parents. the system is RIGGED against us regular people.

I worked for EDD as a contractor during the pandemic. What likely happened is that when they reviewed your claim during the hearing, they found that you didn't have sufficient wages in your base period to qualify for regular UI. Since they already denied you for regular UI, and the judge upheld that decision, you would have needed to specifically apply for PUA afterward (which was for people who didn't qualify for regular UI). At this point, all pandemic unemployment programs have ended and the deadline for retroactive PUA claims was October 6, 2021. If you never received written notice explaining WHY you were denied specifically, you could try contacting your state representative's office. They sometimes can help with very old EDD issues, but honestly, it's a long shot after almost 5 years.

Have you tried calling EDD directly to ask about your old claim? Getting through to them on the phone is still super frustrating, but I've had good luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically call EDD for you and connect you when they get through. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Even though it's been years, an EDD rep might be able to look up your old claim and tell you exactly what happened. They might also know if there's any special exception process for pandemic claims where there was confusion.

im confused why did they say u qualified for regular unemployement but then had a judge say you dont? did u report all your earnings correctly? they can deny u if they think you lied about something

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you're almost certainly past the deadlines for any kind of appeal or retroactive payment. EDD had special provisions during COVID, but all those programs ended years ago. The judge's decision at your hearing is considered final unless appealed to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board within 30 days. Your best bet now would be to contact your state assembly member or state senator's office. They have staff dedicated to helping constituents with EDD problems, and occasionally they can work miracles even with old cases if there was a clear administrative error. Don't get your hopes up too high, but it's worth a try if you're willing to be persistent.

Yes, gather everything you have - original determination letter, any communication about the hearing, the judge's decision, and your claim number if you have it. Also write out a clear timeline of events. The more documentation you have, the better they can try to help you. Good luck!

this whole pandemic unemployment thing was a DISASTER from start to finish!!! my cousin went through something similar and never saw a dime while people who didn't even qualify were getting thousands!!! 😡😡😡