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Keisha Taylor

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.

The Appeals Board is seriously backed up right now. After my hearing in February, it took 12 weeks to get a decision letter - and I called twice a week! What helped me was emailing them through the contact form on the Appeals Board website. Make sure to include your case number, SSN (last 4 digits only), and the date of your hearing. Be specific in your subject line too: 'Urgent: 8 Weeks Post-Hearing, No Decision Letter.' I eventually got a response within 3 business days telling me my case was 'in the final review phase' and would be mailed soon.

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Keisha Taylor

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Thank you! I didn't even think about the email option. Did you use the general Appeals contact form or is there a specific one for following up on hearings? Also, did you have luck with any particular phone number?

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Paolo Marino

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same thing hapened to me!! waited forever and my lankord was already giving me notices. the regular edd people are useless they just say they cant help with appeals stuff. so frustrating!!!

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Keisha Taylor

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Did you eventually get your decision? How long did it take? My landlord is getting really impatient.

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Paolo Marino

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took like 14 weeks total! landlord was mega pissed but when i finally got the approval i got a big backpay deposit and could cover everything

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Amina Bah

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I work as an advocate helping people with EDD issues, and the Appeals Board backlog is currently at historic levels. Here's what you need to know: 1. The 7-10 day timeframe is no longer accurate - current wait times are averaging 10-14 weeks for decisions 2. The best number to reach Appeals is actually (800) 978-3050, but you need to call right when they open at 8:00 am or you'll get the voicemail 3. You can request an expedited decision due to financial hardship - send a letter to the Appeals office that handled your hearing with proof of your eviction notice 4. Contact your state representative's office - they have special EDD liaisons who can inquire about your case status The system is extremely frustrating, but these steps will give you the best chance of getting an answer faster.

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Oliver Becker

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The number you listed doesnt work anymore they changed it last month!!!! I tried calling it like 20 times

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Keisha Taylor

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THANK YOU for this detailed info! I'll definitely try the hardship letter. Do you know if I should mail it or is there a fax number? And should I include copies of the eviction warnings or is that too much?

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I had the EXACT same issue back in January! Waited 9 weeks after my hearing with no decision letter. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual EDD rep who could check my appeal status. Regular phone methods were completely useless - either busy signals or 3+ hour waits only to be told they couldn't help. With Claimyr (claimyr.com), I got through to someone in about 15 minutes who confirmed my decision was actually approved but stuck in the mailing queue. They were able to expedite it and I got my letter 3 days later. Totally worth it when you're facing eviction! You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

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This sounds like a scam...why would paying some random service help you get through to EDD faster than just calling yourself? EDD doesn't have any "special lines" for people who pay extra.

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Keisha Taylor

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I've never heard of this service before. Does it actually connect you to the Appeals department specifically? The regular EDD reps keep telling me they can't transfer me there.

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Emma Davis

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bro your not alone the appeals office is TRASH!!!! i waited 16 weeks after my hearing for my decision and when i finally got it they had sent it to my old address even though i updated my address with edd THREE TIMES!!! the whole system is designed to make us give up i swear

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Keisha Taylor

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Ugh that's awful. Did you ever find a way to check your appeal status without waiting for the mail?

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Just wanted to follow up since my first suggestion. If the email route doesn't work, try contacting your State Assembly member's office. I forgot to mention this earlier, but when my appeal was dragging on, my assembly member's office has a dedicated EDD caseworker who was able to check on my appeal status and actually got things moving. Google "[your city] state assembly member" and their office will have a constituent services form on their website. They can often work magic with EDD when we mere mortals can't get anywhere.

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Keisha Taylor

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That's a great idea! I'll look up my assembly member right now. Did you have to provide a lot of documentation when you contacted them?

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Just basic info - your EDD Customer Account Number, last 4 of SSN, and a signed release form they'll provide that authorizes them to inquire about your case. They usually respond within 1-2 business days to set up the casework. Make sure to mention the eviction risk in your initial contact form so they flag it as urgent.

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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.

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Paolo Marino

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i knew it!!!! this makes so much sense. they make everything sooooo complicated on purpose!!

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Amina Bah

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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.

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Keisha Taylor

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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!

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