Denied EDD benefits for 'breaking reasonable employer rule' - appealing with job description evidence

Absolutely appeal this decision! I went through almost the exact same situation in 2025 and won my appeal. Here's what you need to do:\n\n1. File your appeal ASAP - you only have 30 days from the date on your disqualification notice\n\n2. Gather evidence to prove your case:\n - Get a copy of your official job description (request from HR in writing)\n - Collect any emails/messages showing you reported the computer issue\n - Get written statements from 1-2 coworkers confirming inventory audits were supervisor duties\n - Any performance reviews showing positive work history\n - Documentation of other supervisor duties you performed regularly\n\n3. In your appeal letter, focus on these key points:\n - The task wasn't part of your official job duties (cite job description)\n - You actually completed the task on time (explain technical issue)\n - You followed proper procedure by reporting the system problem\n - The rule violation wasn't willful misconduct (key legal standard)\n\nWhen you get your hearing date, prepare to calmly explain these facts. Don't get emotional or bash your employer. Just stick to the facts about job duties and what happened that day.\n\nBased on what you've described, you have a very strong case. The fact that you were performing duties outside your job description is particularly important for your appeal.

Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I just checked and I have 22 days left to file the appeal. A few questions:\n\n1. Should I request the security footage now or just mention it exists in my appeal?\n\n2. Do I need to send all evidence with the initial appeal or bring it to the hearing?\n\n3. What exactly is the \

OMG the exact same thing happened to me!!! I got fired from my job and denied benefits bc they said I didnt follow procedures but it wasnt even my JOB to do that thing!!! The EDD just automatically sides with employers i swear. So annoying.

Did you end up appealing? What happened with your case?

Having represented clients in EDD appeals hearings for years, I can tell you that this type of case often gets overturned on appeal. The key legal standard is whether your actions constituted \

This is really good info! Quick question - isn't there something about \

appeal appeal appeal!!!! my cousin got denied for something stupid and won her appeal. edd is overwhelmed and just denies people hoping they wont fight it.

I totally feel your frustration! I've been through the EDD appeal process and it's a nightmare trying to reach anyone at EDD to ask questions or check your status. I spent WEEKS trying to get through on the phone lines (99% of the time it just says they're too busy and hangs up).\n\nI finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected with an EDD representative in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nIt was worth it to actually talk to someone who could explain the appeal process and what evidence they look for. The rep gave me specific advice for my situation that I couldn't find anywhere online. Just thought I'd mention it since calling EDD directly is nearly impossible these days.

Thank you for this tip! I'll definitely check out that service. I've been trying to call EDD for 3 days straight with no luck. Did the representative you spoke with give you any insight on how appeals are typically handled?

THE EDD SYSTEM IS COMPLETLY RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS!!! They ALWAYS side with employers in the initial decision. I got denied for something very similar - got fired for not completing a task that literally WASNT POSSIBLE to complete because the equipment was broken but they blamed me anyway!!! \n\nMy advice: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!! Take screenshots of your job description, get statements from coworkers IN WRITING, and if you still have contact with anybody at your old job see if they'll help you get those security videos.\n\nThe system is designed to frustrate you into giving up. DON'T GIVE UP!!! The appeals judges are actually way more fair than the initial EDD people. My hearing took 3 months to schedule but I WON and got all my back benefits.

3 MONTHS??? omg thats so long to wait with no money coming in!! did they at least pay you for all those weeks once you won?

To answer your questions:\n\n1. For security footage - request it in writing NOW. Many systems automatically delete footage after 30-90 days. If they refuse to provide it, document your request and their refusal.\n\n2. You should mention all your evidence in the initial appeal form, but you'll actually present it at the hearing. The appeal form is mostly to request the hearing.\n\n3. \

This is incredibly helpful. I'm going to request the footage and my official job description tomorrow. Would text messages to my supervisor about the computer issue count as good evidence too?

I had a kinda similar situation last year. I got fired and denied benefits. On my appeal I focused on the fact that what I supposedly did wrong was not actually in my job duties and I won! But my hearing was really stressful... the judge kept interrupting and my old boss was there trying to make me look bad. \n\nBut honest question - is it worth all the stress? Like, maybe just find a new job? The whole appeal process took me almost 4 months from filing to decision! Although I did get backpay for all those weeks once I won...

Are you serious with this advice? \

In response to the question about \

This makes so much more sense now! I think I've been confusing the standards. My termination letter just says I was fired for \