Disqualified for answering 'yes' on EDD certification - can I appeal for just those weeks?

Don't panic! This is a pretty common mistake. The EDD certification questions are worded in a confusing way - they're essentially asking "is there any reason you CAN'T work" but many people interpret it as "tell us why you're not working." From my experience, you'll likely only be disqualified for the specific weeks where you answered incorrectly. Since you're able to certify for new weeks, the system recognizes your claim is still active. The "indefinitely" comment probably meant you couldn't get those specific weeks back without an appeal. I'd definitely file an appeal! I've seen many people win these appeals when it was clearly just confusion about the question. Be sure to explain exactly what happened - that you misunderstood what was being asked and were actually available for work during those weeks. Your new certifications should process normally as long as you're answering correctly now.

omg i did the EXACT same thing when i first filed!! that question is worded so weird. i got disqualified for 2 weeks but then my payments started coming normally after i figured out i was answering wrong.

You definitely should appeal this decision. I've worked with several clients who had this exact same misunderstanding. The EDD form is notoriously confusing. When you file your appeal, be very specific that you misunderstood the question and that you were actually available for work during those weeks. Provide any evidence that shows you were job searching during that time. To answer your questions directly: 1. Yes, you should only be disqualified for the specific weeks you answered incorrectly 2. Absolutely file an appeal - many people win these exact appeals 3. Your new certifications should process normally as long as you're answering correctly The appeal form is DE 1000M, and you need to submit it within 30 days of receiving your disqualification notice. Be prepared for the appeal process to take 1-3 months, unfortunately.

This question trips up EVERYONE. The EDD needs to seriously reword it or add better instructions. I got disqualified for 6 weeks because of this same misunderstanding and couldn't pay rent on time. The system is broken!!! 😡

If you're having trouble reaching EDD about this issue, you might want to try Claimyr. They help you get through to an EDD representative on the phone without the endless busy signals. I was trying for weeks to talk to someone about a similar certification mistake and kept getting disconnected. Used their service and got through to a rep in about 30 minutes who was able to explain exactly what I needed to do to fix my claim. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com. It was a lifesaver when I needed to talk to someone about my certification issues.

You absolutely need to file an appeal using the DE 1000M form. I help people with EDD issues, and that question trips up so many first-time claimants. The appeal process is straightforward: 1. Fill out the appeal form explaining you misunderstood the question and were actually available for work 2. Submit any evidence of job search activities during those weeks 3. Be prepared to wait 6-12 weeks for a hearing date 4. At the hearing, clearly explain the misunderstanding In the meantime, keep certifying correctly for your current weeks. The previous disqualification shouldn't affect your ongoing benefits as long as you're answering the questions correctly now. One important thing: keep certifying for ALL weeks even while your appeal is pending. Many people stop certifying during appeals, which creates even more problems.

Is there a timeframe to submit the appeal? I did this same thing last year but just gave up on getting those weeks paid...

When you do your appeal hearing, make sure you're super clear that you were available for work during those weeks! I had almost the exact same situation but I got nervous during my hearing and didn't clearly state that I was available for work during the disputed weeks. Judge denied my appeal because of this technicality even though it was clearly just a misunderstanding. Had to file a second appeal to fix it. So frustrating.

You'll get through this! One more thing - remember that EDD will ask during your appeal if you were actively looking for work during those weeks. Be prepared with details of any job applications, networking, or resume updates you did during that time. Having specific dates and companies can really help your case.