EDD Appeal Decision Timeline? Anxious about overpayment reversal after hearing

I went through an appeal for a similar situation last year. The ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) decisions typically take 4-6 weeks to arrive by mail. Mine took exactly 30 days from the hearing date. Once I received the favorable decision, it took EDD about 3 weeks to process and reverse the overpayment. However, this timeline can vary depending on their current workload. Try not to stress too much - they won't start collections while your appeal decision is pending. The fact that the judge seemed sympathetic is actually a good sign. They usually maintain a neutral demeanor regardless, so any hint of sympathy is positive.

Thanks for this info - really helps calm my nerves! Did EDD notify you when they reversed the overpayment or did you just have to keep checking your account? I'm worried about missing something important.

my friend waited almost 2 MONTHS for his decision letter!!! but he won and they fixed everything right away, like within a week. EDD is so random with thier timelines lol

2 months?! That's ridiculous! Did they explain why it took so long? I can't handle 2 more months of this stress...

I had my appeal hearing in August for an $8,200 overpayment. The wait for the decision letter was EXCRUCIATING - took 5 weeks exactly. I won my case (thank god) but then had to battle with EDD for WEEKS to actually get the overpayment removed from my account. Had to call them literally 47 times before getting through to someone who could help. The system is BROKEN. They're quick to take your money but slow as molasses to fix their mistakes. I recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual EDD rep - that's what finally worked for me after weeks of busy signals. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Worth it when you're desperate to talk to someone.

47 calls?! That's insane. I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service if my appeal is successful. I'm already dreading the fight to get them to actually implement the decision.

Appeals decisions typically take 30-60 days, though the Administrative Law Judge is supposed to issue a decision within 30 days per California Unemployment Insurance Code. However, due to high volumes, this often extends to 45-60 days. The important thing to understand is that once you receive a favorable decision, EDD must comply, but it's not automatic. The decision goes to EDD's Appeals Unit for processing. They'll review it and implement the judge's ruling, which can take 2-4 weeks. If you haven't seen changes after 30 days from receiving your decision, you should contact EDD directly. Make sure to keep the decision letter as proof if you need to reference it later.

this is why the whole system is garbage!! why does it take them another month to update the system after a judge ORDERS them to fix it? so frustrating!!

I just went through this nightmare in July!! Trust me, I know EXACTLY how youre feeling right now. My hearing was July 8th and I got the decision letter August 13th (so like 5 weeks). I was checking my mailbox everyday too lol. Won my appeal thank god. Then it took them about 3 more weeks to remove the overpayment from my account. But heres the thing - they never actually notified me when they fixed it!!! I just logged in one day and the balance was gone. Make sure you keep checking your UI Online account regularly.

That's such a relief to hear you won your case! Mine is pretty straightforward - I reported all my income but they somehow think I didn't? Did you have to call them to get them to implement the judge's decision or did they just do it automatically?

I had a hearng in septembr and got my letter 3 weeks later but i LOST my case and now im totally screwed with a $11,000 overpayment!!! thinking about filing bankruptcy now because theres no way i can pay that. hope you have better luck than me!!

Sorry to hear about your situation. Before considering bankruptcy, look into EDD's overpayment waiver option. If the overpayment wasn't your fault and repayment would cause financial hardship, you might qualify for a waiver. Go to your UI Online account and look for the overpayment waiver application. They've been approving many of these recently, especially for people facing financial hardship.

One additional note about the implementation process: If 30 days pass after receiving a favorable decision and you see no changes to your account, call EDD's Appeals Unit directly at (916) 654-7163 rather than the general EDD number. They specifically handle post-appeal implementation. Have your Case Number and ALJ Name ready when you call. Also, if collections proceedings begin despite your pending or successful appeal, send a formal written request (certified mail) to halt collections while referencing your appeal case number.

This is super helpful - I'm saving that number! Really appreciate the detailed advice. The whole process is so confusing and stressful.

mine took 6 weeks and i won! but then edd still tried to collect twice after that!! had to call and scream at them and send copies of my decision letter before they finally fixed it. the left hand doesnt know what the right is doing over there!!

omg that happened to my cousin too!!! even after winning the appeal they kept sending him collection notices! system is completely broken

For what it's worth, in my experience working with several clients who've gone through appeals, the implementation process has been improving. If you receive a favorable decision, immediately upload a copy to your UI Online account under

Thank you for this advice. Mine is definitely marked as fraud which is what makes me so angry - I never misrepresented anything! I'll make sure to upload the decision letter right away if I win.