EDD Appeals Timeline & Process - How Long Before Hearing/Decision in 2025?

I went through this exact situation last year. Here's what you can expect with the EDD appeals process:\n\n- Timeline: It took about 6-8 weeks from filing my appeal to getting a hearing date scheduled. Then another 2-3 weeks until the actual hearing. The whole process took close to 3 months total.\n\n- Hearing process: It's not as formal as a court trial. Mine was done by phone (though some are in-person or video now). An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) conducts it. Your employer will likely be present. Both sides present their case, and the judge asks questions.\n\n- Evidence: YES, start gathering evidence NOW! Collect any documentation showing your hours were reduced (schedules, paystubs), any communication about your departure, performance reviews, etc. Submit these before your hearing.\n\n- Certifying: ABSOLUTELY continue certifying every two weeks even though you're not receiving payments. If you win your appeal, you'll get backpay for all those weeks, but only if you certified.\n\nBe prepared to clearly explain how your reduced hours made continued employment unreasonable (constructive discharge). The key is showing you had \

Thank you so much for the detailed response! 3 months sounds like forever when you're worried about finances, but at least I have a realistic timeline now. I've been certifying each week but wasn't sure if that was necessary - glad I kept doing it.\n\nDid you have to prepare a statement or anything formal for your hearing? I'm worried about saying the wrong thing and hurting my case.

OMG 3 MONTHS?!! I'm in the same boat (filed appeal 5 weeks ago) and I'm FREAKING OUT!!! My landlord is already threatening eviction and my car payment is past due. How are we supposed to survive while waiting this long?? This system is DESIGNED to break people. \n\nMy neighbor said her appeal took 4 months last year and she almost became homeless waiting. Does anybody know if there's any way to speed up the process??

I feel your pain! The appeals backlog is ridiculous right now. When I appealed my disqualification, I called the appeals board directly (not the regular EDD number) and explained my hardship situation. They couldn't speed up my hearing, but at least I got confirmation they had my paperwork and a rough timeframe. The Appeals Office number is different from regular EDD - try 800-300-5616 and keep pressing options until you get a real person. Sometimes calling right when they open works better.

I faced the exact same issue in January, and the waiting period was driving me crazy. After weeks of trying to get through to EDD on the regular number with no success, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that helps you get through to an EDD representative quickly instead of dealing with busy signals and disconnections.\n\nYou can see how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - basically they use technology to navigate the phone system and get you in the queue, then call you when an agent is ready to talk.\n\nI used it to check on my appeal status and at least got confirmation that my case was in the system and roughly when I might expect a hearing. Not a miracle solution to speed up the actual appeal, but it helped my anxiety to get actual information instead of silence.

is that service even legit? sounds kinda sketchy idk if i would trust something like that with my edd stuff. has anyone else used this?

I've used it twice when I was desperate. It's legit. They don't ask for any sensitive info - they just help connect your call to EDD and then you talk directly with the EDD rep yourself. Saved me hours of redial hell. Whether it's worth it depends on how desperate you are to talk to someone I guess.

Hi there - I work as an employment counselor and help people with EDD issues regularly. Here's what you should know about the appeals process in 2025:\n\n1) Current timeline: The Appeals Board is taking 7-10 weeks to schedule hearings right now due to high volume. This can vary by office location.\n\n2) Hearing format: Mostly phone or video hearings now, lasting 30-45 minutes. The judge will ask about your work separation in detail.\n\n3) Preparation is key: For \

This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I've been searching for specific information about constructive discharge cases. I have texts with my manager where I asked for more hours and was told they \

Yes! Those text messages are EXACTLY the kind of evidence you should present. They show you attempted to remedy the situation before leaving, which is critical for constructive discharge cases. Make sure to organize them chronologically and highlight the most relevant parts. The administrative law judge will have limited time to review materials, so clarity is important.\n\nAlso gather:\n- Before/after pay stubs showing the reduction\n- Any company policies regarding scheduling\n- Your history of hours worked (if you have access to time sheets)\n\nWhen you present your case, focus on facts rather than emotions. State clearly: \

my freind got his apeals hearing in 4 weeks but that was bcuz he had eviction notice so maybe if u have emergency they go faster?? system is so unfair tho, my edd claim has been pending for 2 month and nobody helps. when i finally got thru on phone they said \

Just to add some clarification about the actual hearing process since I went through one in February:\n\n1. You'll get a notice in the mail about 10-14 days before your scheduled hearing with instructions\n\n2. For phone hearings, they'll call you at the scheduled time - BE READY 15 minutes early and in a quiet place\n\n3. The format is:\n - Judge introduces everyone and explains the process\n - You'll be sworn in (under oath)\n - Usually employer goes first (if they show up)\n - Then you present your case and evidence\n - Judge asks clarifying questions to both parties\n - Each side can question the other (through the judge)\n - Closing statements\n\n4. Preparation tips:\n - Write out your main points in advance so you don't forget anything important\n - Practice explaining your situation clearly and calmly (emotions can make you forget key details)\n - Have all your evidence organized and in front of you\n - Refer to specific dates and events\n\n5. After the hearing, you'll get a written decision by mail in about 1-2 weeks\n\nStay calm during the hearing and stick to the facts. The judge wants to know what happened, not how you feel about what happened.

Wait what happens if your former employer doesn't show up? Does that mean you automatically win??? My boss was shady AF and I doubt he'll bother participating.

No, you don't automatically win if your employer doesn't show up, but it does often improve your chances. When an employer doesn't participate, the judge only hears your side of the story. However, the judge will still evaluate your testimony and evidence to determine if you had good cause for leaving.\n\nIn my case, my employer didn't show up, but I still had to thoroughly explain my situation and provide documentation. The judge asked several detailed questions to test the consistency of my story. I still needed to prove my case, but without employer contradiction, it was certainly easier.

i had an appeal last year and it took forEVER. honestly i think it depends on which office is handling ur case. mine was with the sacramento office and took almost 4 months!!! my friend who had hers in san diego got it in like 6 weeks. total bs how inconsistent it is.\n\nbtw does anyone know if ur supposed to do the work search requirements during appeal? i did like 5 job contacts per week just to be safe but idk if that was necessary.

Yes, you absolutely need to meet work search requirements during the appeal process. The standard requirement is making at least 3 job contacts per week and documenting them. If you win your appeal, EDD will review your certifications including your work search activities before releasing payments. If you didn't conduct proper work search during that time, they could deny those weeks even if you win your appeal on the separation issue.\n\nKeep a detailed record of all job applications, including company name, position, date applied, contact method, and follow-ups. This level of documentation can save you trouble if EDD conducts a work search audit later.

I'm going through my first EDD appeal too and this thread has been SO helpful! I filed my appeal 2 weeks ago after being disqualified for "job abandonment" (which is ridiculous - I gave proper notice but they're claiming I didn't show up for my last scheduled shifts). One thing I'm confused about - do I need to submit my evidence before the hearing or can I bring it up during the hearing itself? I have my resignation email, the response from HR, and my work schedule showing I wasn't even scheduled those days they claim I abandoned. Also, has anyone successfully argued against a "job abandonment" determination? I'm worried because I did miss one day due to a family emergency (which I called in for), but that was weeks before I actually resigned. Not sure if that hurts my case even though it's unrelated to why I quit. The financial stress is unreal - I've been applying to everything but the job market is brutal right now. At least knowing the timeline helps me plan (sort of). Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I'm about 8 weeks into my appeal process and wanted to share some recent updates. Got my hearing notice last week - scheduled for next month, so that lines up with what others have said about the 7-10 week timeline. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you can request an interpreter if needed, and you can also request to reschedule your hearing ONCE if you have a legitimate conflict (like a job interview - which actually happened to me). They were pretty accommodating about it. Also, if you're struggling financially during the appeal, look into local food banks and utility assistance programs. I found help through 211 (dial 2-1-1) which connects you to local resources. Some counties also have emergency rental assistance that doesn't require you to be receiving unemployment benefits. For those asking about evidence submission - I submitted mine about 2 weeks before my hearing through the appeals portal online. You can also fax or mail it, but online is fastest. Make sure to get a confirmation that they received it. The waiting is absolutely brutal, but reading everyone's experiences here has helped me feel less alone in this process. Keep your heads up!

Going through this exact situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! Filed my appeal 4 weeks ago after being disqualified for "voluntary quit" when my employer eliminated my position but tried to force me into a completely different role at half the pay. One thing I learned that might help others - if you're really struggling financially, you can contact your local Assembly member's office. They have constituent services that can sometimes help expedite EDD issues or at least get you better information about your case status. My friend did this and got a response within a week (though it didn't speed up her actual hearing). Also wanted to mention for anyone gathering evidence - screenshot EVERYTHING now, especially if it's from work apps or company portals that you might lose access to. I almost lost crucial messages from our company Slack because they deactivated my account two weeks after I left. The mental health aspect of this process is no joke. The uncertainty and financial pressure are overwhelming. I started seeing a counselor through my county's mental health services (sliding scale fees) which has helped me cope with the anxiety while waiting. Keep certifying, keep documenting everything, and don't give up. We'll get through this!

This thread is exactly what I needed to find! I'm 6 weeks into my appeal process after being disqualified for "misconduct" (total BS - I was written up for being 10 minutes late twice due to public transit issues, then they fired me the third time it happened). A few things I've learned that might help others: 1. **Document your financial hardship**: I created a spreadsheet showing my monthly expenses vs. current income (basically zero) and included this with my appeal. While it doesn't speed up the process, some people have said it helped them get fee waivers for other services. 2. **Join local Facebook groups**: Found my city's unemployment support group and it's been incredibly helpful for both emotional support and practical tips specific to our area. 3. **Practice your story**: I've been rehearsing how to explain my situation clearly and concisely. When you're stressed and anxious, it's easy to ramble or forget important details during the hearing. 4. **Know your rights**: California law is pretty specific about what constitutes misconduct vs. poor performance. I spent time researching the legal standards for my type of case. The waiting is absolutely brutal and I'm down to my last few hundred dollars, but reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope. We're all in this together! Keep fighting - from what I'm reading, many of these appeals are successful if you have your documentation organized.

I'm currently 3 weeks into my appeal process and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was disqualified for "voluntary quit" after I had to leave my job due to a hostile work environment (my supervisor was making inappropriate comments and HR did nothing when I reported it). A few additional tips I've gathered that might help others: **For evidence collection**: If you reported harassment or other workplace issues to HR, request copies of those reports NOW through email. I sent a formal written request to my former employer's HR department asking for all documentation related to my complaints. They're legally required to provide it in most cases. **Financial survival**: Check if your city has emergency assistance programs. I found out my city offers one-time emergency payments for rent/utilities while waiting for unemployment appeals. Also, some credit cards offer hardship programs where they'll temporarily reduce or pause payments. **Hearing preparation**: I've been watching YouTube videos of mock unemployment hearings to get familiar with the process. It's helped reduce my anxiety about what to expect. The financial stress is overwhelming - I'm working DoorDash and odd jobs just to keep my head above water. But reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope that there's light at the end of this tunnel. Thanks to everyone sharing their stories and advice!

I'm about 2 weeks into my appeal process after being disqualified for "misconduct" - they claimed I was "insubordinate" when I refused to work mandatory overtime on a day I had requested off months in advance for a medical appointment. The whole situation is so frustrating because I had documentation of the approved time off request. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both reassuring and terrifying - reassuring to know I'm not alone in this nightmare, but terrifying to see the 7-10 week timeline when I'm already struggling to pay bills. I've been doing Instacart to make ends meet but it's barely covering groceries. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I called my local legal aid society and they have a free clinic specifically for unemployment law. They can't represent you at the hearing, but they'll review your case and help you understand the legal standards for your situation. Mine is next Tuesday and I'm hoping they can help me understand what "insubordination" actually means legally vs. what my employer is claiming. Also keeping detailed records of all my job applications during this process - doing way more than the minimum 3 per week just to be safe. The last thing I want is to win my appeal only to get denied for inadequate work search. This whole system feels designed to exhaust people into giving up, but threads like this give me strength to keep fighting. Thanks everyone for sharing - it really helps to not feel so alone in this mess.

Just wanted to jump in as someone who went through this process twice in the past two years (different employers, long story). The timeline everyone's mentioned is pretty accurate - my first appeal took about 9 weeks to get a hearing, the second one was closer to 7 weeks in late 2024. A few things I learned that might help newcomers to this thread: **Phone hearings**: Make sure you have a landline or really solid cell service. My first hearing got postponed because my cell kept cutting out and the judge couldn't hear me clearly. If you only have a cell phone, find the spot in your home with the strongest signal and stay put during the hearing. **Evidence organization**: Create a simple timeline document that lists dates and events chronologically. Include things like "March 1: Employer reduced hours from 40 to 15 per week" or "March 15: Sent email requesting meeting about schedule." The judges appreciate clear, factual timelines. **Backup plan**: While waiting for your hearing, apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and any local emergency assistance. The EDD appeal process is separate from other benefits, so you can usually qualify for food assistance even while your unemployment is pending appeal. The financial stress is absolutely brutal - I survived on savings the first time and gig work the second time. But hang in there, because if you have solid documentation and a legitimate case, the appeals process does work. Both of my appeals were successful, and I got full backpay for all the weeks I certified during the waiting period. Keep fighting and keep supporting each other! This community has been incredibly helpful to read through.

I'm about 5 weeks into my appeal process after being disqualified for "voluntary quit" when I had to leave due to unsafe working conditions (my employer wasn't providing proper safety equipment and ignored multiple complaints). Reading through everyone's experiences has been both stressful and comforting - stressful to see the long timelines, but comforting to know I'm not alone in this struggle. A couple things I've learned that might help others: **Safety violations documentation**: If your case involves workplace safety issues, you can file a complaint with Cal/OSHA while your appeal is pending. Even if it doesn't speed up your EDD appeal, having an official safety complaint on record can strengthen your case for "good cause" to quit. **Bank overdraft protection**: If you're struggling with bills like I am, contact your bank about temporary overdraft forgiveness programs. Many banks have hardship options that can prevent fees while you're waiting for your appeal. I got mine to waive fees for 90 days. **Free legal resources**: In addition to the legal aid clinics mentioned, some law schools have unemployment law clinics where students help under supervision. Called UC Hastings and they have a program that might be able to review my case materials. Currently surviving on a mix of food delivery apps and help from family, but the uncertainty is eating away at me. Thank you to everyone sharing their stories - it really helps to know we're all fighting the same fight. Hoping we all get positive outcomes from our hearings!

I'm at week 7 of my appeal process and finally got my hearing notice yesterday! Scheduled for mid-January, so the 7-10 week timeline seems pretty accurate for late 2024 filings. I was disqualified for "voluntary quit" after my employer eliminated my department and offered me a position in a completely different field at 60% of my previous salary. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly helpful - thank you all for sharing your experiences and practical tips! I've been implementing a lot of the advice here: ✅ Created a chronological timeline document of all events leading to my departure ✅ Gathered email communications showing I tried to negotiate a reasonable alternative ✅ Applied for CalFresh (got approved - wish I'd done this sooner!) ✅ Found my local legal aid clinic and have an appointment next week ✅ Been doing 5+ job contacts per week and documenting everything meticulously For anyone just starting this process - the financial stress is absolutely brutal, but don't let it break you. I'm surviving on a combination of Uber Eats, plasma donation (if you're eligible, it's $100-150/week), and swallowing my pride to accept help from family. Also check your local churches/community centers - many have emergency food pantries that don't require proof of income. One thing I haven't seen mentioned: if you're really struggling with rent, contact your local community action agency. Mine helped me apply for emergency rental assistance that doesn't conflict with unemployment appeals. It might buy you some breathing room while waiting for your hearing. This system is designed to wear us down, but we're stronger when we support each other. Keep fighting - from what I'm reading in this thread, good documentation + persistence = positive outcomes for most people. We've got this! 💪

I'm just starting this whole appeals process and feeling completely overwhelmed after reading through everyone's experiences. Filed my appeal 3 days ago after being disqualified for "voluntary quit" when my hours got cut from 35/week down to 8/week and they eliminated all my benefits. Basically forced me out without technically firing me. The timeline you all are describing is absolutely terrifying - 7-10 weeks?! I'm already down to my last $300 and rent is due in 2 weeks. Reading about everyone surviving on gig work and food banks makes this feel so real and scary. But honestly, finding this thread has been the most helpful thing so far. The practical advice about evidence gathering, continuing to certify, and all the survival resources people have shared - it's like having a support group of people who actually understand what this is like. Starting my evidence collection this weekend based on @876094894ea6 and @d5f5077fe851's advice about timeline documents. Also going to look into CalFresh and local emergency assistance programs that several people mentioned. Thank you all for being so open about your struggles and sharing what you've learned. This process feels less impossible knowing I'm not going through it alone. Hoping we all get positive outcomes! 🤞

Dallas, I completely understand that overwhelming feeling when you're just starting this process - I felt the exact same way when I first found this thread! Your situation with hours being cut from 35 to 8 per week sounds like a textbook case of constructive discharge, which should work in your favor. The timeline is definitely scary when you're facing immediate financial crisis, but try to focus on what you can control right now. Based on everyone's advice here, my suggestions for your first steps: 1. **Immediate survival**: Apply for CalFresh THIS WEEK - several people mentioned getting approved quickly and wishing they'd done it sooner. Also call 211 for local emergency assistance resources. 2. **Evidence gathering**: Screenshot/print everything NOW while you still might have access - work schedules, emails about hour reductions, anything showing you tried to address the situation before leaving. 3. **Document the timeline**: Create that chronological document @d5f5077fe851 mentioned - it'll help both you and the judge understand the sequence of events. 4. **Keep certifying**: Even though you're not getting paid, this is crucial for backpay if you win. The $300 situation is genuinely terrifying, but look into gig work immediately if you can - Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart. It's not ideal but it can help bridge the gap. Also don't be too proud to reach out to family, friends, or local churches for help. You're absolutely not alone in this. This community has been incredible, and your case sounds strong. Take it one day at a time! 💪