EDD Disqualification Appeal Process - Step by Step Help Needed

omg the EXACT same thing happened to me last month!! my boss fired me but EDD said i quit?? makes NO sense. I sent in my appeal with a 2-page letter explaining EVERYTHING and attached emails from HR confirming i was laid off. still waiting to hear back tho, its been like 3 weeks ugh

I successfully appealed a disqualification last year. Here's what you need to do: 1. Fill out the DE 1000M completely, paying special attention to Section B where you explain WHY you disagree with the determination. 2. Be specific but concise - explain that you were laid off due to budget cuts, not a voluntary quit. 3. Attach copies (NOT originals) of any documentation: layoff notice, emails from manager, severance paperwork, etc. 4. Make copies of EVERYTHING before sending. 5. Send via certified mail so you have proof of receipt. After you submit, you'll eventually get a hearing date. This is usually by phone these days. Prepare your testimony and have all your documents ready during the hearing. The judge will ask questions and let you present your case.

No, at the appeal hearing you'll be talking to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), not the same EDD worker who made the initial determination. The judge is independent and will review your case from scratch. Usually the employer representative will also be on the call. One thing to note - KEEP CERTIFYING FOR BENEFITS during your appeal process! If you win, they'll pay you for those weeks, but only if you've been certifying regularly.

Unfortunately if you stopped certifying, you might lose those weeks. You can try explaining at your hearing that you didn't know you needed to continue certifying, but it's at the judge's discretion whether they'll allow retroactive certification.

i appeald mine 4 months ago still havent got a hearing lol good luck with edd there so backed up

I was in your exact situation earlier this year. Had a disqualification for supposedly quitting when I was actually laid off. The appeals process took forever because I couldn't get through to anyone at EDD to check on my appeal status. After weeks of trying to call and constantly getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. They basically keep dialing for you and alert you when they get through. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their site is claimyr.com Once I got through to EDD, I found out my appeal was actually scheduled but they had sent the notice to my old address. Was able to get everything sorted and eventually won my appeal.

Yeah it definitely worked for me. I was skeptical too but after trying to get through for weeks on my own I was desperate. Got connected to an EDD rep who was actually helpful and fixed my address in their system so I'd receive my hearing notice.

Everyone keeps talking about documentation but dont forget WITNESSES. If any coworkers saw you get laid off or heard manager talk about budget cuts, get their contact info!! The judge actually called my former team lead during my hearing and her testimony was what won my case!!!

just my 2 cents but i think DETAILED is better than brief on the appeal form...i wrote a whole page explaining my situation and won my appeal. rather give too much info than too little!

One more important thing: prepare for your hearing by writing down key points you want to make. During mine, I got nervous and almost forgot to mention an important email that proved my case. Also, the judge will ask if you've received the appeal packet before the hearing - make sure you review it thoroughly as it contains the evidence EDD is using against you. And remember, the burden of proof is on the employer to show you quit voluntarily. If they don't show up to the hearing (which happens often), your chances of winning increase significantly.

My appeal took 7 weeks from filing to hearing date in 2025, but I've heard it can be anywhere from 4-12 weeks depending on backlog. The decision usually comes about 1-2 weeks after hearing. One tip nobody mentioned: if you win, don't expect payment right away. Mine took another 10 days to process after the favorable decision letter arrived.