EDD appeal hearing by phone in 2 weeks - how to prepare for unemployment judge?

I had my appeal hearing last month for a similar situation. Here's what to expect: 1. Yes, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) conducts the hearing. Don't worry - it's formal but not like a court trial. 2. EVIDENCE IS CRITICAL: Gather your work schedule showing the reduction in hours, any text messages/emails with your manager about hours, and your final paystubs showing the decrease. Submit these BEFORE the hearing using the instructions on your notice. 3. PREPARE YOUR STATEMENT: Write down key points about how your hours were reduced and why it made continued employment impossible (constructive discharge). Practice explaining this clearly. 4. The hearing follows a structure: judge introduction, swearing in, employer testimony, your testimony, questions, closing statements. Typically lasts 30-45 minutes. 5. You don't need a lawyer, but you need to be organized and stick to facts. When I presented my documented evidence of similar circumstances, the judge ruled in my favor. The most important thing is having documentation that proves your hours were reduced to the point where continued employment wasn't reasonable. This is considered "good cause" for leaving a job.

i had my edd appeal last summer and won but it wasnt for quitting it was for being fired. the judge was actually pretty chill tbh. one tip nobody told me is to have water with you cause you'll be talking alot and getting nervous makes your mouth dry af. also write down ALL your points cause i forgot to mention some important stuff and almost regretted it

Having handled numerous EDD appeals, I can tell you that constructive discharge cases (where hours are severely reduced forcing an employee to quit) often succeed if properly documented. The key is demonstrating that your hours were reduced to such an extent that it constituted a "substantial change in working conditions." A few technical points about the telephone hearing process: 1. Yes, the call is recorded and becomes part of the official record 2. The ALJ will send you a packet explaining the evidence they've received 3. You must submit any additional evidence at least 10 days before the hearing 4. You can request witnesses but must arrange for them to be available during your scheduled time 5. The judge will typically render a decision within 7-10 days by mail One crucial element: Make sure to clearly articulate that you attempted to resolve the situation with your employer before quitting. The judge will want to know you took reasonable steps to preserve your employment before leaving.

The EDD hearing system is RIDICULOUS. I waited 4 months for my appeal and then the employer didn't even show up!!! The judge still grilled me for 40 minutes like I was on trial for murder. Make sure you have EVERYTHING documented because they will pick apart every little detail. And don't expect fairness - the whole system is designed to deny benefits and save the state money. Sorry to be negative but that was my experience. Maybe yours will be better but don't count on it.

has anyone tried using Claimyr to talk to an EDD rep before there appeal? i'm wondering if talking to someone at EDD directly might help me better understand what to expect or even resolve it before the hearing

Deep breath - you've got this! I was terrified before my appeal hearing last year, but it was much more straightforward than I expected. Judges typically handle 8-10 cases per day and are used to talking with regular folks without legal training. Some practical tips that helped me win my appeal: • Keep a copy of your appeal letter and all documents in front of you • Tell your story chronologically - start with when you were hired, when hours changed, what you did about it, and why you finally had to leave • Be polite but assertive if the employer misrepresents facts • Have your calendar open to reference specific dates when asked • Take notes during the employer's testimony so you can address any inaccuracies • Mention financial hardship caused by reduced hours specifically Most importantly: Practice explaining your situation clearly in 2-3 minutes. The more concise and organized you are, the better impression you'll make. In my experience, judges are fair if you have evidence backing your claims. Good luck!

make sure u dress nice for the hearing!!! u want to look profesional

something nobody told me is that u can request a copy of your employers response before the hearing!!! call edd and ask for it so u know what theyre gonna say

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I feel much more prepared now. I've started gathering my evidence - found texts from my manager cancelling my shifts, paystubs showing my hours dropping from 30+ to under 10 per week, and even a text where I specifically asked for more hours and was told they "didn't have enough business right now." I've also started writing out my timeline and practicing explaining my situation clearly. I'll definitely request my employer's response too, that's a great tip! I'll update this thread after my hearing to let everyone know how it went. Fingers crossed!