EDD appeal hearing for homeschooling parent - need tips for phone judge hearing ASAP

OMG I just went through this exact same thing!!! The phone hearing is actually not as scary as it sounds. The judge was pretty chill and just asked me questions about my work availability. Make sure you have PROOF that you've been looking for jobs that fit around your homeschooling schedule. I brought up 3 job applications I had submitted for evening/weekend remote work and explained how I could arrange alternative supervision for my kids if needed for interviews. They reversed my disqualification! Good luck!!

I've been through several EDD appeals hearings (unfortunately). Here's what you need to prepare: 1. A clear statement about your work availability (hours, days, types of work) 2. Documentation of your job search efforts showing you're applying to jobs that match your availability 3. Any evidence that shows you have arrangements for your children during potential work hours 4. Notes about why homeschooling doesn't prevent you from working The judge will ask specific questions about your availability. Be honest but make it clear that homeschooling doesn't make you unavailable for work - it just defines WHEN you're available. EDD regulations require you to be available for "suitable work" - not necessarily 9-5 work. The hearing is formal but straightforward. The judge will swear you in, explain the process, and then ask questions. You'll have a chance to present your case. Stay calm, stick to facts, and don't interrupt.

Speak from notes but have a written outline ready. The judge will primarily want to hear directly from you. Send any documentary evidence (job applications, work history, childcare arrangements) to the appeals board before the hearing - the notice should include instructions for submitting evidence.

the edd is so bias against parents its ridiculous!! my sister got denied for kinda the same reason because she could only work when her kids were in school. the system is totally rigged against parents who have actual responsibilities outside of work. good luck with your appeal but dont get your hopes up because the edd judges usually side with edd.

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD to discuss your case before the hearing, try Claimyr.com - it helped me get through to a rep when I was preparing for my own appeal. They have a service that connects you with an EDD agent quickly instead of dealing with busy signals all day. Check their video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km to see how it works. I was able to talk to someone who explained exactly what documents the judge would want to see for my appeal. It really helped me prepare better!

my cousin had the EXACT same problem last year except she was taking online classes not homeschooling but same idea and she WON her appeal!!!! the thing that helped her was she brought printouts of job postings that showed companies specifically looking for evening/weekend workers and remote jobs with flexible hours. that proved those jobs actually exist so being available outside normal hours IS valid. good luck!!!

I'm an employment attorney who has represented clients in many EDD appeals. For homeschooling parents, the critical issue is precisely what you identified: proving you're "available for work" despite your homeschooling responsibilities. In your appeal, focus on Section 1253(c) of the California Unemployment Insurance Code, which requires claimants to be "available for work." Courts have interpreted this to mean available for "suitable work" - not necessarily all work or traditional 9-5 jobs. Prepare to address: 1. Your specific hours of availability (evenings/weekends/early mornings) 2. The types of jobs you're seeking that match those hours 3. Your work search efforts for those specific types of positions 4. Contingency plans for childcare if you needed to attend training or occasional daytime work Bring documentation of job applications and a log of your work search activities. Be prepared to explain why rejecting traditional business-hour jobs doesn't make you unavailable for work - it simply defines the parameters of suitable work for your situation. The success rate for properly prepared appeals is actually quite high when claimants can demonstrate genuine availability for some segment of the job market.

make sure u dress nice for the video!!! first impressions matter alot

One more thing - RECORD your hearing!!! California is a two-party consent state but the judge will almost certainly give permission if you ask at the beginning. That way if you need to appeal further you have the exact record of what was said. I wish I had done this with my first hearing.

An update would be really appreciated after your hearing! These homeschooling cases are important precedents for others. Generally, judges are looking for: 1. Evidence you're available for a substantial field of employment (not just 1-2 jobs) 2. Proof your restrictions (evening/weekend work) still leave you available for a significant portion of jobs in your field 3. Confirmation that you haven't declined suitable work If you present your case clearly along these lines focusing on your availability rather than your restrictions, you have a good chance of success. The standard isn't that you must be available for ALL work - just a sufficient portion of the job market.