EDD appeal hearing prep: Should I upload evidence beforehand or wait?

Upload EVERYTHING now! Don't wait for the hearing. I went through an appeal last year and the judge specifically mentioned she reviewed all my documents before we even started the hearing. Make sure you name your files clearly like "Evidence 1 - Text conversation with manager about layoff.pdf" so they know what they're looking at. Also write up a short statement explaining each piece of evidence and how it supports your case. Upload that too. You'll still get to present everything during the hearing, but this way the judge is prepared and has time to review your side beforehand.

I had the EXACT same experience with the EDD interviewer cutting me off!! When i appealed they gave me a form to fill out explaining my side but it had like no space to acutally write anyhting. My appeal hearing got scheduled for 8 weeks after i appealed and then they canclled it THE DAY BEFORE and rescheduled for another month later. The whole system is designed to make you give up.

Definitely upload your evidence in advance AND bring copies to the hearing. Here's what helped me win my appeal: 1. Create a timeline document showing exactly what happened and when 2. Label all evidence clearly and reference it in your timeline 3. Practice what you'll say - keep it factual and unemotional 4. Be ready to explain why the EDD's determination was incorrect based on their own rules Most hearings are by phone now, so if yours is in person, that's unusual. Make sure you dress professionally if you're going in person. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will give you plenty of time to explain your side, unlike the EDD interviewer.

i didnt submit anything before my hearing and i lost. judge said i shoulda provided evidence earlier. dont make my mistake!!

If you're struggling to get through to EDD to ask questions about your appeal, try Claimyr. I wasted 3 days trying to call EDD directly before using them. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Their service connected me to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes who answered all my appeal questions. The website is claimyr.com. Definitely worth it because the EDD reps can actually tell you exactly what evidence they need to see for your specific case.

I'm a former UI admin assistant (not for California though). Here's what most people don't realize about appeals: The ALJ doesn't just look at what you upload - they have access to your ENTIRE claim file including all notes from previous EDD staff. If there are inconsistencies in what you've told different people, that will hurt your case. Upload your evidence at least 3 business days before the hearing. The ALJ will definitely review it beforehand. During the hearing, be prepared to explain why each piece of evidence is relevant to your case. And yes, you absolutely can have notes during a phone hearing! Most appeals are won or lost based on specific disqualification criteria in the unemployment code. What was the official reason for your denial? That would help us give you more specific advice.

With a 1256 voluntary quit disqualification, those text messages from your manager are GOLD. Make sure they're dated before your separation date. The burden of proof is on YOU to demonstrate it was actually a layoff, not a quit. Make sure you're very clear in explaining: 1. You never expressed intent to resign 2. You were informed by management that you were being laid off 3. The texts prove the employer's claim that you quit is false Section 1256 cases are actually some of the easier ones to win on appeal if you have documentation showing the employer mischaracterized your separation.

BEWARE - even if you win your appeal you might be waiting FOREVER to actually get paid!! I won my appeal in January 2025 and im STILL waiting for EDD to release my backpay from the appeal. They say it's 'processing' every time I call. The whole system is a joke.

@OP - Yes, get written statements from coworkers! But make sure they're signed and include contact information in case the judge wants to verify. Also, print out your work schedule showing you were scheduled to work, any performance reviews showing you were in good standing, literally anything that shows you weren't planning to quit. For anyone facing an appeal, I highly recommend watching some YouTube videos on how unemployment appeals work. I watched about 5 hours of videos before my hearing and it helped me understand exactly what to expect and how to present my case effectively.

good luck!!! my cousin won her appeal and got like $7000 in backpay eventually. just make sure u keep certifying every 2 weeks even while waiting for appeal!!!!!