EDD appeal hearing scheduled - do they call me or do I call them?
Just got my EDD appeal hearing date and time scheduled for May 12, 2025 at 10:30am. This is my first time going through this process and I'm super nervous. Will EDD call me or am I supposed to call them? The notice is a bit confusing. Also wondering how long these hearings typically last? My employer contested my claim saying I quit voluntarily when I was actually laid off due to department restructuring. Do they have to attend the hearing too? Any insight would be really appreciated!
21 comments

Natasha Petrova
The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will call YOU at the phone number you provided on your appeal form. Make sure your phone is on and you're in a quiet place about 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The hearing can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on case complexity. And yes, your employer typically participates since they contested your claim. Be prepared with any documentation showing you were laid off - any emails, termination notice, etc. that contradict their voluntary quit claim.
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
AuthorThank you! Do you know if I can submit additional documents before the hearing? I found some emails from my manager talking about the restructuring that I didn't include with my initial appeal.
0 coins
Javier Morales
THEY WILL CALL YOU!!! And be prepared cuz these EDD judges don't mess around!!! My hearing lasted 2 1/2 hours and my ex-boss was on the line the WHOLE TIME lying about everything!!! Had to fight tooth and nail to prove I didn't do anything wrong. Make SURE you have all your evidence ready and write down notes about dates and important details. And DONT BE LATE - if you miss their call they might just decide against you automatically!!!!
0 coins
Emma Davis
omg this is making me even more nervous now 😳 did you win your case tho??
0 coins
Javier Morales
Yes I won but it was STRESSFUL!! Just be super prepared with dates and documents and you'll be fine. They actually listen unlike the regular EDD people who just deny everyone.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
they call u. my hearing was last month only took like 45 min. boss didnt even show up so it was pretty easy lol. just answer their questions honestly and youll be fine
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
AuthorThat's good to hear! I hope my manager doesn't show either, but I'm preparing as if they will. Did you have any documents ready for your hearing?
0 coins
Malik Robinson
The judge will call you at the scheduled time. I recommend having all your evidence organized and ready to reference. Hearings typically last 45-60 minutes but can go longer for complex cases. Your employer has the right to attend since they're contesting your claim, and they almost always do attend when they've alleged voluntary quit versus layoff. You can submit additional documents before the hearing by following the instructions on your hearing notice. Usually, you need to submit them at least 5 business days before the hearing date and send copies to your employer as well. My advice: practice explaining your separation clearly and concisely. The judge will ask specific questions about your last day, who said what, and any documentation you received. Stay factual and calm even if your employer says things you disagree with.
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
AuthorThank you for the detailed advice! I'll definitely prepare a clear timeline of events and gather all my documentation. Should I have a written statement prepared or just speak naturally when asked questions?
0 coins
Malik Robinson
It's better to speak naturally but have bullet points of key facts and dates in front of you. The judge wants to hear your direct answers to specific questions, not a prepared statement. But having your key information organized will help you stay on track and not forget important details when you're nervous.
0 coins
Isabella Silva
I went through this exact situation last year! The ALJ will definitely call you - make sure your phone is charged and you're somewhere quiet. My hearing was supposed to be 45 minutes but ended up being almost 2 hours because my former employer brought their HR person AND a company attorney who kept interrupting and trying to twist my words. If you're having trouble getting through to EDD for any questions before your hearing, I highly recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me connect with an EDD rep to clarify some issues before my hearing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km For the hearing itself, definitely have all documentation ready that proves you were laid off - emails about restructuring, any written notice, text messages from your manager, etc. The judge will specifically ask about your final day of work and who said what, so be very clear about those details.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
is claimyr legit? ive never heard of it
0 coins
Isabella Silva
Yes, it's legitimate. It's a service that helps you get through to EDD when their lines are jammed. I was skeptical too, but it worked for me when I had been trying to reach EDD for days with no luck. It's especially helpful when you have time-sensitive issues like preparing for a hearing.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
my brother had an appeal hearing last summer i think. they called him and his boss was there too. he won tho because his boss couldn't prove he was fired for misconduct or whatever
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
AuthorThat's encouraging to hear! Did his hearing take a long time?
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
idk exactly but he said maybe like an hour? not super long
0 coins
Natasha Petrova
One more important tip: You can (and should) submit any additional documentation you have before the hearing. On your hearing notice, there should be instructions for how to submit evidence. Typically you need to: 1. Send it to the Appeals Office at least 5 business days before the hearing 2. Also send copies to your employer 3. Keep proof that you sent these documents Those emails about restructuring could be crucial evidence in your favor. Make sure everything is dated and if possible highlight the relevant parts so the judge can easily see the important information.
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
AuthorThis is super helpful, thank you! I'll look at my notice right now for the submission instructions and get those emails ready to send in.
0 coins
Emma Davis
Good luck! I just went through this last month. So stressful but ended up ok in the end! 🤞
0 coins
Oliver Fischer
AuthorThank you! Glad to hear yours worked out!
0 coins
Landon Morgan
I went through an appeal hearing about 6 months ago and it was less scary than I thought it would be! The ALJ called me exactly at the scheduled time and was actually pretty fair and professional. My hearing lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple timeline document with dates and key events that I could reference during the call. When the judge asked specific questions about when things happened, I wasn't scrambling to remember dates. Also, speak clearly and don't be afraid to ask the judge to repeat a question if you didn't hear it properly - they're used to that. Since your employer is claiming you quit voluntarily but you were actually laid off due to restructuring, focus on having evidence that shows the company-wide or department changes that led to your position being eliminated. Any official communications about the restructuring will be gold for your case. You've got this!
0 coins