EDD appeal hearing this Monday - childcare issues & need quick tips

I had my appeal hearing last month and it only lasted about 45 minutes, not the full 2 hours they schedule. But it really depends on how complicated your case is and how many witnesses they need to talk to. Since yours involves a dispute about whether you quit or were laid off, they'll probably want to hear from both you AND your employer, which could take longer. As for the formality - it is pretty official. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will swear you in and everything is recorded. You'll want to be in a quiet place if possible. Can you maybe ask a neighbor or friend to watch your daughter for just that morning? Or see if you can reschedule the hearing? My biggest advice: stick to the facts, don't get emotional, and have documentation ready to support your case (emails about the layoff, severance papers, anything that shows you didn't voluntarily quit). Good luck!

If you absolutely can't find childcare, call the Appeals Office ASAP and explain your situation. They might be able to reschedule your hearing. The number should be on your hearing notice. Sometimes they're understanding about these things, especially childcare issues. For the hearing itself: 1. Be ready to clearly explain why you believe you were laid off rather than quitting 2. Have any documentation organized and numbered (they may ask you to refer to specific pages) 3. Take notes during the hearing, especially if your employer says something that isn't true 4. Answer questions directly - don't ramble or go off-topic 5. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification 6. Stay calm and professional even if your employer says things you disagree with I went through this last year when my employer incorrectly reported that I abandoned my job when actually they reduced my hours to zero. I won my appeal, so hang in there!

my hearing took almost 2 hours so plan for the worst. the judge interrupted me alot and my old boss kept lying. it was really stressful but i still won becuz they didnt have proof i was late all those times. if ur kid makes noise just apologize quick and keep going. they know people have kids

Have you tried calling EDD to ask if you can reschedule? I had to do that once for a doctor's appointment and they were actually pretty nice about it. Just make sure you call RIGHT AWAY don't wait til last minute.

I went through an appeal last year with EDD. Here's what helped me win: 1. Timeline - Create a clear chronological timeline of events leading to your separation from employment. Judges appreciate organization. 2. Evidence - Provide documentation contradicting your employer's claim that you quit. Emails, texts, performance reviews, witness statements from coworkers, etc. 3. Rehearse - Practice explaining your situation concisely. The judge will interrupt with questions, so be prepared to adapt. 4. Specifics - Use specific dates, names, and details when testifying. "Around March" is less convincing than "March 15th." 5. Stay on point - Stick to facts relevant to whether you quit or were laid off. Avoid complaining about the company or your supervisor generally. Regarding childcare - maybe set your daughter up with a movie on headphones? Even with that, I strongly recommend trying to find someone to watch her. The hearing environment significantly impacts the judge's perception of your credibility.

One important thing no one has mentioned yet - if you win your appeal, be prepared for potential delays in receiving your back benefits. EDD is supposed to process payment within 10 days after an appeal decision, but I've seen it take 3-4 weeks sometimes. You may need to contact them to follow up if you don't see the payment appear in your account. Also, when the judge asks why you believe you were laid off rather than having quit, be very specific about the communication you received. Was there a formal layoff notice? Did your manager specifically tell you it was a layoff? These details matter significantly in these cases. Lastly, some judges will ask hypothetical questions like "If they had offered you reduced hours instead of laying you off, would you have accepted?" Be careful with these - they're trying to determine if you had any willingness to continue employment. The best approach is honesty while emphasizing your desire to remain employed.

My appeal was an absolute disaster and I lost because I wasn't prepared enough. Don't make my mistake! Make sure you understand the exact reason they disqualified you and address that specifically.

Update us after your hearing! I'm scheduled for mine in 3 weeks (different issue - they claim I didn't report some income but it was actually reported on the following certification). Would love to hear how yours goes.