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EDD appeal hearing wait time - stuck at 5 weeks with no update

I'm seriously stressing out about my EDD appeal. I got disqualified for supposedly not reporting some income (which I absolutely DID report), so I filed an appeal about 5 weeks ago. I got that confirmation letter with the case number right away, but since then - NOTHING. No hearing date, no additional info, just complete silence. My rent is coming due again and I'm getting desperate. Is 5+ weeks normal for the appeal process? Who can I actually talk to for an update on my case status? I've called the regular EDD number like 20 times but either can't get through or the reps say they can't help with appeals. Do I call the appeals board directly? Any advice would be HUGELY appreciated!

Unfortunately, 5 weeks is actually pretty quick in the current EDD appeals process. Most appeals are taking 2-3 months before you get a hearing date scheduled, and then another 2-4 weeks before the actual hearing happens. The appeals board is extremely backlogged. You can try calling the Appeals Board directly at 1-800-300-5616 (press options for appeals when prompted). Have your appeal case number ready. They might be able to tell you where in the queue your case is, but they probably won't be able to expedite it unless you have a documented dire hardship situation.

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Mason Stone

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2-3 MONTHS??? Oh my god, I had no idea it would take this long. I don't think I can survive financially for that long without benefits. Do you know if they backpay for the weeks during the appeal if you win?

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i went thru this last year. took 11 weeks to get my hearing date. another 3 weeks til actual hearing. won my case tho. just gotta be patient.

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Mason Stone

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Congrats on winning your case! Did they backpay you for all those weeks you were waiting? Did you do anything special to prepare for the hearing?

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Emma Olsen

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The appeal process is definitely frustrating. Here's what you need to know: 1. Current average wait time is 8-12 weeks for a hearing date to be assigned 2. Yes, if you win your appeal, you'll get retroactive payments for all eligible weeks 3. Start gathering documentation now: pay stubs, any proof you reported income, and a written timeline of events 4. You can request an expedited hearing if you're facing eviction or have utilities being shut off - you'll need documentation though For checking status, try Claimyr.com - they can connect you to an EDD representative within minutes instead of endless redials. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The service is worth it when you're desperate to talk to someone. I used them to check on my appeal status and actually got through to someone who could help.

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Mason Stone

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Thank you so much for the detailed info! I'm definitely going to start organizing all my documentation. And thanks for the Claimyr tip - at this point I'll try anything to get some actual information. Going to check out that video right now.

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Lucas Lindsey

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THE WHOLE APPEAL SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!! I waited FOUR MONTHS for my hearing date!!! Then when I finally got it they sent the notice to my old address even though I updated my contact info MULTIPLE TIMES!!!! I almost missed my hearing entirely!!! KEEP CALLING THEM EVERY WEEK and document EVERYTHING. The system is BROKEN BY DESIGN so they don't have to pay benefits!!!!!

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Sophie Duck

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same thing happened to my roommate. system is totally rigged against us regular people. its all about saving the state $$$ by making it so hard people just give up

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Austin Leonard

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Anyone have experience with actually preparing for these hearings? I mean, what should the OP expect once they finally get a date? Is it like an actual court where you need evidence and stuff?

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Great question. The EDD appeal hearing is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), usually over the phone these days. It's less formal than court but still official. You'll want to prepare: - All evidence organized chronologically (pay stubs, communications, etc.) - A written statement explaining your side - Any witnesses who can testify about your reported income - Specific dates when you reported the income EDD claims you didn't report Make sure to submit any evidence to the Appeals Board before your hearing. During the hearing, be clear, factual, and respectful. The ALJ will typically issue a decision within 1-2 weeks after the hearing.

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Anita George

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have u tried going to ur local edd office in person? sometimes u can get more info that way, they might be able to look up ur appeal status. worth a shot.

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Mason Stone

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I didn't even think about going in person. There's an office about 30 minutes from me - I'll try that tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

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Sophie Duck

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my friend had 2 wait 14 weeks for her hearing last year lol welcome 2 edd hell

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I forgot to mention - if your financial situation is truly desperate while waiting, you should also apply for other emergency assistance programs: 1. CalFresh (food stamps) - can be approved within 7 days for emergency cases 2. Local rental assistance programs through your county 3. LIHEAP for utility bill assistance These won't replace your unemployment benefits, but they can help you stay afloat while you wait for the appeal process.

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Mason Stone

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Thank you - I already applied for CalFresh last week but haven't heard back yet. I'll definitely look into the rental assistance programs too. Anything helps at this point.

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btw when u finally get ur hearing date make sure u answer when they call!!! my cousin missed his call cuz he didn't recognize the number and they ruled against him automatically!!! they usually call from a sacramento area code (916

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Mason Stone

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Omg thank you for the heads up! I'll make sure to answer ANY call around that time. That would be devastating to wait all this time and then miss the call.

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Emma Olsen

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One more thing regarding the actual hearing - make sure you request a copy of your EDD file before the hearing. You have a right to see all the evidence they're using against you. You can do this by calling the Appeals Board and specifically requesting your case file. This way you'll know exactly what they're claiming about your unreported income and can prepare accordingly.

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Lucas Lindsey

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THIS!!!! 100% THIS!!! They had COMPLETELY INCORRECT information in my file and if I hadn't gotten a copy beforehand I would have been BLINDSIDED!!! Always get your case file!!!!

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