EDD appeal missed due to wrong address - need help writing letter for missed hearing

You need to be very specific in your letter. Make sure to clearly state: 1) You never received notice of the hearing because it was sent to your old address, 2) You had updated your address with EDD but some communications were still going to the wrong place, 3) You only became aware of the missed hearing when you received the recent email about potential eligibility, and 4) You're contacting them immediately upon learning about the missed hearing. Also attach a copy of your termination letter showing "involuntary termination" as proof. Send it via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Good luck!

omg i had almost the EXACT same thing happen!!! they sent my stuff to my parents house even tho i updated my address like 5 times in their stupid system. the letter needs to be super formal tho - don't make it emotional or they'll just ignore it. just facts facts facts.

I think you should start by requesting what's called a "Good Cause" consideration for missing the appeal deadline. Specifically cite California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 1256 which covers terminations, and request that they consider your case as an "Administrative Error" since they sent notices to an incorrect address. Make sure to include dates of when you updated your address with EDD and any confirmation numbers you have from those updates. I'd also mention that the backlog created a reasonable expectation that processing was still ongoing. Don't just explain - cite the specific regulation that allows them to reopen your case. Also, 66 weeks is a LONG time... are you sure that's accurate? Most pandemic benefits ended after set periods even with extensions.

I went through a similar situation last year and got my appeal reopened. The key is to phrase it as an "Administrative Error" and "Good Cause" case as mentioned above, but ALSO request an "Affidavit of Support" form. This is how you formally swear that you never received the original hearing notice. Without this form, they might reject your request. Also, have you tried calling EDD directly about this? I know getting through is impossible these days with all the call volume. I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have a system that calls EDD repeatedly until they get through, then connects you. Saved me days of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Getting a live person on the phone who can see your file made ALL the difference in my case.

THEY DO THIS ALL THE TIME!! edd is DESIGNED to make you miss deadlines so they dont have to pay you. i missed my appeal to and they told me I was SOL. your termination letter should be enough proof but the system is RIGGED. good luck but dont get your hopes up

wait do u have the actual termination letter in ur hand rn? if u have paper proof they fired u then ur golden!!! just make sure u send a COPY not the original!!!!

Don't forget to add a cover sheet to your letter package that clearly lists everything you're including. Number each page. Make it extremely easy for them to process. Having dealt with EDD bureaucracy, I can tell you that half the battle is making your case simple and straightforward for the overworked examiner who will be reviewing it. I'd format your letter with clear headings: 1. REQUEST FOR REOPENING MISSED APPEAL 2. EXPLANATION OF MISSED HEARING 3. EVIDENCE OF INCORRECT DETERMINATION 4. CONTACT INFORMATION Keep each section clear and factual. And definitely use certified mail with tracking.

One important thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - you should include a detailed timeline in your letter. Start with when you were terminated, when you applied for benefits, when you moved, when you updated your address with EDD, when you certified for those 66 weeks, and when you discovered you missed the hearing. The more precise your dates are, the better your case will be. Also, be sure to request that your appeal be reopened under "Good Cause" provisions due to "administrative error" in notification. You might want to mention that you had a "reasonable expectation of ongoing processing" due to the well-documented backlog in EDD appeals that was reported in multiple news outlets during that period. Based on what you've shared, you have a strong case for reopening, especially with that termination letter showing involuntary termination.

After you've submitted your appeal letter, wait one week then call EDD to confirm receipt. If you can't get through on the phone (which is likely), send a follow-up letter referencing your original letter by date sent and certified mail tracking number. In the follow-up, request written confirmation of receipt and status. This creates a paper trail showing your diligence. Also, the fact that you were approved for one week but denied for the others on the same claim is actually helpful to your case. It shows inconsistency in their determination process and strengthens your argument. Make sure to highlight this point.

UPDATE: I just want to thank everyone for the amazing advice. I've drafted my letter using all of your suggestions - the formal headings, timeline, mentioning the UI Code Section 1256, requesting Good Cause consideration, explaining the address issue, and including a copy of my termination letter. I'm also going to request the Affidavit of Support form and send everything via certified mail tomorrow. I'll try that Claimyr service next week to follow up by phone since calling on my own has been impossible. Will keep you all posted on what happens!

Good luck with your appeal! I went through something similar in 2023 and want to add one more tip - when you send your certified mail letter, also email a copy to the EDD appeals department (if you can find their email address) and reference the certified mail tracking number in your email subject line. This creates multiple touchpoints in their system. Also, consider reaching out to your state assemblyperson's office - they often have staff who specialize in EDD issues and can sometimes help expedite cases that are stuck in the system. Many people don't realize this is a free service available to constituents. With your termination letter showing involuntary termination, you really do have a solid case here. The fact that they approved one week but denied the rest on the same claim actually works in your favor - it shows their initial determination was inconsistent. Stay persistent!

Just wanted to add something that might be helpful - when you write your timeline, make sure to include any confirmation numbers or reference numbers you received when updating your address with EDD. Even if the updates didn't work properly, having those numbers shows you made good faith efforts to keep your information current. Also, if you have any screenshots or printouts from your EDD online account showing your address changes, include those as supporting documentation. The more paper trail you can provide showing you tried to keep them informed of your correct address, the stronger your "administrative error" argument becomes. You've got this - sounds like you're putting together a really thorough package!