EDD appeal options - can I file online or must I mail back the appeal form?
Just received a disqualification notice from EDD and need to file an appeal ASAP. My previous employer is falsely claiming I worked until May 2025, but I actually stopped working in April 2025. This mistake is affecting my benefit eligibility! The notice came with an appeal form, but I'm wondering if there's a faster way to submit an appeal? Can I do it online through UI Online or by phone? Or am I stuck with having to mail back the paper form they sent? Time is ticking and I'm worried about missing the appeal deadline while waiting for mail delivery. Anyone gone through the appeal process recently?
20 comments
Gabriel Graham
I went through this exact headache last month! You HAVE to use that DE 1000M appeal form they sent you - either mail it back or fax it to the number listed on the form. There's unfortunately no online option through UI Online for appeals (which is ridiculous in 2025, right?). Make sure you include any documentation that proves your last day of work - final paystub, termination letter, etc. The paper form feels ancient but it's the only official way they accept appeals.
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Alicia Stern
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for confirming. Did you send yours by regular mail or certified? I'm worried about it getting lost.
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Drake
appeals gotta be mailed or faxed. stupid system hasn't changed in like 20 years lol
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Sarah Jones
•Actually you can also drop it off in person at an AJCC office. I did that for my appeal and got a receipt so I had proof they received it. Better than mail imo!
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Sebastian Scott
Make sure you file your appeal within 30 days of the date on your disqualification notice! This is extremely important. While you must use the paper form, here's what you should include: 1. The completed DE 1000M form (fill out ALL sections) 2. A clear explanation of why your employer's information is incorrect 3. Documentation proving your last day of work (final pay stub, company emails, etc.) 4. Keep a copy of EVERYTHING you send 5. Send it via certified mail so you have proof of when you submitted it I'd also recommend continuing to certify for benefits while your appeal is pending. If you win your appeal, they'll pay you for those weeks retroactively.
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Alicia Stern
•Thank you for the detailed info! I'll definitely send it certified mail and keep certifying. Do you know approximately how long the appeal process takes? I'm getting really worried about bills.
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Emily Sanjay
i had a similar issue last year and i just kept calling EDD everyday until i got someone who could actually help me fix the problem without having to go through the whole appeal process! some agents are more helpful than others
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Jordan Walker
•This can sometimes work for simple issues, but for employer disputes about dates of employment, an appeal is usually necessary since it requires a formal review process. That said, calling might help clarify the situation.
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Natalie Adams
I tried to file an appeal online too! THE WHOLE EDD SYSTEM IS STUCK IN THE STONE AGE!!! My employer lied about why I was fired and I had to go through this whole ridiculous paper appeal process. Took FOREVER to get a hearing date (like 7 weeks) and then another 3 weeks after the hearing to get a decision. Meanwhile I couldn't pay my rent and almost got evicted!!! The system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!!
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Alicia Stern
•7 weeks just for a hearing date?? That's terrifying... I don't know how I'll manage that long without benefits.
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Sebastian Scott
•Appeal timeframes are currently averaging 5-8 weeks for a hearing date in California, though it can vary by office workload. The good news is that if you win, you'll receive all back payments.
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Jordan Walker
The most efficient way to handle this is: 1. Mail or fax the DE 1000M form immediately (use certified mail so you have tracking) 2. Continue certifying every two weeks while appeal is pending 3. Call EDD to notify them your appeal has been submitted I'd also recommend trying to reach an EDD representative by phone to explain the situation. Sometimes they can help resolve date of employment discrepancies without waiting for the full appeal process. Getting through to EDD can be nearly impossible though - if you're struggling to reach someone, I've had good results using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that gets you connected to an EDD agent typically within 15-20 minutes instead of calling for days. There's a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Worth it to potentially avoid weeks of waiting for an appeal hearing.
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Alicia Stern
•Thank you for the detailed advice! I'll definitely try calling first before going through the whole appeal process. Getting this resolved quickly would be such a relief. I'll check out that Claimyr service - spending hours on hold with EDD sounds like torture.
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Sarah Jones
I went through an appeal last year. BIG TIP: when filling out the appeal form, be SUPER specific about dates and facts. My first appeal got denied because I was too vague. Second time I included exact dates, conversations, manager names, etc. and won! Also, don't just say your employer is wrong - explain WHY they're wrong with proof.
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Alicia Stern
•That's really helpful - thank you! I have my final pay stub showing the April date, so I'll definitely include a copy of that with my appeal.
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Drake
wait whats the difference between appeal and reconsideration?? i thought they were the same thing
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Sebastian Scott
•They're different processes. A reconsideration is an informal review requested by calling EDD when there might be a simple misunderstanding or error. An appeal is a formal legal process that goes through the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and may include a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. In the case of employer disputes about work dates, an appeal is typically required.
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Gabriel Graham
Quick update for you - I just went through my appeal process last month and they're scheduling hearings by phone now instead of making you come in person like they used to. Makes it WAY easier! But yeah, still have to submit that initial appeal form by mail or fax. The phone hearing was actually pretty straightforward - just had to explain my side and provide documentation.
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Alicia Stern
•That's good to know! Phone hearings sound much more convenient. Did you have to have a lawyer or anything for the hearing?
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Gabriel Graham
•Nope, no lawyer needed! I just prepared by writing down my key points and having all my docs ready. The judge was pretty chill and just wanted the facts. Much less intimidating than I expected.
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