EDD appeal process - do all disqualifications require in-person judge hearings?

I went through an appeal last year and yes, I did have to attend a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). However, it wasn't as intimidating as it sounds. The hearing was over the phone - I never had to go anywhere in person. They scheduled it about 3 weeks after I submitted my appeal paperwork. The judge was actually pretty fair and let me explain my side. My employer was on the call too. The whole thing took maybe 45 minutes. I made sure to have all my documentation ready - emails showing my hours were cut, my resignation letter explaining why I had to look for other work, etc. Make sure you submit ALL relevant documentation with your appeal form. If you have evidence that your hours were reduced, that's really important to include.

mine was just last month and I didnt even need to talk to judge!! I submitted TONS of evidence tho, like literally 25 pages of emails and texts showing my boss was cutting hours. got decision in mail 2 weeks later saying i won the appeal no hearing needed! but my friend had to do phone hearing for his so maybe depends on how clear ur evidence is???

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can actually decide your appeal in three ways: 1. Paper review - If your documentation is very thorough and clearly shows your employer reduced your hours (constructive discharge), they might rule in your favor without a hearing. 2. Phone hearing - Most common method currently. You, your employer, and the judge all participate in a conference call. 3. In-person hearing - These are rare now, especially since COVID, but can still happen if specifically requested. The key factor is how much evidence you submit with your initial appeal paperwork. You want to include: - Documentation showing your hours were reduced (schedules, paystubs) - Any communication with your employer about the reduction - A detailed written statement explaining that you were forced to seek other employment because your hours were insufficient to earn a living Include dates, times, names of supervisors, and all relevant details. The more thorough your initial documentation, the better chance of winning on paper review.

Omg I had an appeal hearing last fall and it was THE WORST. The judge was so rude and kept cutting me off mid-sentence!!! My employer straight up LIED about why they fired me and the judge seemed to believe them even tho I had proof!! Still waiting on the final decision but don't get your hopes up, these judges always side with the employers!!!

I've gone through three different EDD appeals (long story) and each one was handled differently. The most recent one was decided entirely on the paperwork - no hearing at all. But that only happened because I sent in EXTENSIVE documentation that clearly proved my case. If you have a strong paper trail showing your hours were reduced to the point where it qualifies as "constructive discharge" (when conditions are so bad you're essentially forced to quit), focus on organizing that evidence clearly. Include a timeline of events and specifically reference the relevant EDD regulations. If you do end up with a hearing, it will most likely be by phone. Prepare by writing down key points you want to make, and practice explaining your situation clearly and concisely. The judges hear dozens of cases and appreciate when you can get to the point without rambling. Also, even though it feels personal, try to keep emotion out of it during the hearing. Stick to facts, dates, and specific events rather than how unfair it felt.

Have u tried calling EDD directly to ask??? I spent FOUR DAYS trying to get through to them about my appeal last month. Always got the stupid "we're experiencing high call volume" message and it would hang up on me!!!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!!!!! They need to hire more people or something, it's RIDICULOUS how impossible it is to talk to an actual human being there!!

To directly answer your original question - no, not all appeals require going in front of a judge. Many are decided through paper review, especially when there's clear documentation. However, it's best to prepare for a hearing just in case. For my hearing, I did prepare talking points but didn't read from a script. I made a bulleted list of key points with dates and specific examples, which helped me stay focused when I got nervous. Something else to know: if your appeal is about reduced hours forcing you to quit, that falls under "good cause" for voluntarily leaving employment. The EDD recognizes that substantial reduction in hours can constitute good cause to leave a job. Make sure you emphasize this point in your documentation.

my cousin works for edd (not in appeals tho) and she says they're super backed up with appeals right now so they're doing more paper reviews to clear the backlog. she says if u submit tons of evidence they're more likely to just review the paperwork. but also depends on what office handles your case some are more backed up than others.

One important thing to add: when you submit your appeal documentation, include a cover letter explicitly stating that your case involves a clear-cut instance of constructive discharge due to reduced hours, and that you believe the evidence submitted is sufficient for a determination without a hearing. While this doesn't guarantee a paper review, it does flag your case as potentially resolvable without a hearing. The ALJ has full discretion on whether to schedule a hearing or not. Also, if your employer doesn't submit a response to your appeal (which happens frequently), that increases the likelihood of a favorable paper determination. Many employers don't bother to contest appeals once they're filed.

Based on what you've shared, you have a strong case. Reduction of hours to the point where you can't sustain yourself is recognized by EDD as good cause for leaving employment. The key will be documenting: 1. Your previous regular schedule 2. How the hours were reduced (by how much and over what period) 3. Any conversations with management about getting more hours 4. The financial impact of the reduction Even if you do end up with a hearing, remember that the ALJs are used to dealing with nervous people. They'll guide you through the process with questions. And unlike a regular court, these hearings are much more informal. The judge is mainly trying to establish facts, not trip you up with legal technicalities. Good luck with your appeal - it sounds like you have a legitimate case that should be approved once they review all the facts.