EDD appeal timeline after disqualification - when will I actually get paid?

I went through this nightmare back in January. From disqualification to getting my first payment after winning took almost 11 weeks total. The breakdown: about 1 week to get and send in the appeal form, 4 weeks waiting for my hearing date, 2 weeks after the hearing for the judge's decision (which I won!), and then another 3-4 weeks for EDD to actually process the payment. It was brutal financially. I recommend calling EDD using Claimyr.com - it got me through to an actual person who could tell me where my appeal was in the process instead of just waiting blindly. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - way better than the constant busy signals I was getting before.

It really depends on what you got disqualified for. Mine was for "voluntarily quitting without good cause" even though I was actually laid off (employer disputed it). My appeal took about 8 weeks from filing to getting a hearing, then another 2 weeks for the decision. After winning, I got paid within 5 days. But a friend who had an identity verification issue had a much faster process - like 3-4 weeks total. What reason did they give for your disqualification?

my cousin got disqualifed last yr and she appeal it took like 6-7 weeks total before she saw a peny. the system is a joke lol

You should actually call and ask about a hardship request!! If you tell them you're facing eviction or utility shutoff they MIGHT expedite your appeal hearing. I did this and got my hearing in 2 weeks instead of the usual 6-8. Worth a shot!

Appeals typically take 30-90 days from filing to resolution, depending on current caseload and the complexity of your case. The key steps are: 1. File the appeal form (DE 1000M) within 30 days of receiving your disqualification notice 2. Receive acknowledgment letter with your case number 3. Get hearing notice with date/time (usually 3-6 weeks after filing) 4. Attend hearing (prepare evidence beforehand) 5. Receive judge's decision (1-3 weeks after hearing) 6. If approved, payments typically process within 7-14 days For work search related disqualifications, bring documentation of all job search activities - application confirmations, emails to employers, interview invitations, etc. Also bring your EDD notices showing exactly what was required of you. To improve your chances, request a copy of your claim file before the hearing so you can see exactly what EDD is basing their decision on.

I had a similar situation in Feb with a disqualification for "not being available for work" (I had a medical appointment during ONE day and honestly answered the certification question). My timeline: Day 1: Got disqualification notice Day 7: Received appeal form in mail Day 10: Submitted appeal with documentation Day 42: Got hearing notice Day 68: Hearing date Day 84: Received favorable decision Day 91: Money in my account SO MUCH STRESS! The waiting was the worst part. I kept having to borrow money from family. If you have any way to pick up gig work or temporary jobs, do it, because even if you win, it's a LONG wait.

Has any1 here had experience with both an app an a recinsideration? I was going tofile a reconsideration first because i heard it might be faster and less formal but my friend said just go for the appeal because reconsidetation is a waste of time?

My advice: FILE THE APPEAL IMMEDIATELY when you get the form!!! Every day matters. Also, start calling EDD right away about your financial hardship. Sometimes they can do partial payments while your appeal is pending if you're facing eviction or utility shutoffs. And definitely prepare for your hearing like it's a court case - bring ALL documentation, write down what you want to say, dress professionally. I won my appeal because I was super prepared!

I'm going through something similar right now - got disqualified for "insufficient work search" even though I submitted everything they asked for. Reading these timelines is both helpful and terrifying! It sounds like 6-11 weeks is pretty typical, which is rough when you're already struggling financially. I'm definitely going to try calling about a hardship expedite like @Collins Angel suggested. Has anyone had luck with food banks or other emergency assistance programs while waiting for their appeal? I'm trying to figure out how to survive the next couple months without any income coming in.

I'm currently dealing with this exact situation too - got my disqualification notice three days ago for "failure to actively seek work" even though I've been applying to jobs constantly. Reading everyone's timelines here is both helpful and scary! It sounds like most people are looking at 2-3 months minimum from start to finish. I'm already calling around about hardship assistance programs in my area after seeing @Miguel Ramos mention 211 and local resources. Has anyone tried reaching out to their local representatives (city council, state assembly) for help navigating the EDD system? I heard sometimes they have staff who can help expedite cases or at least get you better information about where your case stands. Also wondering if anyone knows whether you can work part-time gig jobs while your appeal is pending without it affecting your case?

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - the EDD appeal process is genuinely one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences. Based on what everyone's shared here, it looks like you're looking at roughly 6-12 weeks total, but the work search disqualifications do tend to move a bit faster than eligibility disputes. A few things that might help while you wait: 1) Definitely call about hardship expedite as @Collins Angel mentioned - having your rent due date as a concrete deadline might help. 2) Start documenting EVERYTHING now - screenshots of job applications, confirmation emails, even the original EDD requirements so you can show exactly what you complied with. 3) Look into emergency rental assistance in your county - many have programs specifically for people in unemployment limbo. 4) Consider gig work if possible - you can still work while appealing and it shows good faith effort. The waiting is brutal but most people with solid documentation do win these appeals. Stay organized, file immediately when you get the form, and don't hesitate to use local resources. You've got this!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - disqualified for "insufficient work search" even though I had been diligently applying to jobs and keeping records. The whole process was incredibly stressful, but I wanted to share some specific things that helped me get through it: Timeline-wise, mine took about 7 weeks total: 1 week to get the appeal form, filed it immediately, got a hearing date 4 weeks later, then 2 more weeks for the decision and payment processing. The key was having EVERYTHING documented - I brought printed copies of every job application, confirmation emails, company websites showing the positions I applied for, and even screenshots of job search websites with timestamps. For immediate financial help while waiting: Contact your local 211 service for emergency resources, check if your utility companies have hardship programs (many will defer payments if you show them the EDD paperwork), and see if your county has emergency rental assistance. I also signed up for food delivery apps to make some money while waiting - you can work during the appeal process as long as you report the earnings. The waiting is absolutely brutal, but work search disqualifications have a pretty high success rate if you have good documentation. Make sure to request your claim file early so you know exactly what EDD is basing their decision on. Hang in there - most people do get through this!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too - just got my disqualification letter yesterday for "inadequate work search documentation" and I'm honestly panicking about the timeline. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I need to prepare for at least 6-8 weeks minimum, which is terrifying since I'm already behind on bills. @Zoe Kyriakidou your breakdown is super helpful - I'm definitely going to start printing out all my job applications and emails right now rather than relying on digital copies. @Collins Angel I'm also going to call about the hardship expedite first thing Monday since my car payment is due next week and I'm already getting late notices on utilities. One thing I'm wondering - has anyone had success getting temporary assistance from family/friends by showing them the EDD paperwork and expected timeline? I'm trying to figure out how to approach asking for help when I can at least give people a realistic timeframe for when I'll be able to pay them back. The uncertainty makes it so much harder to plan or even ask for support. Also going to call 211 tomorrow to see what emergency programs are available in my area. This community has been incredibly helpful - thank you all for sharing your experiences during such a stressful time!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the EDD disqualification stress is absolutely brutal, especially when you're already tight on money. Based on all the timelines people have shared here, it looks like you're realistically looking at 6-11 weeks for the full process, with work search disqualifications potentially being on the faster end of that range. Here's what I'd prioritize immediately: 1) Call about the hardship expedite as soon as you get your appeal form - mention your rent deadline specifically, 2) Start gathering ALL your job search documentation now (screenshots, confirmation emails, application receipts) and print physical copies, 3) Look into emergency rental assistance in your county - many have programs for people in unemployment limbo, 4) Consider signing up for gig work apps to bridge the gap financially. The 211 service that @Miguel Ramos mentioned is clutch for finding local emergency resources, and definitely request your claim file early so you know exactly what EDD is disputing. I know the waiting feels impossible when you're already struggling, but the success rate for work search appeals is pretty good when you have solid documentation. Also don't be afraid to reach out to family/friends with a specific timeline - having concrete examples like the ones shared here makes it easier to ask for temporary help. Hang in there!