EDD denied benefits after quitting due to sexual harassment - appeal worth it?

ABSOLUTELY FILE THE APPEAL!! Don't let EDD get away with this! I had almost the same situation last year (though it was my department manager, not the owner). EDD denied me too saying I 'voluntarily quit without good cause' which is COMPLETE BS when you're dealing with harassment. I appealed and WON after the hearing. The judge understood that harassment creates an impossible work environment. Just make sure you document EVERYTHING - dates you spoke with HR, copy of any emails, names of witnesses, etc. The appeal hearing took about 9 weeks to get scheduled in my case, but I got backpay for everything once I won.

You definitely should appeal. Sexual harassment is considered "good cause" to quit under EDD regulations, but you need to prove two things: 1) the harassment occurred, and 2) you took reasonable steps to preserve your employment. In your case, reporting to HR counts as trying to preserve employment, especially since the harasser was the owner. The appeal process typically takes 5-12 weeks to get a hearing scheduled. Then another 1-2 weeks to get the decision after the hearing. Make sure you gather any evidence - text messages, emails, witness statements, documentation of your HR complaint, etc.

you should start looking 4 a new job instead of waiting for edd... my cousin waited 3 months for appeal and still got denied. waste of time imo

Omg I'm so sorry this happened to you! No one should have to deal with harassment at work! I had to fight with EDD too but for a different reason (they said I didn't report some income but I totally did). The whole system is so frustrating! Sending you positive vibes! ✨

I'm a former EDD appeals specialist, and I can tell you that harassment cases often get denied initially but have a good chance on appeal if properly presented. In California, sexual harassment constitutes good cause for leaving employment, but the burden of proof is on you. During your appeal, you'll need to: 1. Explain the specific incidents of harassment with dates 2. Document your attempts to resolve the issue (HR complaint) 3. Explain why continuing employment was not reasonable (direct report to harasser) YES, continue to certify for benefits every two weeks while waiting for your appeal! If you win, you'll only get paid for weeks you certified. Appeals are currently taking 8-12 weeks to be scheduled in most offices. You should definitely appeal within the 30-day deadline. Make sure to clearly state "I disagree with the determination because I had good cause to leave my employment due to sexual harassment, and I made reasonable efforts to preserve my employment by reporting to HR."

I had a similar issue but it was workplace bullying not harassment. I couldn't get thru to EDD for WEEKS trying to explain my side. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in under 15 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The rep I finally talked to helped me understand exactly what I needed for my appeal and now I'm just waiting for my hearing date.

This happend to me too!!! EDD always denys claims first hoping people will just give up n not appeal. it took me almost 3 months to get a hearing but i got ALL my backpay after i won. I didnt have a lawyer either, just told the judge exactly what happened. document EVERYTHING and make sure u have ur timeline strait before the hearing. the judge will ask u alot of detailed questions about each incident and reporting. btw u can get a free consult with legal aid if ur low income they helped me prepare

Thanks everyone for the advice and support. I'm definitely going to file the appeal before the deadline. I've started gathering all my evidence - I have emails to HR, text messages from my boss that clearly cross the line, and a couple coworkers willing to provide statements. I'll keep certifying for benefits while waiting for the hearing. I might try that Claimyr service too since I've been struggling to get anyone on the phone. This whole process is so stressful on top of job hunting, but hearing success stories gives me hope!

Quick question - has anyone done one of these appeal hearings by phone vs. in person? Is one better than the other? My friend said phone is easier but idk