EDD disqualified me after phone interview - need help understanding appeal process
Just had my eligibility interview with EDD yesterday and logged in this morning to find I've been disqualified for weeks 8/03/25 through 8/23/25. No explanation whatsoever! The interviewer seemed totally fine with my answers about my job search efforts and the reason I left my last position (it was a toxic workplace with unreasonable deadlines). I honestly thought everything went well and now this?? Not sure what to do - do I have to pay back benefits for those weeks? How do I even start an appeal? Has anyone dealt with this before? This is my first time on unemployment and I really need these payments to make rent next month. Any advice appreciated!
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Anastasia Kozlov
Don't panic! This happens all the time with EDD. You definitely need to appeal this decision - you have 30 days from the date on the disqualification notice to submit your appeal. Look for the official Notice of Determination letter in your UI Online inbox or watch for it in the mail. It will explain the specific reason for the disqualification and have instructions for appealing. The form you need is called DE 1000M. Fill it out explaining why you believe their decision is incorrect and submit it as soon as possible. During the appeal process, make sure you CONTINUE certifying for benefits every two weeks even though you'll show as disqualified.
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NeonNebula
•Thank you so much for this info! I just checked UI Online again and found the notice - apparently they decided I "voluntarily quit without good cause." Which is ridiculous because I explained the hostile work environment in detail during the interview! Do I need to get statements from former coworkers for the appeal? And will I eventually get paid for these disqualified weeks if I win the appeal?
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Sean Kelly
omg this just happemd to my brother too! he had intervew on monday and got disqualifed on thursday. the whole system is rigged against us if u ask me
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NeonNebula
•Did he end up appealing? Was he successful? I'm trying to figure out if this is worth fighting or if it's a lost cause.
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Zara Mirza
The EDD is notorious for disqualifying people after interviews even when you think it went well. Their standard for "good cause" for quitting is actually pretty strict. For your appeal, you'll need to demonstrate that the work conditions would have negatively affected ANY reasonable person in your position, not just you personally. Collect any documentation you have - emails showing unreasonable demands, texts from supervisors, written warnings that were unfair, etc. If you reported these issues to HR, get those records too. And yes, testimonials from coworkers can help, but written documentation is stronger. Appeals can take 3-6 months to resolve but if you win, you'll get all back pay for the disqualified weeks.
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Luca Russo
•This is all correct advice. I went through this exact situation last year. My advice: document EVERYTHING, be extremely specific about the hostile conditions in your appeal, and cite California unemployment code if possible. In CA, things like excessive workload, harassment, unsafe working conditions, or significant changes to job duties can qualify as good cause for quitting. The burden of proof is on you though.
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Nia Harris
Get ready for a NIGHTMARE with the appeals process! I got disqualified after my interview and it took 5 MONTHS to get a hearing date. Then they scheduled it when I was out of town so I had to beg for a reschedule. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!!! They don't even answer their phones when you call with questions about the appeal status!!!
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GalaxyGazer
•this is why I tell everyone to just take any job u can find even if it pays less... EDD is a headach not worth the stress tbh
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Anastasia Kozlov
If you need to speak with an EDD representative about your disqualification or appeal status (which I recommend), try using Claimyr. I was getting that "maximum callers reached" message for weeks until I found their service. They'll secure your place in the EDD call queue and call you back when an agent is available. Check their demo video here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website at claimyr.com. It saved me hours of frustration when I was dealing with my own disqualification issue.
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NeonNebula
•Thank you for this suggestion! I've been trying to call EDD all morning and can't get through. I'll check out that service - at this point I'm desperate to speak with someone who can explain exactly what I need for the appeal.
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Mateo Sanchez
Went thru this last year & won my appeal. Make sure u are SUPER specific in ur reasons for leaving. "Toxic workplace" isn't enough - u need details like "supervisor screamed at me in front of customers on 3/15/25" or "required to work 65 hrs/week with no overtime pay". Also the judge will ask if u tried to solve the problems before quitting. They want to see that u really had no choice but to leave.
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NeonNebula
•This is so helpful! I did mention specific incidents during my interview but maybe not clearly enough. I definitely tried resolving things with HR first - I have emails showing I reported my manager three separate times. I'll make sure to include all of this in my appeal.
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GalaxyGazer
what happens if you lose the appeal? do u have to pay everything back?
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Anastasia Kozlov
•If you lose the appeal and you've already received benefits for the disqualified weeks, then yes, those would become an overpayment that you'd need to repay. However, you can request an overpayment waiver if repayment would cause financial hardship. Also, there's a second level of appeal to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board if you lose the first appeal.
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Sean Kelly
i got disqualifyd too but for different reason. they said i didn't provide enough work search proof but i TOLD the interviewer i applied to like 20 jobs! the whole system is broken lol
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Zara Mirza
•Work search disqualifications are actually different from voluntary quit disqualifications. For work search issues, you need to show specific documentation of your job applications. For voluntary quit cases like the original poster's situation, you need to prove good cause for leaving. Two completely different appeal strategies.
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Luca Russo
One important tip: The appeal hearing will be conducted by an Administrative Law Judge. It's formal and under oath. You'll want to practice explaining your case clearly and concisely. Focus on the facts that show you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. It's very much like preparing for court. Bring at least three copies of all your documentation (one for you, one for the judge, one for the EDD representative). And be prepared for the EDD to have a representative there arguing against you - this surprised me at my hearing. They might even have your former employer participate.
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NeonNebula
•Oh wow, I had no idea it was that formal. This is making me really nervous. Is it worth hiring a lawyer for this? Or is that overkill? I'm worried about saying the wrong thing and losing my case.
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Zara Mirza
Most people successfully handle EDD appeals without an attorney. The judges are used to claimants representing themselves. That said, if your case is particularly complex or if you're uncomfortable speaking in these settings, there are legal aid organizations that can help at low or no cost. Check out the Legal Aid Foundation or workers' rights clinics in your area. The most important thing is being organized, having your evidence ready, and clearly explaining why the work environment was so intolerable that any reasonable person would have quit.
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NeonNebula
•Thank you so much for all this advice. I'm going to start gathering everything today and submit my appeal by the end of the week. I really appreciate everyone's help with navigating this process!
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