Fastest way to get copy of EDD denial letter for appeal deadline?
I got disqualified from benefits last week but can't find my denial letter anywhere. I know I only have 30 days to appeal but I need the actual letter to reference the reason they denied me. UI Online just shows 'disqualified' under payment status but doesn't have any documents. I checked my email and mail multiple times. Called EDD about 20 times today and can't get through to anyone. Does anyone know the fastest way to get another copy of my denial letter? The appeal deadline is coming up fast and I'm starting to panic!
25 comments


Joshua Hellan
same happened to me check ur junk mail folder thats where mine was
0 coins
Olivia Kay
•Already checked spam and junk folders. Nothing there. Did you try anything else?
0 coins
Jibriel Kohn
The fastest way to get your denial letter is to log into UI Online, go to 'History' and then scroll down to the 'Notices' section. All your EDD correspondence should be there, including determination notices. If it's not there, you can try requesting a duplicate through the Contact EDD function in UI Online under 'Ask EDD' - select 'Where is my notification/form' as the reason.
0 coins
Olivia Kay
•Thank you! I checked the Notices section again but there's nothing recent there. The last document is from two months ago. I'll try the Ask EDD option, but does anyone know how long that usually takes? My appeal deadline might pass before they respond.
0 coins
Edison Estevez
EDD is TERRIBLE about this!!! It's like they WANT you to miss the appeal deadline by hiding these documents!!! I went through this nightmare last year and ended up having to file an appeal without the letter. You can download a blank appeal form (DE 1000M) from the EDD website. Fill it out with whatever info you remember about why they denied you. The important part is getting it submitted before the 30 days!!! Then you can explain to the judge that you never received proper notice. BTW - check your mailbox CAREFULLY. They sometimes send it in those envelopes that look like junk mail.
0 coins
Olivia Kay
•Thank you for this advice! I didn't know I could file an appeal without the actual letter. At least that gives me a backup plan if I can't get the document in time. I double-checked our mail pile and still nothing EDD-related.
0 coins
Emily Nguyen-Smith
After spending weeks trying to reach EDD about my missing documents, I finally used Claimyr to get through to an agent. It was seriously the fastest way to solve document issues. The agent was able to resend my determination notice right away and explained why I was disqualified. Worth checking out their demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km or their website claimyr.com - they get you connected to an actual EDD rep instead of dealing with the constant busy signals.
0 coins
James Johnson
•Does this actually work? I've been trying to get a hold of a human at EDD for 2 weeks now smh
0 coins
Sophia Rodriguez
i had something similar happen where i never got the letter they said they sent. went to the actual edd office in person and they printed everything out for me right there. brought my id and claim number. if theres an office near you might be fastest option tbh
0 coins
Olivia Kay
•That's brilliant! I didn't even think about going in person. There's an office about 30 minutes from me. Do you know if I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
0 coins
Sophia Rodriguez
•i just walked in but had to wait like 2 hrs. might depend on ur local office tho. bring something to do while waiting lol
0 coins
Mia Green
The reason you can't see your disqualification notice online might be related to how EDD issues certain determinations. Not all notices are uploaded to UI Online immediately, especially eligibility determinations that result in disqualification. Here's what you should do in this order: 1. First, request a duplicate through UI Online's Contact EDD/Ask EDD option as someone suggested 2. If you can't wait, call the Appeals office directly at 1-800-300-5616. Select the option for appeals specifically when prompted. They're often less busy than regular claims reps 3. Go in person to an EDD office with your ID and claim number (bring a printed copy of your UI Online homepage showing the disqualification if possible) 4. If all else fails, file the appeal form (DE 1000M) without the letter. In Section B, write: "I was disqualified but never received proper notice detailing the reason. I am appealing to protect my right to challenge this determination pending receipt of proper documentation." The 30-day appeal deadline is very strict, so prioritize filing something over waiting for the perfect documentation.
0 coins
Olivia Kay
•Thank you for such detailed instructions! I'll start with the Appeals office phone number today, then visit the office tomorrow if that doesn't work. Having a clear plan makes me feel much better about this whole situation.
0 coins
James Johnson
my cousin works for edd and says they having system issues with notices right now! lots of people not getting them on time FYI
0 coins
Olivia Kay
UPDATE: I was able to get my denial letter! I ended up using Claimyr to get through to EDD after trying the regular number all morning with no luck. The rep immediately saw the problem - they had sent the determination to my old address even though I updated it months ago in the system. She emailed me a copy of the letter right while I was on the phone with her. Now I can properly prepare my appeal with the correct info. Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Mia Green
•Great news! Make sure you file your appeal with form DE 1000M before the deadline (30 days from the date printed on the determination notice, not from when you received it). Include any supporting documentation that addresses their specific reason for disqualification. Good luck with your appeal!
0 coins
Tate Jensen
So glad you got it sorted out! The address issue is super common - EDD's system seems to have trouble keeping updated addresses synced across all their departments. For anyone else dealing with this, it's worth double-checking that your address is updated in ALL sections of UI Online, not just the main profile. Sometimes the mailing address for notices is stored separately from your general contact info. Also keep screenshots of your address updates as proof in case this happens again!
0 coins
Alina Rosenthal
•This is such helpful advice! I never would have thought to check if the mailing address was separate from the main profile address. That could explain so many missing documents. Taking screenshots is genius too - I've learned the hard way that EDD systems can be unreliable and having proof of what you submitted can save you later. Thanks for sharing this tip!
0 coins
Yuki Tanaka
This thread is a perfect example of why EDD's communication system is so frustrating! I had a similar issue last month where my determination notice was sent to an address I hadn't lived at in over a year, even though I had updated my address multiple times. What worked for me was actually calling the Disability Insurance (DI) number instead of the regular UI line - sometimes they can transfer you to someone who can access your file and resend documents immediately. The DI number is 1-800-480-3287. It's not widely known but the reps there often have better system access. Also, when you do get your appeal filed, make sure to request a phone hearing rather than in-person if given the option - they're usually scheduled much faster!
0 coins
Sophia Carter
•Wow, the DI number tip is amazing! I never knew they could help with UI issues too. That's such a clever workaround when the main lines are completely jammed. And you're absolutely right about requesting phone hearings - I've heard they can schedule those weeks faster than in-person appointments. This whole thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding all the different ways to navigate EDD's system when things go wrong. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and solutions!
0 coins
Chloe Robinson
Another option that saved me when I was in a similar situation - try contacting your local Assembly member or State Senator's office. They have constituent services staff who can often get EDD to respond much faster than normal channels. I called my Assembly member's office explaining I couldn't get my denial letter and had an approaching appeal deadline, and they had EDD email me the document within 2 business days. Most offices have online forms where you can submit these requests too. It's a free service and they deal with EDD issues all the time, so they know exactly how to escalate these problems. Just search "[your city] assembly member" or check the CA legislature website to find your representatives!
0 coins
Nick Kravitz
•This is such a great tip! I had no idea that Assembly members could help with EDD issues. It makes perfect sense though - they probably deal with these problems constantly since EDD's customer service is so overwhelmed. Having a government office advocate for you would definitely get faster results than being stuck in phone queues for hours. I'm bookmarking this advice for future reference. Thanks for sharing this resource - it could really help people who are running out of time on their appeal deadlines!
0 coins
Jabari-Jo
Just want to add that if you're still having trouble getting through to EDD, try calling right at 8:00 AM when the lines open - literally have your phone dialing at 7:59:59 AM. I've had better luck getting through in the first 15 minutes than any other time of day. Also, if you do end up filing your appeal without the original letter, make sure to write down EVERYTHING you remember about your claim - dates, reasons you think they might have disqualified you, any communications you had with EDD, etc. The more detailed information you can provide, the better your chances at the hearing. And definitely keep calling to try to get that letter even after you file the appeal - you can always submit it as additional evidence later!
0 coins
Benjamin Johnson
•The 8 AM calling strategy is spot on! I've noticed the same thing - those first few minutes after the lines open are crucial. Also really good point about documenting everything you can remember. Even if you can't recall exact details, writing down timeline of events, any emails or letters you did receive, and your work history can all be helpful evidence. I'd also suggest taking screenshots of your UI Online account showing the disqualification status in case that information changes or disappears later. EDD's systems can be glitchy and having that proof of what you saw when can be important for your case.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and it was incredibly stressful! One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you have any family members or friends who work in government or legal fields, they might be able to help you navigate this faster. My sister works as a paralegal and she knew to check something called the "Notice of Computation" in addition to the determination letter. Apparently EDD sometimes issues multiple documents for disqualifications and they don't always show up in the same place online. Also, when you do file your appeal, consider including a statement about how the lack of proper notice has prejudiced your ability to prepare a defense. Administrative law judges take notice issues seriously since due process requires adequate notification. Don't give up - the system is frustrating but there are people who genuinely want to help you get through this!
0 coins