Finally got EDD appeal hearing date - 4-month wait in San Diego area!

That's actually pretty standard for San Diego right now. I had to wait 5 months for my appeal hearing after being disqualified for allegedly providing false information (which I didn't). The backlog is insane right now. For your hearing preparation, gather ALL documentation related to the job separation - emails, texts, performance reviews, anything that supports your version of events. Also, write out a clear timeline of events and practice explaining your side concisely. The Administrative Law Judges appreciate organized presentations. Make sure to submit any evidence at least 10 days before your hearing date.

OMG SAME BOAT!!! filed my appeal in april and still nothing!!! this is so frustrating!! i keep calling EDD but can never get through and im running out of money. san diego area too. did u get any updates before the actual hearing date letter??

If you need to speak with an EDD representative about your claim status before your appeal hearing (always good to know exactly what you're appealing against), I'd recommend using Claimyr. I was in a similar situation a few months ago and couldn't get through on the regular EDD line for weeks. Claimyr actually got me connected to an EDD agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their site is claimyr.com. It was a lifesaver for me when trying to understand exactly why I was disqualified before my appeal.

My cousin had an appeal in San Diego back in 2023 and his took 6 months to get scheduled! It's been bad there for years. But he won his appeal so hang in there! I think covid made everything worse and they still haven't caught up.

I went through an appeal hearing last year for a similar issue. Here's my advice: 1. Be extremely organized with your documentation. Create a folder with tabs for each relevant point. 2. Write out a script for your opening statement (you'll get to make one). 3. Know exactly which sections of the EDD code apply to your case (the disqualification letter should reference specific sections). 4. Be ready to clearly explain why you didn't actually refuse suitable work. 5. Stay calm and professional even if your former employer makes false statements. The ALJs typically care about facts, not emotions. My hearing was scheduled for 45 minutes but only took 30. I received the decision about two weeks later. I won my appeal and received all my back benefits in one lump sum payment through my Money Network card about 10 days after that.

San Diego resident here too. The CUIAB (California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board) is absolutely swamped right now. I had a hearing in February that took 4.5 months to schedule. The system is especially backed up in our area because they had staff shortages at the San Diego office and were redirecting some cases to Sacramento for a while, which created extra delays. My advice is to continue certifying for benefits each week even while waiting for your appeal. If you win, you'll get all the back pay for those weeks. If you stop certifying, you won't be eligible for those weeks even if you win your appeal.

when i had my appeal last year, my employer didn't even show up!! still got my benefits after like 3 weeks from hearing date. sometimes these companys know there lying and dont want to get caught in there lies lol