First EDD Appeal Hearing scheduled - what should I expect?

been thru one last year. not as scary as it sounds. just bring proof you didnt quit willingly. they record everything so speak clearly. judge was ok but very serious no joking around.

I went through an appeal hearing in January and can share my experience. The hearing is conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and is somewhat formal, but not like a courtroom drama. It's usually over the phone these days, and lasts about 30-45 minutes. Here's what to prepare: 1. Write a clear timeline of events leading to your separation 2. Gather any evidence showing you were laid off (emails, texts, performance reviews) 3. Prepare to explain why the employer might claim you quit 4. Have names and contact info for any witnesses who can verify your version You don't necessarily need a lawyer, but if the financial stakes are high, it might be worth it. The judge will give both sides time to present their case and ask questions. Be honest, stick to facts, and avoid emotional arguments. The decision usually comes within 1-3 weeks by mail. Good luck!

I HAD THE WORST EXPERIENCE WITH MY APPEAL!!!! The "judge" was TOTALLY biased and barely let me speak. My employer straight up LIED about everything and the EDD just believed them with ZERO proof. The whole system is RIGGED against workers!!! Don't expect fairness because you WON'T get it. I lost my appeal even with DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE of being laid off. Been fighting for 5 months to get my benefits!!!

I represented claimants at EDD appeals for several years, and I can tell you these hearings are definitely manageable without an attorney, though representation can help in complex cases. A few tips: - Be prepared to clearly explain why you did NOT quit voluntarily - Focus on the specific circumstances of your separation (who said what, when, in what context) - If your employer used terms like "restructuring" instead of "layoff," make sure to emphasize that distinction - Bring any documentation showing the employer initiated the separation - Answer questions directly and concisely In my experience, most ALJs try to be fair, though they do vary in temperament. Decisions typically come within 10-14 days. The success rate for claimants is higher than most people realize, especially when the employer doesn't show up (which happens frequently).

my cousin had an appeal and won it because she just told the truth. the most important thing is to be honest cuz they can tell when ur making stuff up. also dont interrupt the judge they hate that lol. good luck!!!!

I found myself in your exact situation last fall. My employer called it a "position elimination" but EDD initially disqualified me claiming I quit. The appeal process was frustrating because I couldn't get anyone at EDD to answer my questions before the hearing. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual EDD representative who explained what documentation would help my case. Their service connected me to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Talking to an actual EDD rep before my hearing made a huge difference - they explained exactly what the judge would be looking for regarding "voluntary quit" vs. layoff situations. I won my appeal and got all my backpay within two weeks of the hearing.

The key thing in these hearings is understanding the burden of proof. For voluntary quit cases, the employer has to prove YOU quit. If they claim it was a "restructuring" but it was actually a layoff, they need to show evidence you chose to leave. Make sure to use the phrase "I did not voluntarily quit" several times during your testimony. Also don't stress too much about the format - I was super nervous but the judge walked me through everything step by step. Just remember to say "yes" instead of nodding since it's recorded. One mistake I made: I rambled too much. Keep your answers focused on the specific question. And definitely dial in 5 mins early - my hearing started exactly on time and they mark you absent if you're not there.

just wondering has anyone ever had their employer not show up to the hearing??? what happens then?

Quick update on my previous comment - I forgot to mention that you should practice your testimony beforehand. The worst thing is to sound uncertain or keep changing your story. If you don't remember something, it's better to say "I don't recall" than to guess. Also, since your case involves the distinction between quitting and being laid off due to "restructuring," focus on showing that: 1. You would have continued working if given the choice 2. The decision to end employment came from the employer 3. You had no reasonable alternatives offered The hearing notice should indicate what specific section of the unemployment code is at issue (likely Section 1256). Look up that specific section online to understand exactly what the judge is evaluating.