How long is an EDD phone appeal hearing with kids at home? Need tips ASAP!

EDD appeal hearings typically last 30-45 minutes, but can go up to an hour depending on the complexity of your case and if witnesses are testifying. Since your employer will likely participate to defend their misconduct claim, prepare for the longer end of that range. Some advice for your hearing: - Have all documentation ready (attendance records, communications about your absences, etc) - Be honest but concise when answering questions - Explain that your absences were due to legitimate childcare emergencies, not willful misconduct - Practice your opening statement explaining your side - Address the judge as "Judge" or "Your Honor" As for your daughter, try to: - Set up a special activity that only comes out during the call - If possible, have snacks prepared in advance - Let the judge know at the beginning that you have your child with you due to lack of childcare - If disruption happens, briefly apologize but stay focused Good luck! The judges understand life circumstances.

i had my appeal last month took like 20min super easy dont stress they just ask basic questions

When my appeal hearing happened in February, I explained to the judge at the beginning that I had my kids at home and might have interruptions. She was surprisingly understanding! The hearing lasted about 35 minutes. I prepared a few special toys and a tablet with headphones for my 4-year-old, which helped a lot. One thing nobody told me: have a notepad ready to write down important points. Sometimes the judge speaks quickly, and you'll want to address specific issues they raise. Also, don't interrupt when others are speaking - I made that mistake and the judge reminded me to wait my turn. Something else that might help - I bought some modeling clay the night before and kept it hidden until the call started. The novelty of a new toy bought me precious minutes of quiet!

Hey there! If you're struggling to get through to EDD to possibly reschedule or ask questions about your hearing, I highly recommend trying Claimyr. It helped me bypass the busy signals when I needed to speak with someone before my appeal. They connected me with an EDD agent in about 15 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. For me, talking to an actual EDD representative before my hearing helped me feel much more prepared. As for the hearing itself, mine lasted about 40 minutes. The judge asked me to describe the situation, then asked my former employer questions, and then gave me a chance to respond. Be very specific about those childcare emergencies - dates, what happened, who you notified at work, etc. The more specific details, the better your case.

Call ur lokl library!! I did this for my EDD hearing and they let me use a private study room for free!! that way kid can be with someone else or even in main library area if theirs someone to watch them and u get total quiet for call. just bring ID and ask for study room and explain its for important call. My hearing was 55 min but my case was complicated.

One last tip: at the beginning of your appeal hearing, make sure to ask the judge if you can give an opening statement before testimony begins. Some judges will automatically invite this, but others won't unless you ask. This gives you a chance to frame your case from the start. Your opening statement should be brief (1-2 minutes) and cover these key points: - You had a good work record before the incidents in question - Your absences/leavings were due to genuine childcare emergencies (give specific examples) - You communicated these emergencies to your employer each time - Your actions don't constitute misconduct because they weren't willful disregard of your employer's interests And don't worry too much about your daughter making noise - judges who handle unemployment appeals are used to real-life situations. Just apologize briefly if it happens and continue with your testimony.

I went through this EXACT situation last year. Had my 4-year-old during my phone hearing and was terrified he'd ruin everything. Judge ended up being a complete jerk about it! Kept sighing loudly whenever my son made any noise in the background. My hearing lasted almost TWO HOURS because my employer brought in three witnesses! No one warns you about that possibility! My advice? RECORD THE CALL if your state allows one-party consent recording. The judge on my case made really inappropriate comments about working mothers that I wish I had documented for an appeal. Also, don't let them rush you or cut you off - I was too intimidated to fully explain my side and regretted it. Oh and DEFINITELY mention you were fired for childcare issues AND now have childcare issues for the hearing. Points out the consistent problem perfectly!

got my benefits after appeal but took foreverrrr almost 2 months after hearing to get first payment

UPDATE: I had my hearing yesterday and wanted to follow up! It lasted about 50 minutes. I used several of your suggestions: 1. I explained my childcare situation at the beginning 2. I brought new coloring books and quiet toys which worked for about 30 minutes 3. I used the library study room suggestion!! This was a LIFESAVER because when my daughter got fussy, I was able to step outside the room briefly where my friend could watch her in the main area while I finished testifying The judge was actually very understanding about my situation. My employer tried to argue that my childcare emergencies weren't valid reasons for leaving early, and the judge specifically asked them about their flexibility policies for parents, which made them look pretty bad! Now I just have to wait for the decision. Thank you all so much for your help - I felt so much more prepared!