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Chloe Wilson

How to get EDD appeal hearing case file copy before upcoming hearing?

My husband got disqualified from benefits after his phone interview last month and we filed an appeal right away. His hearing is scheduled for April 7th, 2025 (just got the notice yesterday). Someone told us we should request a copy of his 'case file' before the hearing to see what evidence EDD is using against him. How exactly do we do this? Do we call the Appeals office directly or is there a form we need to fill out? The notice has a phone number but of course nobody answers when we call. We're really stressed because he was let go after 12 years at his company and they're claiming misconduct but it was definitely a layoff situation. Any advice from someone who's been through this process would be super helpful!

Diego Mendoza

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You absolutely need to get that case file! Call the Office of Appeals directly using the number on your hearing notice. You need to specifically ask for a copy of the 'appeal file' or 'case file' - be very clear about that. If nobody answers (which is unfortunately common), keep calling periodically throughout the day. Also send a written request via email or fax to the specific Appeals office handling your case - the email/fax should be on your hearing notice. Make sure to include your husband's name, SSN, case/appeal number, and hearing date in all communications. The case file will contain all the evidence EDD is using, including any employer statements claiming misconduct, which will be crucial for preparing your defense.

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Chloe Wilson

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Thank you so much! I'll start calling them first thing tomorrow morning. Do you know how long it usually takes to get the file once we request it? His hearing is only 2 weeks away and I'm worried we won't have enough time to prepare.

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i had my appeal last year. you gotta submit form DE 6313 Request for Copy of Appeal File. they should hav sent it with your hearing notice but if not u can download from EDD website. they usually take up to 10 days to send it so request ASAP!!!!

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Chloe Wilson

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Oh no, I didn't see any form like that with the notice! I'll look for it online right now. 10 days is cutting it really close to the hearing date. I'm starting to panic a bit.

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StellarSurfer

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When I had my appeal hearing last year the judge was TERRIBLE and totally sided with my employer even though I had proof they were lying!!! The whole EDD appeal system is rigged I swear. They'll claim they sent you forms but half the time they don't even mail them. And good luck getting through on those phone numbers - I tried for WEEKS and never got a human on the line. The appeals office is just as bad as regular EDD with their phones. Your best bet is to physically go to the appeal office if possible.

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Diego Mendoza

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While frustration with the system is understandable, appeals judges are typically neutral and follow the law. The key is being well-prepared with documentation that counters the employer's claims. The hearing outcome depends heavily on evidence and testimony quality rather than any systemic bias. I'd recommend focusing energy on case preparation rather than assuming a negative outcome.

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Sean Kelly

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After dealing with EDD's phone issues for weeks trying to reach someone about my appeal hearing last month, I finally tried Claimyr and got through to an actual EDD appeals rep in under 20 minutes! It was such a relief after all that frustration. Their system connects you directly to EDD without having to redial constantly. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their demo video (https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km). It made getting my case file so much easier - definitely worth considering if you're running out of time before your hearing.

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Chloe Wilson

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I've never heard of that service before! At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything that might help us get through. Was it complicated to use? We're not super tech savvy but we need to get this file ASAP.

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Sean Kelly

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Not complicated at all! It basically calls EDD for you and then connects your phone when it gets through to a rep. Saved me days of frustration. Just make sure you have your husband's claim info ready when you get connected.

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Zara Malik

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I'm an administrative law specialist, and I can provide some clarification here. In California, you have the legal right to examine your appeal file before the hearing. Here's the proper procedure: 1. Submit a written request to the Office of Appeals handling your case 2. Include your appeal case number, claimant name, and hearing date 3. Specify that you're requesting the complete appeal file pursuant to California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 1952 They legally must provide this upon request. If you're running short on time before the hearing, you can also request a continuance (postponement) specifically because you need time to review the case file. The judge will typically grant this request as it relates to due process rights. Also, for a misconduct case, make sure you understand that the burden of proof is on the employer to prove misconduct, not on your husband to disprove it. This is a critical legal distinction that can help your case.

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Chloe Wilson

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Thank you so much for this detailed information! I didn't know about citing that specific code section or that we could request a postponement if needed. That makes me feel a bit better. And I had no idea the burden of proof was on the employer - that's really good to know.

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Luca Greco

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my cosin had similar situation got denied for miscondut but it was really a layoff. they waited till last minute to send his case file so be persistant!!! he won his appeal btw because he printed out all his positive reviews and performance stuff to prove the employer was lying about misconduct. bring lots of documentation!!!!

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Chloe Wilson

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That's actually really helpful to know! My husband does have copies of his performance reviews which were all positive. I'll make sure we gather all of that documentation. I'm glad your cousin won his appeal!

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Nia Thompson

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Just wanted to add that you should prepare a list of questions to ask the employer during the hearing. When they claimed misconduct for my termination, I was able to point out inconsistencies in their story by asking specific questions about their policies and how they were applied. The judge actually complimented me on my preparation. Also, dress professionally and speak clearly - first impressions matter a lot in these hearings. And don't forget to ask for a copy of the recording afterward so you have it in case you need to appeal to the CUIAB board. Good luck!

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Chloe Wilson

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Thank you for these additional tips! I hadn't thought about preparing questions for the employer or requesting a recording. We'll definitely make sure to dress professionally too. Every bit of advice helps since this is all new territory for us.

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Diego Mendoza

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One last piece of advice - once you get the case file, go through it with a fine-tooth comb. Look for any inconsistencies in the employer's statements, dates that don't match up, or claims that contradict your husband's employment record. During the hearing, be respectful but assertive in pointing these out. Stay organized and stick to relevant facts. Judges appreciate concise, well-organized presentations rather than emotional appeals. If your husband truly was laid off rather than fired for misconduct, focus on presenting the evidence that supports this fact pattern. Best of luck with your hearing!

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Chloe Wilson

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Thank you! We'll definitely create a detailed list of any inconsistencies we find. I'm feeling much more prepared now thanks to everyone's advice. I'll update after the hearing to let you know how it goes!

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