Need to reschedule EDD appeal hearing - can't make 10am Thursday & partner doesn't know how

The number you need to call is (800) 300-5616 for the main EDD line, BUT you'll want to specifically ask for the Appeals Division. They're actually a separate office that handles all the hearings. You typically need to give at least 7 days notice for rescheduling, so I'd call ASAP. Have the appeal case number ready (should be on the hearing notice) and explain the work conflict. Be prepared for a long wait time though - the main EDD line is notorious for disconnecting.

omg i had to reschedule mine twice last yr. its a PAIN. good luck getting thru tho

You need to call (800) 300-5616 for the main EDD customer service line, but here's a trick: instead of waiting for them to transfer you to Appeals, you can also directly contact the Office of Appeals at the location listed on your hearing notice. Each office has their own direct line. Look at the hearing papers carefully - there should be a specific Appeals office location (Sacramento, LA, etc.) with their contact info. That's your fastest route. Also, you can request a postponement in writing by faxing or mailing a letter to the Appeals office. Include the appeal case number, current hearing date/time, and the reason for needing to reschedule (work conflict is valid). But honestly, calling is faster at this point since it's only a week away.

i had this exact prob whn they sed i owed $4200 from 2021!! the # is on ur hearing notice at the bottom. make sure u tell them its a WORK CONFLICT cuz that's like the only reason they accept. they dont care about any other excuses trust me

This happened to me last month! I was so stressed but actually rescheduling wasn't that bad. There should be instructions right on the appeal hearing notice for how to request postponement. I think there's even a checkbox section on one of those forms they sent. But definitely call too because mail is slow and they might not process written requests quickly enough. Just to warn you - when I rescheduled mine, they pushed it out 6 weeks! So be prepared that the new date might be a while from now. The whole appeals system is backlogged like crazy since COVID.

I've had to reschedule hearings a few times, and honestly the EDD phone system is absolutely impossible to navigate for this. I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual EDD representative in under 20 minutes instead of calling for days. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km For something time-sensitive like rescheduling a hearing, it's worth considering. The rep I reached immediately transferred me to the Appeals office when I explained my situation. Just make sure your partner has the appeal case number, SSN, and can explain the work conflict clearly.

Just to clarify some information here: The Appeals Board and the ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) hearings are separate entities within EDD. For rescheduling an ALJ hearing (which is likely what you have for an overpayment case), you need to contact the specific office handling your case. Look at page 2 or 3 of your hearing notice packet - there should be a section titled "To Request Postponement" with specific instructions. For urgent situations (less than 7 days notice), they typically require you to call. Some offices now also offer email options for postponement requests. Also important: if your partner absolutely cannot make the hearing and fails to get it rescheduled in time, they should still submit written testimony and any evidence before the hearing date. The judge will at least consider that, even without attendance.

This happened to my roomate last year and he missed the hearing completly!!! They ruled against him automatically and said he owed like $7k. Don't let this happen to ur partner!!!

One more thing I forgot to mention - if you can't get the hearing rescheduled in time, your partner can also request to appear by phone instead of in-person. This might be easier to accommodate with his work schedule if he can just step away for an hour call. There should be instructions for requesting a phone hearing on the notice as well. Many ALJs are still doing most hearings by phone since COVID anyway.

Good news - I just checked and the EDD Appeals Office now has an online portal where you can request postponements! Go to https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Appeals.htm and look for the appeals portal link. You'll need the appeal case number and some personal information to access it. This is much faster than calling or faxing in most cases.

That's such a relief that you got the online portal to work! I just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - make sure to save/screenshot that confirmation page with the reference number. When I used the online portal last year, I didn't save the confirmation and then got paranoid that my request didn't go through. Having that reference number gives you something to reference if you need to follow up. Also, even though they said 24-48 hours, in my experience they usually respond within the first 24 hours if it's submitted during business days. Fingers crossed everything works out for your partner's case!