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No response to EDD appeal after a month - normal wait time?

I submitted my EDD appeal forms by certified mail exactly 30 days ago after getting disqualified for supposedly 'refusing suitable work' (which I absolutely did NOT). The tracking shows the appeal was delivered, but I haven't heard a single thing back from EDD. No acknowledgment letter, no hearing date, nothing at all. My bills are piling up and I'm getting really worried. Is this normal? How long should I expect to wait before I hear something? And what exactly will I receive next - a letter, email, or phone call? Starting to feel like they're just ignoring my appeal...

Paolo Conti

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its gonna take WAY longer than u think lol. i waited like 3 months jst to get the letter saying they got my appeal. then another month for the hearing date. EDD is crazy slow w/ appeals rn

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Keisha Williams

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3 MONTHS just to acknowledge they received it?? Omg that's insane... did you do anything during that waiting time? Call them or anything?

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Amina Diallo

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The normal timeframe for an appeal acknowledgment is 3-5 weeks, but it can definitely take longer depending on their current workload. When they do respond, you'll receive an official letter acknowledging your appeal has been received and entered into their system. Later, you'll get another letter with your scheduled hearing date. You might want to call the Appeals Division directly at (800) 300-5616 to confirm they received your appeal. Be prepared to wait though - their phone lines are notoriously backed up.

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Keisha Williams

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Thank you! I'll try calling them tomorrow. Really hoping I don't have to wait 3 months like the other person said!

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Oliver Schulz

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You should've done the appeal online through UI Online instead of mailing it. I did mine online and got an acknowledgment email within 2 weeks. Paper mail always takes forever with them.

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This isn't always true. I filed my appeal online 6 weeks ago and STILL haven't heard anything. The system is just overwhelmed in general right now.

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AstroAdventurer

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I work as an unemployment advocate, and here's what you need to know: EDD appeals are currently taking 4-6 weeks just for initial processing. After that, expect another 6-8 weeks before a hearing date is scheduled. The entire process from filing to resolution typically takes 3-4 months. Meanwhile, here's what you should do: 1. Call the Appeals Division directly to confirm receipt (not the regular EDD number) 2. Submit a follow-up letter referencing your original appeal date 3. Gather all documentation for your case that proves you didn't refuse suitable work 4. Keep certifying for benefits every two weeks, even while waiting When you do get a hearing date, you'll receive a formal Notice of Hearing by mail with the date, time, and whether it will be phone or in-person.

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Keisha Williams

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This is incredibly helpful, thank you! Should I continue certifying even though I'm getting $0 payments due to the disqualification? And what type of documentation would help prove I didn't refuse work?

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Javier Mendoza

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THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!! I waited FIVE MONTHS for my appeal hearing last year and then they had the nerve to reschedule it at the last minute!!!! EDD is literally designed to make people give up. They hope you'll just go away if they ignore you long enough. KEEP CALLING THEM EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!

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Calm down, not everyone has this experience. My appeal only took about 2 months total and the judge was actually really fair.

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Emma Wilson

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I was in the exact same situation last month with my appeal for a false statement disqualification. I was going crazy trying to get through on the regular EDD number with no luck - always got the 'too many callers' message. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an agent who confirmed my appeal was in the system but still waiting to be scheduled. Their service connects you with an EDD rep without having to spend hours redialing. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. At least I got peace of mind knowing my appeal hadn't been lost in their system.

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Keisha Williams

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Thanks for this! I've been trying to call for two days with no luck. I'll check out that service - just need to know if they even have my appeal on file at this point.

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Amina Diallo

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One more thing - when you do get your hearing scheduled, make sure to prepare thoroughly. Appeals judges look for specific evidence. For a 'refusing suitable work' disqualification, you'll want: 1. Any written communication between you and the employer 2. Documentation of why the work wasn't suitable (pay rate, hours, location, etc.) 3. Your own written timeline of events 4. Any witnesses who can testify about your situation The success rate for appeals increases dramatically with proper preparation.

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Keisha Williams

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This is gold! I actually have emails showing the job was 65 miles from my home with no remote option, and it paid 40% less than my previous position. Would that qualify as 'not suitable'?

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Amina Diallo

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Absolutely! Distance over 25 miles and significant pay reduction are both factors that can make an offer 'not suitable' under EDD guidelines. Print those emails and have them ready - they'll be crucial evidence at your hearing.

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Paolo Conti

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my freind got his appeal approved after like 5 months and they gave him all the backpay at once. was like $12k or something crazy. just saying hang in there it might be worth it in the end

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Keisha Williams

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That would be amazing if that happens for me too. I'm owed about $8500 so far if they approve my appeal. Fingers crossed!

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