Success rate for 2nd level EDD appeals? Desperate after first denial
I'm at my wits' end with EDD. Got disqualified initially after my eligibility interview (was let go due to 'performance issues' but I think it was retaliation for reporting safety violations). I filed my first appeal and just got the decision letter yesterday - DENIED AGAIN! The judge at the hearing barely let me explain my side. I have bills piling up and 4 months of no income now. Has anyone here ever won their case after a second appeal to the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (CUIAB)? What are the chances they actually overturn the ALJ's decision? I'm preparing all my documentation but wondering if it's even worth the effort or if I should just give up and try to find any job I can get ASAP. I'm only asking for the benefits I paid into for 6 years at this company!
22 comments
Zainab Ibrahim
second appeals r super hard 2 win tbh. my cousin tried last yr and got nowhere. they almost never overturn alj decisions unless theres like a MAJOR legal error. might wanna just focus on finding new work
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Miguel Castro
•That's what I was afraid of hearing. Did your cousin have an attorney for the second appeal? I'm wondering if it's worth the money to hire one at this point.
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Connor O'Neill
Don't give up yet! Second-level appeals can definitely be successful, but they're different from first appeals. The CUIAB is looking specifically for legal errors or misapplications of law by the ALJ, not just rehearing your case. You need to focus on how the ALJ misinterpreted evidence or applied the wrong legal standard. I've seen several successful second appeals, especially in cases involving termination for alleged misconduct. Make sure your appeal clearly states which findings of fact or conclusions of law you believe were incorrect and why. If you can't pinpoint specific errors, your chances drop significantly.
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LunarEclipse
•This is totally right. My second appeal worked because I showed the ALJ completely misinterpreted the employer testimony. Got a letter 2 months later saying decision reversed and back payments were coming!
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Yara Khalil
I went through exactly what you're experiencing last year. First appeal denied, felt like the ALJ didn't even listen to me. For my second appeal, I focused specifically on how the judge misapplied the law regarding burden of proof - employers have to PROVE misconduct, not just claim it. The key things that helped me win: 1. I highlighted specific testimony that contradicted the ALJ's findings 2. I cited previous CUIAB precedent decisions (you can find them online) 3. I kept it factual and unemotional It took almost 3 months but they reversed the decision! Don't listen to people saying it's impossible. If you were fired for "performance" without proper warnings or documentation, EDD should be siding with you.
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Miguel Castro
•This gives me hope! My situation is similar - they claimed "performance issues" but never gave me any written warnings or improvement plans. I'll definitely look up those precedent decisions. Did you have to attend another hearing for the second appeal?
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Keisha Brown
second appeals are RIGGED!!! entire system is designed to wear u down until u give up!!! ive been fighting edd for 9 MONTHS and they keep making "mistakes" on my claim. even if u win theyll find another reason to deny u trust me
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Paolo Esposito
•While I understand your frustration, I've worked with many claimants who successfully navigated the appeals process. The system isn't perfect, but it's not deliberately rigged against you. Each case is different based on specific circumstances and evidence presented.
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Amina Toure
Just wanted to say whatever you do, make sure you're filing that second appeal within 30 days of receiving the ALJ decision! That deadline is super strict. I missed mine by 2 days and they wouldn't even consider my case no matter how much I begged. Good luck!
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Miguel Castro
•Thanks for the reminder! The letter says I have 30 days, and I'm definitely not going to miss that deadline. I'm actually working on the appeal form today.
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Connor O'Neill
Have you tried reaching an EDD rep to discuss your case? Sometimes they can provide insights about what specifically led to the denial that might help with your second appeal strategy. Calling early in the morning is your best bet, though it can still be frustrating.
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Paolo Esposito
•This is where Claimyr has been helping a lot of people get through. I was in a similar situation last month and couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks. Found this service at claimyr.com that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with explained exactly which part of my testimony contradicted my employer's statement, which helped me focus my second appeal. Definitely worth it when you're fighting for thousands in benefits.
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LunarEclipse
my neighbor's son won his 2nd appeal but he had witnesses + emails proving his boss was lying. do u have any documents that support ur side??
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Miguel Castro
•I have some emails where my supervisor actually praised my work about 2 weeks before I was fired. Also have texts from coworkers about the safety issues I reported. Not sure if that's enough though.
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Yara Khalil
Based on your situation, I'd recommend focusing your second appeal on these specific legal arguments: 1. The ALJ failed to properly apply the "burden of proof" standard - the employer must prove misconduct, not just allege it 2. Progressive discipline is normally required for performance-based terminations to be disqualifying for UI 3. If your termination was retaliatory for reporting safety violations, cite Labor Code § 1102.5 which prohibits retaliation against whistleblowers Those emails praising your work just before firing you are GOLD for your case. Make sure to highlight the contradiction between that and their claim of ongoing performance issues. I won my second appeal and received about $14,500 in retroactive benefits. It was absolutely worth the fight.
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Miguel Castro
•Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I hadn't thought about the progressive discipline angle, but you're right - they never gave me any formal warnings. I'm going to structure my appeal exactly like you suggested. Really appreciate you taking the time to help.
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Zainab Ibrahim
not to be that person but have u tried looking 4 new work while waiting?? appeals take 4ever and even if u win the backpay might not come for months
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LunarEclipse
•this!!! i won my appeal but still waited 8 weeks for payment after decision! gotta have plan B
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Paolo Esposito
I help people with EDD appeals regularly, and second-level appeals definitely can succeed, but they're more technical than first appeals. The CUIAB is looking for legal errors, not just rehearing your case. Some key statistics to be aware of: - About 15-20% of second appeals result in a reversal or remand - Appeals with specific legal arguments fare much better than general complaints - Cases involving termination for alleged performance issues have better success rates than misconduct cases If you can afford it, this might be a good time to consult with an employment attorney. Many offer free consultations and can quickly tell you if your case has merit for a second appeal.
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Miguel Castro
•Thank you for the statistics - that's actually more encouraging than I expected. I'll definitely look into a free consultation with an attorney. Any suggestions on how to find one who specializes in EDD appeals specifically?
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LunarEclipse
update us after u file ur appeal!! im curious how this turns out
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Miguel Castro
•I definitely will! I'm working on the appeal form now using all the advice from this thread. Going to submit it by the end of the week.
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