One more thing I forgot to mention - if your appeal is taking a long time and you're really struggling financially, consider applying for CalFresh (food stamps) and possibly Cash Aid while you wait. These programs have faster approval processes and can help bridge the gap. When I was waiting for my appeal, CalFresh was a lifesaver for groceries. You can apply online through BenefitsCal website.

I just went through this process and got my decision last month. Filed my appeal in early January and had my hearing in mid-March - so about 10 weeks total. The hearing itself was only about 30 minutes over the phone. The judge was actually pretty fair and asked clear questions about what happened with my employment. I won my case and got my first payment about 2 weeks after the hearing decision. A few tips that helped me: 1) Write down a timeline of exactly what happened with your job loss and keep it handy during the hearing, 2) If you have any emails or texts from your employer about the layoff, screenshot them now before you lose access, 3) Practice explaining your situation out loud so you're not stumbling over words during the hearing. The waiting is definitely stressful but try to stay positive. Most people who were legitimately laid off do win their appeals. And definitely keep certifying every two weeks like others mentioned - that backpay really helps when it finally comes through!

Just wanted to add one more tip from my experience - when you're calculating your weekly earnings, make sure to split your hours correctly if your work week doesn't align with EDD's Sunday-Saturday benefit week. For example, if you work Monday-Friday but EDD's week runs Sunday-Saturday, you might need to split some of your hours between two different certification periods. I made this mistake initially and it caused some confusion with my claim. Keep track of exactly which days you worked each week to avoid any issues!

One thing I learned the hard way is to screenshot or print your certification pages after you submit them. EDD's system can be glitchy and sometimes your submitted information doesn't save properly. Having proof of what you reported can be really helpful if there are any discrepancies later. Also, if you're unsure about any calculations, err on the side of reporting slightly more rather than less - it's better to have a small overpayment that gets corrected than to be accused of underreporting earnings. Keep all your timesheets and pay stubs organized in a folder, both physical and digital copies if possible. You'll thank yourself later if you ever need to provide documentation!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the combination of workplace harassment and then getting denied by EDD is just awful. I went through something similar about 6 months ago and want to share a few things that helped me win my appeal. First, don't panic about the timeline! You have 30 days to file your appeal, and the good news is you have really strong documentation. The screenshots of the group chat messages are incredibly valuable evidence - make sure those are front and center in your appeal. When you write your appeal letter, structure it chronologically. Start with when the harassment began, show the escalation over time, document each attempt you made to resolve it (those HR emails are gold!), and then connect it directly to your health deterioration. The fact that you have ER visits with medical documentation is huge. One thing that really helped my case was getting a detailed letter from my therapist explaining how the workplace trauma affected my mental health and ability to function. Since you mentioned panic attacks and chest pain, having your doctor write specifically about how the workplace environment caused these medical issues could be the key to your appeal. Also, don't let that rushed phone interview discourage you. The appeal hearing is completely different - you'll have plenty of time to tell your full story to an Administrative Law Judge who will actually listen. Mine took about an hour and I was able to present everything properly. You've got this! The documentation you have sounds really strong, and quitting due to documented harassment that's affecting your health absolutely should qualify as good cause.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - workplace harassment is traumatic enough without having to fight EDD too! Your case actually sounds very strong based on what you've described. The combination of documented harassment (those group chat screenshots!), attempts to resolve it through proper channels, and medical documentation connecting your health issues to the workplace situation checks all the boxes for "good cause" to quit. A few quick tips for your appeal: - File it ASAP (you have 30 days from the disqualification date) - Request your complete claim file so you can see exactly what your employer told EDD - Get a detailed letter from your doctor specifically linking your ER visits and health issues to the workplace harassment - Organize your evidence chronologically to show the pattern of escalating harassment The appeal hearing will be so much better than that rushed phone interview. The Administrative Law Judge will actually give you time to present your full case properly. I've seen people with similar situations successfully overturn their initial denials - don't lose hope! Your documentation sounds really comprehensive and that's exactly what wins these appeals. Hang in there - you did the right thing by leaving that toxic environment, and hopefully EDD will recognize that once you get a fair hearing.

Just to add some clarification: The message you received is a standard automated message that doesn't necessarily mean you qualify for an extension. As others have mentioned, most of the extension programs from 2020-2021 have ended. Your next steps should be: 1. Call EDD directly to inquire about your specific situation (using whatever method works to get through) 2. Ask specifically if your part-time work from last summer qualifies you for a new claim 3. If not, ask if there are any current extension programs you might qualify for 4. While waiting, apply for other assistance programs like CalFresh if needed The system won't automatically move you to an extension or new claim in most cases now - you need to be proactive.

I'm going through something similar right now! Been waiting since mid-December for any word on an extension after exhausting my regular benefits. Like others mentioned, that automated message is really misleading - it makes it sound like they'll just automatically figure everything out for you, but clearly that's not happening. I've been hesitant to call because I know how brutal the wait times are, but reading everyone's responses here it's obvious I need to stop waiting around and actually contact them. Has anyone had luck getting through early in the morning? I'm wondering if there's a better time to call than others.

Good choice! That sounds like the most straightforward approach. Just wanted to add - since you're keeping documentation, make sure to save screenshots of your final certification where you select "returned to work full-time" and any confirmation pages. I've learned the hard way that having proof of what you submitted can be really helpful if EDD ever has questions later. Also, if your work-study hours change significantly during the semester and you find yourself working less than expected, you'll know you can potentially reopen your claim without filing a whole new application. Best of luck with school and the new job!

Just want to echo what others have said about properly documenting everything! I made the mistake of not keeping good records when I was dealing with EDD and work-study last year. One thing I'd add - when you do your final certification and select "returned to work full-time," you might get a follow-up question asking for your return-to-work date. I'd suggest using the date you started your work-study position, even though it's part-time. That keeps everything consistent with your story that you're no longer seeking unemployment benefits. Also, don't be surprised if you get a final notice in the mail confirming your claim status change - that's totally normal and actually good documentation to keep! Good luck with school and the new job!