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Unemployment Insurance Appeals

You have the right to appeal the EDD's decision to reduce or deny you benefits. You must submit your appeal in writing within 30 days of the mailing date on the Notice of Determination and/or Ruling (DE 1080CZ) or Notice of Overpayment (DE 1444). 

You can download the Appeal Form (DE 1000M) (PDF) or use the copy included with each Notice of Determination that you receive. Mail your appeal to the return address shown on the decision notice.

If you don’t have a copy of the Appeal Form (DE 1000M), or cannot print a copy, you can write a letter to the EDD to notify the Department that you want to appeal the decision to reduce or deny you benefits.

If you choose to write a letter, include all of the following information:

  • Full name.
  • Address.
  • Phone number.
  • Social Security number.
  • The name and mailing address of any representative.
  • The reason for your appeal.
  • A copy of the decision you are appealing or the date of the decision.
  • Any request for language assistance or special accommodations.

After You File an Appeal

The Office of Appeals will notify you of the time and location of your hearing at least 10 days in advance. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will conduct the hearing, and give employers and claimants a chance to present their evidence.

For more information on how to prepare for your appeals hearing, review Office of Appeals Hearing Information (PDF) from the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board.

Note: If you live outside of California, your appeal will be conducted by phone.

While your appeal is pending, you must continue to certify for benefits. If you are found eligible, you can only be paid for periods for which you have certified, if you have met all other eligibility requirements.

After your hearing, the Office of Appeals will mail the ALJ’s written decision to you and your employer. It may take several weeks for the Office of Appeals to prepare the decision. The decision will include information about filing a second-level appeal.

Second-Level Appeals

If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you may file a second-level appeal with the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (Appeals Board) within 30 calendar days from the date of the ALJ's decision.

Include the following information:

  • Full name.
  • Address.
  • Phone number.
  • Social Security number.
  • The name and mailing address of any representative.
  • The reason for your appeal.
  • The reason for your appeal
  • The appeal case number assigned to the ALJ's decision

Mail the appeal to the return address on the ALJ's decision notice. The Appeals Board will confirm receipt of the appeal and advise you of the procedural options available.

Generally, the Appeals Board does not consider new or additional evidence. However, individuals have 10 days from the date of the confirmation letter to ask to present oral or written arguments and new evidence. The acceptance of any additional evidence is at the Board's discretion.

The Appeals Board will issue a written decision. A decision by the Appeals Board completes all administrative remedies. Individuals who disagree with the Appeals Board's decision, may file a Writ of Mandate to the Superior Court within six months of the mailing date of the Appeals Board's written decision.

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