EDD reports significant increase in appeal resolutions amid pandemic challenges

The California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (CUIAB) held a significant meeting on April 16, 2025, where members discussed the ongoing progress in managing unemployment appeals, a critical issue for many residents still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

In March, the board reported a notable decline in daily appeal intake from the Employment Development Department (EDD), returning to levels consistent with the past 18 months. This decrease is a positive sign, as it allows the board to catch up on the backlog of cases. The board issued over 25,800 decisions in March alone, reducing the overall inventory of cases by nearly 3,000. The average case age has also improved, dropping to 47 days, although it still exceeds the federal standard of 30 days. Board members expressed optimism that they could reach this standard within the next six to nine months.

The meeting highlighted the board's efforts to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since early 2020, the board has onboarded 116 new judges, with 82 still actively serving. This expansion was crucial in addressing the surge in appeals during a time of unprecedented unemployment. The board resolved over 50% more appeals than in the previous year, showcasing their commitment to serving the public during a critical period.

Members acknowledged the hard work of the judges and staff, emphasizing their dedication to maintaining efficiency despite the challenges of transitioning to a new case management system, CAM. This system has been instrumental in redistributing cases to ensure that wait times are minimized, regardless of office staffing levels.

The discussions also touched on the broader context of the board's workload, which often lags behind economic events. As the EDD continues to address its backlogs, the board anticipates an ongoing influx of appeals. Board members expressed gratitude for the resilience and adaptability of the staff, recognizing the significant milestones achieved over the past five years.

As the board looks ahead, they remain focused on improving their operations and continuing to provide timely support to Californians navigating the unemployment appeals process. The next steps will involve monitoring progress closely and reporting on developments in future meetings, with the hope of further reducing case backlogs and improving service delivery for the community.