California Unemployment
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Unexpected EDD interview notice after not filing since 2021 - need urgent contact help
Just opened my mail to find a 'Notification of Unemployment Insurance Benefit Eligibility Interview' from EDD. I'm completely confused because I haven't filed for ANY unemployment benefits since mid-2021! Why am I suddenly getting an interview notice in 2025?? The interview is supposedly scheduled for next Tuesday at 10:30am, but I have no idea what this is about or why they think I've filed a new claim. I'm worried this might be identity theft or some mistake that could mess up my taxes. Has anyone else had this happen? Is there a way to actually talk to a REAL human at EDD before this interview happens? Every time I call the main number I just get stuck in the automated system that keeps hanging up on me! Getting desperate here...
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EDD backdate interview went well but no update after 2 weeks - still hope for approval?
Hey everyone, I'm stressing out about my EDD backdate request. I had my eligibility interview about my backdate request 2 weeks ago, and I thought it went pretty well? The interviewer asked why I needed the backdate, and I was completely honest - told them I thought I had submitted everything correctly initially, but later realized there must have been some technical glitch that prevented my claim from going through. I explained my situation clearly and answered all questions truthfully. The interviewer seemed understanding and said they'd make a determination soon. But it's been 14 days now and my UI Online account still shows no updates. The backdate was for 6 weeks of benefits (about $2,800 total). Has anyone experienced a long wait after their backdate interview? Is this normal or a bad sign? Should I try calling EDD again or just keep waiting? Really need this money for rent next month.
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Wait I'm confused... is a backdate interview different from an eligibility interview? I had an eligibility interview last month but they never mentioned anything about backdating. I did request backdated weeks when I first applied though. Should I have gotten a separate interview just for the backdate request?
Yes, they're different. An eligibility interview covers your general qualification for benefits (job separation, ability to work, etc.). A backdate interview specifically addresses why you didn't file your claim on time and whether you have good cause for backdating. If you requested backdated weeks but haven't had a backdate interview, you should call EDD to check on the status of that request.
Ohhh ok thank you! That makes sense. I'll call them tomorrow to follow up on my backdate request then. The whole EDD process is so confusing.
Update for the original poster: Based on current EDD processing times, you should receive a determination by the end of this week (around the 17-20 day mark). If not, it's reasonable to start calling for a status update. It's important to understand that backdating requires proving "good cause" for not filing on time. Technical issues can qualify as good cause if you can demonstrate you attempted to file. The fact that the interviewer seemed understanding is a positive sign. If you don't receive any updates by the 3-week mark, then calling EDD becomes your best option. Be prepared to call multiple times due to high call volume.
Thank you - this timeline helps a lot. I'll wait until end of week before I start really worrying. I definitely had good cause - I have screenshots showing the error messages I got when trying to submit originally, so I hope that helps my case. I appreciate all the support from everyone here!
Those screenshots of error messages will definitely help your case! That's exactly the kind of documentation they look for to prove technical issues prevented you from filing on time. Keep those handy in case they ask for additional evidence. Sounds like you're in a good position for approval.
EDD payment stuck at same date for two weeks - worried about claim freeze
I certified on time for my bi-weekly benefits, but something weird is happening. When I log into UI Online, it still only shows my last payment from January 11th (two weeks ago). Nothing's updated and no new payment has processed. I called EDD this morning and after finally getting through, the rep just told me the system still shows my January 11th payment as the most recent one. Nothing about why my next payment isn't showing up or when it might come through. My claim balance definitely has enough remaining funds. I have bills coming due next week and I'm starting to stress out. Has anyone experienced a payment delay like this? Is this normal processing time or should I be worried that my claim got flagged for some reason?
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Anyone got their payment yet??? Still nothing on my end!!! This is RIDICULOUS!!!
hang in there... I know its rough but hopefully just a temporary delay
UPDATE: Finally got this resolved! I used that Claimyr service to get through this morning and spoke with a Tier 2 specialist. Turns out my claim WAS under quarterly review - you were right! The specialist said January is when they conduct a lot of these reviews, and mine got flagged because I had some part-time work in October. Once she verified everything, she manually released the payment and said it should be on my Money Network card within 24-48 hours. She also said if I hadn't called, it might have taken another week to clear automatically. Thanks everyone for the help!
Thanks for the update!!! I'm going to try that service too because I'm STILL waiting and getting desperate. Glad you got your money!!!
So glad you got this figured out! This is exactly why I recommended looking into quarterly reviews earlier. It's frustrating that EDD doesn't notify people when their claims are under review - would save everyone a lot of stress and confusion. Your experience will definitely help others who find themselves in the same situation.
EDD phone interview rejected my check stubs - need help understanding why
So frustrated right now. I had my eligibility interview with EDD yesterday because they claimed I provided false information on my application and certifications (which I absolutely DID NOT). During the phone interview, the interviewer asked for employment verification from November 14th forward. I provided scanned copies of all my check stubs from my previous employer covering that time period, but she told me 'that wasn't enough evidence' without explaining why! I'm completely confused - what more could they possibly want? My check stubs show dates, hours worked, pay rate, everything! Has anyone else had their documentation rejected during an eligibility interview? What else should I be submitting? My benefits are on hold and I'm getting really worried about paying bills next month.
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After thinking about this more - I wonder if the issue might be that your check stubs only verified part of the period they're questioning. When they say "November 14th and on" - how far do your check stubs go? If your last day was in December or January, but you only had stubs through mid-December, that might be the gap they're concerned about.
That's a good point! My last check stub was from December 30th, but I worked until January 15th. The final check was given to me in cash because the company was having cash flow problems (probably why they laid me off). I should definitely get a letter clarifying that.
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Giovanni Gallo
When my brother had a similar situation happen, he went to the nearest EDD office in person with his ID and the letter. They were able to look it up immediately and confirm it was fraud. They had him fill out some paperwork right there and canceled the fake claim. Much faster than trying to deal with the phone system! Just Google your nearest EDD office and show up when they open.
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Jamal Thompson
Not all "EDD offices" handle UI claims anymore!!! Many are just job centers now and CAN'T help with these issues. I wasted half a day going to one only to be told they couldn't do ANYTHING. The system is BROKEN!
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Mei Chen
After you get this resolved, make sure to take these additional steps: 1. File an identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov 2. Place a fraud alert with all three credit bureaus 3. Review your credit reports for any other suspicious activity 4. Continue monitoring your EDD account for any further unauthorized claims 5. Consider filing Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS to prevent tax-related issues Identity theft involving unemployment claims has been rising since 2020, and sometimes old data breaches can lead to fraud years later.
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Andre Moreau
AuthorThank you so much for this detailed advice. I was able to reach an EDD rep this morning (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked!). They confirmed someone tried filing a claim using my info. They've flagged my account and are sending me paperwork to officially report the fraud. I'm going to follow all your steps to protect myself further.
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Dominic Green
@Andre Moreau That s'such a relief to hear you got through and got it resolved! Identity theft with unemployment claims is unfortunately becoming more common. It s'great that you acted quickly - that probably prevented any fraudulent payments from going out. Make sure to keep all the documentation they send you, and don t'forget to monitor your credit reports over the next few months just to be safe. Thanks for updating us on how it worked out!
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