EDD Backdating Interview Coming Up - What Should I Prepare?

i had a backdating intrview last month. they just asked why i didnt file right away. make sure u have a good reason ready. they only approved 3 out of 4 weeks for me

Backdating interviews are pretty straightforward but you need to have a "good cause" reason for not filing immediately. According to EDD guidelines, they're looking for reasons that would prevent a reasonable person from filing on time. Common acceptable reasons include: - You were ill or injured - You had family emergencies - You were misinformed by EDD staff - You didn't know you were eligible Have your termination letter ready, and any documentation that supports your reason for delay. Be honest but concise in your explanation. The interviewer will likely ask when you became unemployed, why you waited to file, and if anything prevented you from filing sooner. The interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. Make sure to answer their call - they typically only try once!

I went through this exact situation in January! I waited almost 7 weeks to file because I was trying to negotiate a severance package with my former employer first and didn't want to jeopardize that. My interview was super short - maybe 10 minutes. The interviewer asked: 1. Why I delayed filing 2. If there was anything preventing me from filing earlier 3. The exact date I was laid off 4. If I had documentation of the layoff date They did ask for my termination letter so definitely have that ready. They approved my backdating because I explained I was confused about eligibility while negotiating severance. Just be honest about why you waited. Good luck!!!

You'll probably get denied if you just say you thought you'd find work. Everyone thinks that! Say you didn't know you were eligible or were confused about the process. They're strict about backdating now.

OMG I had a backdating interview last month and MISSED THE CALL!! They called from a blocked number while I was in the bathroom and I lost all my backdated weeks. Make sure your phone is on loud and you're ready 30 mins before the scheduled time because sometimes they call early! And they didn't even try to call back 😡

I handle unemployment cases professionally, so here's my advice: 1. Prepare a clear, honest statement about why you delayed filing. "Not knowing I qualified" is a valid reason, but they may ask follow-up questions about why you didn't know. 2. Have your termination letter ready. Also gather any other relevant documentation like your final paycheck stub or any communications about your layoff. 3. If you were sick, dealing with family issues, or had other circumstances that prevented filing, have documentation if possible. 4. Answer questions directly - don't volunteer extra information that might complicate your case. 5. Be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled time, as they sometimes call early. For the interview itself, you'll speak with an EDD eligibility interviewer who will document your responses. They'll make a determination either during the call or within a few days after. If approved, your claim will be backdated and you'll need to certify for those weeks. If denied, you'll receive a Notice of Determination with appeal instructions. The most important thing is a clear, legitimate reason for the delayed filing that aligns with their "good cause" guidelines.

My interview was super easy tbh. I just said I was dealing with depression after losing my job and didn't have the mental energy to deal with paperwork right away. They approved all my backdated weeks. Just be honest about whatever your situation was.

To address your specific question about the termination letter - yes, absolutely have it ready! The letter establishes your actual separation date, which is crucial for backdating. If you have any emails or messages showing you were searching for work during those weeks, those can be helpful too as they demonstrate you were unemployed and available for work during that period.

One more thing I forgot to mention - they might ask if you were physically able to work during those backdated weeks. Make sure you can honestly say you were able and available to work during that entire period. If you were sick or out of town or otherwise unavailable for even part of that time, they might deny those specific weeks.