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.
24 comments


Daniel Washington
backdate determinations always take forever. I waited 3 weeks after my interview before anything showed up on my account. just keep checking ur account everyday
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Lauren Zeb
•Thanks, that's a relief to hear! Did your backdate eventually get approved? I'm so anxious about this.
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Aurora Lacasse
Two weeks is actually within the normal timeframe for backdate determinations. EDD is currently taking 10-20 business days to process backdate requests after interviews. The good news is that you were honest during your interview - that's critically important. Technical issues are a valid reason for backdating, especially if you can demonstrate you attempted to file originally. A few suggestions: 1. Check your UI Online inbox daily (sometimes determinations go there without notifications) 2. Look for any mail from EDD (they often send paper notices for backdate decisions) 3. Check your claim history to see if any changes appear If you hit the 3-week mark with no updates, then I'd recommend trying to contact EDD.
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Lauren Zeb
•Thank you so much for the detailed response! I'll keep checking my UI Online inbox and mail. I haven't received anything in the mail yet, but I'll keep an eye out. Really hoping they approve it since I was eligible during that period and just had technical issues with the submission.
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Anthony Young
What if the backdate gets denied?? I'm in the same situation and I'm FREAKING OUT about possibly getting denied. I had my interview last week and the interviewer sounded skeptical when I tried explaining my situation. Now I'm worried they won't believe me either!!! Does anyone know what happens if they deny the backdate? Do we lose our entire claim or just the backdated weeks??
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Aurora Lacasse
•Don't panic! If your backdate request is denied, you only lose the backdated weeks - your current claim remains active. You'll receive a Notice of Determination explaining why it was denied, and you'll have 30 days to appeal if you disagree with their decision.
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Anthony Young
•Oh thank goodness!!! I was so worried they would cancel my whole claim. Thank you for explaining!!!
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Charlotte White
The EDD's backdate system is DELIBERATELY SLOW to discourage people from requesting money they're entitled to! I waited 5 weeks after my backdate interview before seeing ANY updates. When I called, they just said "it's still processing" EVERY TIME. The whole system is designed to make you give up. They hope you'll just forget about the money they owe you because they're BROKE. And good luck calling them - the phone system is a joke. You'll get disconnected 50 times before MAYBE getting through to someone who probably can't even help with backdates!!!
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Lauren Zeb
•5 weeks?! That's insane. I can't wait that long... I need this money for bills. Did you eventually get approved after all that waiting?
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Charlotte White
•Yeah I eventually got approved but only after I managed to get through to a Tier 2 specialist who actually looked at my file. The regular reps couldn't do ANYTHING. Total waste of time talking to them.
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Admin_Masters
I went through this exact situation back in January. After my backdate interview, I waited about 17 days before seeing any updates. What worked for me was using Claimyr to connect with an EDD representative (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you skip the phone queue and get connected to an actual person at EDD. I was skeptical at first, but they got me through to a Tier 2 specialist who could see my backdate request was actually approved but stuck in the system waiting for processing. The rep manually pushed it through, and the backdated weeks appeared in my account the next day. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Might be worth trying if you hit the 3-week mark with no updates. Sometimes backdate approvals get stuck in the system and need a manual push.
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Lauren Zeb
•Thank you for the suggestion! I've been trying to call EDD all day and keep getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then it hangs up. I'll give it another week and then might try that service if I still don't hear anything.
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Daniel Washington
•does that claimyr thing actually work? ive heard about it before but seems kinda sketchy to me
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Admin_Masters
•It did work for me. All they do is connect you to an actual EDD representative - you still talk directly with EDD to resolve your issue. The benefit is just not having to call 50+ times hoping to get through.
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Matthew Sanchez
my cousin works for EDD (not saying which office lol) but she told me backdates are taking longer right now because they're training new staff and the experienced people have to review all the backdate decisions. your interview going well is a good sign though. they only schedule interviews if they're seriously considering approving you. otherwise they just send a denial letter.
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Lauren Zeb
•That's really helpful insider info - thanks! Makes me feel a bit better about the wait knowing there might be training issues slowing things down rather than a problem with my claim.
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Charlotte White
•That's NOT TRUE. They schedule interviews for EVERYONE requesting backdates. It's REQUIRED by their procedures. Don't spread misinformation!!!
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Matthew Sanchez
•maybe it's different at different offices then? just sharing what my cousin told me about how they handle things at her office. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Ella Thompson
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?
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Aurora Lacasse
•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.
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Ella Thompson
•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.
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Aurora Lacasse
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.
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Lauren Zeb
•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!
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Hassan Khoury
•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.
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