EDD denied my claim then scheduled another interview - confused about voluntary quit after hours reduction
I'm completely lost with my EDD situation. I had to quit my retail job after a sudden policy change about my hours. For context - I had an approved reduced schedule (20-25 hours weekly) to care for my mom who's recovering from heart surgery. My direct supervisor approved this arrangement through December, but suddenly corporate HR said I needed to return to 40 hours immediately or resign. Since I couldn't abandon my caregiving responsibilities with zero notice, I had to quit. Here's where it gets weird: I had my eligibility interview last week (the interviewer was incredibly dismissive and kept cutting me off). Then yesterday I received TWO letters dated the same day (8/14) - one saying my claim was DENIED due to voluntary quit without good cause, and another saying I have a SECOND interview scheduled for 8/29 to "provide additional information and clarify circumstances." The UI Online portal shows my claim as denied, but why schedule another interview? Is this some weird system error? Has anyone experienced getting a second interview after already being denied? What additional information could they possibly need if they've already made their decision?
0 comments
Ellie Simpson
This exact thing happened to me! The second interview is actually an appeal opportunity, even though they don't call it that. I had almost identical situation (had to quit after they changed my approved schedule). First interviewer was terrible and denied me, but the second interview was with a different person who actually listened and approved my claim. Make sure to bring documentation showing your arrangement was approved initially (texts, emails, schedule printouts). Also emphasize that you had NO alternative since your mom needed care. Definitely attend the second interview, it's a chance to get the decision reversed without going through the formal appeal process.
0 coins
AaliyahAli
•Thank you! That gives me some hope. I do have the original schedule approvals in writing and texts from my supervisor. Do you know if I should prepare differently for this second interview? The first one felt like they had already decided before I even spoke.
0 coins
Ellie Simpson
•Yes! Be super prepared this time. Write down all your points ahead of time so you don't get flustered. The key is showing that 1) you had no reasonable alternative, 2) the employer substantially changed the agreed-upon conditions, and 3) you tried to resolve it before quitting. Focus on the fact that the schedule was APPROVED through December and then suddenly changed with no notice. That's the strongest part of your case!
0 coins
Arjun Kurti
What you're experiencing is an EDD process inconsistency. Their system sometimes automatically schedules follow-up interviews even after determinations are made - it's a known glitch. However, this actually works in your favor! The first denial was likely because "voluntary quit" cases are scrutinized heavily. But your situation - having an approved reduced schedule that was suddenly revoked - can qualify as "good cause" under certain conditions. The second interview is your opportunity to emphasize that: 1) You had a formal agreement for reduced hours (bring documentation) 2) Your employer substantially changed the terms of employment 3) The change created a hardship (caring for ill parent) 4) You had no reasonable alternative Focus specifically on the fact that your schedule was approved through December, and then unilaterally changed with inadequate notice. This can be considered "constructive discharge" in some cases.
0 coins
AaliyahAli
•This is really helpful - I've never heard of "constructive discharge" before. Is that something I should specifically mention during the interview? And what documentation would be most important? I have text messages with my supervisor approving the schedule change, plus the official schedule showing my reduced hours.
0 coins
Arjun Kurti
•Those text messages are GOLD - definitely bring those! I wouldn't necessarily use the term "constructive discharge" (it might come across as too rehearsed), but explain the concept: that your employer created working conditions that made it impossible to continue employment by suddenly changing agreed-upon terms. Also bring anything documenting your caregiving responsibilities - doctor notes about your mom's condition, any home care instructions showing she needed supervision, etc. The key is showing you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. Good luck!
0 coins
Raúl Mora
From my experience as someone who's gone through multiple UI claims, this looks like what EDD calls a "redetermination interview." Basically, something flagged your case for a second look even after the initial denial. This is actually good news! Here's what likely happened: your claim was auto-denied because voluntary quits are treated harshly, but something in your file triggered a secondary review. Maybe inconsistent info or the mention of approved reduced hours. For your second interview: 1. Be EXTREMELY specific about dates and the approval process 2. Emphasize that the employer changed terms without reasonable notice 3. Highlight that you had NO REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE 4. Don't get emotional (I know it's hard) but stick to facts The magic words here are "no reasonable alternative" and "employer substantially changed terms of employment." I'd say you have a decent chance of getting the denial reversed!
0 coins
Margot Quinn
•Yeah that's true, but like i had the EXACT same senario (aproved schedule change then revoked) and my caim was still rejected after BOTH interviews so dont get ur hopes up to much. the EDD is a joke they just wana find any reson to reject folks. they said i "coulda found alternative care" for my dad even tho I had zero options. gotta fight these jerks at every step.
0 coins
Evelyn Kim
dont waste ur time with edd phone calls u will never get thru. when this happened to me i used claimyr.com to get connected to edd right away. u can see how it works in their video https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km i was in a similar situation and needed to talk to someone to understand why i got denial letter but still had interview scheduled. they explained everything and told me exactly what to bring to second interview.
0 coins
AaliyahAli
•I've been trying to call EDD for days with no luck! The automated system just keeps hanging up on me. Thank you for this recommendation, I'll check it out. Did you find the information from the phone agent helpful for your second interview?
0 coins
Evelyn Kim
•yes super helpful! the phone agent told me exactly what paperwork to have and what to focus on. my claim got approved after second interview. def worth it cuz otherwise id still be calling and getting busy signals lol
0 coins
Diego Fisher
Be careful before getting your hopes up about this second interview. The EDD system is known for glitches and inconsistencies. I received a similar situation with letters contradicting each other. In my case, the second interview was indeed scheduled in error, and I wasted half a day waiting for a call that never came because my claim had already been determined. That said, you absolutely should prepare for it just in case. Your situation - having an approved reduced schedule that was suddenly revoked - DOES potentially qualify as good cause for voluntary quit, but you need to be extremely prepared to make your case. I would recommend also starting the appeal process immediately rather than waiting for this potential second interview. You have 30 days from the date on your determination notice to file an appeal, and you don't want to miss that window waiting for an interview that might not happen.
0 coins
AaliyahAli
•That's concerning. How do I know if the second interview is legitimate or a system error? Should I try calling EDD to confirm? (Though I've had zero luck reaching anyone by phone so far.
0 coins
Diego Fisher
•Yes, definitely try to confirm. The UI Online message inbox sometimes has more updated information than the letters. Also check your claim history for any new entries or status changes. As for calling... well, that's frustrating. The best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday between 8:01-8:15am (right after they open but before the rush) or between 4:30-4:55pm (when call volume sometimes dips). Be prepared to redial dozens of times regardless.
0 coins
Henrietta Beasley
dont listen to the pesemists on here EDD mess things up ALL THE TIME!!! my freind got 3 denials and then suddently got aproved with back pay. just keep fighting and tel your story about youre mom needing care. the system is designed to wear people down so they give up on gettin benefits they deserve
0 coins
Margot Quinn
•thiss right here 💯 its all about persistence with EDD. they hope people just give up after first denial.
0 coins