EDD disqualified my first 2 weeks without explanation - no interview scheduled
I applied for unemployment on June 14th and just checked my UI Online account to discover my first two certification weeks are marked as 'disqualified'. I haven't received ANY mail from EDD explaining why this happened. I'm completely confused - is this normal? Do they automatically disqualify everyone's first two weeks? Or did my former employer contest my claim? I was laid off due to budget cuts after working at a marketing agency for 3 years. My separation wasn't for misconduct or anything like that. I've certified correctly every week since filing. To make matters worse, I haven't received any notification about a phone interview to discuss eligibility issues. My account just shows the disqualification with no explanation. My rent is due next week and I was counting on this money. Should I just keep waiting for something in the mail? Try calling? File an appeal even though I don't know what I'm appealing? Any advice would be really appreciated.
22 comments
Oliver Becker
No, EDD doesn't automatically disqualify your first two weeks - something else is going on. This usually happens when there's an eligibility issue they need to resolve. Have you checked your UI Online inbox for any messages? Sometimes they send electronic notifications instead of paper mail.
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Amina Bah
•Thanks for responding! I checked my UI Online inbox and there's nothing there explaining the disqualification. I've been checking it every day hoping for some kind of update or explanation. This is so frustrating.
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Natasha Petrova
same thing happened to me last month!! check ur spam folder in email, thats where i found my interview notice. EDD is terrible at communicating seriously
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Amina Bah
•Good idea - just checked spam and promotional folders but nothing from EDD there either. This feels like being in limbo. Did you eventually get your issue resolved?
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Javier Hernandez
This sounds like a potential employer response issue. When you file for unemployment, EDD contacts your former employer to verify the reason for separation. If they indicated you quit or were fired for misconduct (even if that's not true), EDD will disqualify you until they investigate. The fact that you haven't received an interview notice is concerning because they're required to interview you before making a final determination. You definitely need to contact EDD directly. A few things to do: 1. Check your address in UI Online to make sure it's correct (letters might be going to wrong address) 2. Call EDD first thing in the morning (8:01am) when their lines open 3. If disqualified weeks don't change after 7 days, file an appeal using the link in UI Online or the form that should eventually arrive by mail Don't wait too long on this - appeals have deadlines.
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Amina Bah
•Thank you for such a detailed response! My address is definitely correct in the system. I'll try calling tomorrow morning. Do you know if I need to file separate appeals for each disqualified week, or just one appeal that covers both weeks?
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Emma Davis
I had this happen and it turned out my employer told EDD I quit when I was actually laid off! The disqualification was removed after my phone interview but I had to wait 3 weeks for that interview to even happen. The system is broken.
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LunarLegend
•Yeah the employers always try to fight UI claims because their UI insurance rates go up when former employees collect benefits. My former boss tried to claim I was a contractor not an employee even tho I was clearly W-2! EDD eventually sided with me but it took FOREVER.
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LunarLegend
You NEED to call them asap. Disqualifications don't just happen randomly and they're supposed to give you notice and an interview. Something's wrong with your claim and the longer you wait the worse it gets. I know calling is a nightmare but it's the only way to fix this.
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Malik Jackson
•100% agree with this. My claim got messed up and I spent TWO MONTHS trying to figure it out online before I finally got someone on the phone who fixed it in 10 minutes. Don't wait!!
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Isabella Oliveira
After trying to call EDD for 3 weeks straight with no luck (constant busy signals and disconnects), I finally used Claimyr and got through to a rep within 25 minutes. It basically calls for you and gets you in the queue, then calls you when an agent is available. Saved me days of frustration. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The website is claimyr.com. Totally worth it when you need to resolve urgent issues like disqualification.
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Natasha Petrova
•i heard about this too! my buddy used it after trying to call for like a week straight and getting nowhere. said it actually worked
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Javier Hernandez
To answer your other question - you only need to file one appeal that covers both disqualified weeks. The appeal form has a section where you can list all affected weeks. Also, while your claim is under investigation/appeal, make sure you KEEP CERTIFYING for benefits each week. If your disqualification is eventually overturned, they'll only pay you for weeks you properly certified for.
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Amina Bah
•Thank you! I've been continuing to certify even though I'm worried about the disqualifications. It's good to know I'll only need one appeal form if it comes to that.
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Oliver Becker
Just to add some more info - disqualifications without interviews usually happen in one of these scenarios: 1. Your employer reported you quit or were fired for misconduct 2. There's an issue with your identity verification 3. You reported wages/income during certification that made you ineligible 4. There's a mismatch between your base period wages and what you reported 5. You answered a question on your application or certification that triggered automatic disqualification When you do reach someone at EDD, be sure to ask specifically WHICH of these caused the disqualification so you can address it correctly.
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Amina Bah
•This is really helpful information, thank you! I definitely didn't quit or get fired for misconduct, and I haven't reported any wages during certification since I haven't found new work yet. It might be one of the other issues you mentioned. I'll make sure to ask specifically when I talk to them.
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Malik Jackson
Sorry ur going thru this! EDD is sooooo frustrating. Just a tip - when u finally get someone on the phone, be super nice even if ur angry. The nicer u are, the more they try to help. I learned this the hard way lol
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Amina Bah
•Good advice! I'll definitely keep that in mind. I know it's not the fault of the person answering the phone. I'm just anxious to get this resolved.
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Emma Davis
I wonder if its a mistake??? My friend had weeks randomly disqualified and it turned out to be a system glitch when they updated something. EDD never told her, she only found out when she finally reached someone. Definitely call!
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Amina Bah
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning! The agent told me my employer responded to their inquiry and claimed I was fired for excessive absences, which is completely untrue. I was part of a layoff affecting 15 people because the company lost a major client. They're scheduling me for a phone interview next week to discuss the discrepancy. The agent said I should gather any documentation that proves it was a layoff (separation letter, emails, etc.) and be ready to explain my side during the interview. Thank you all for your help and advice! I feel much better now that I at least know what's going on.
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Javier Hernandez
Great update! For your phone interview, have these things ready: 1. Any written documentation of the layoff (termination letter, emails, text messages) 2. Names of other employees laid off at the same time if you know them 3. Record of your attendance (if you have it) to counter the absence claim 4. Timeline of events leading to your separation Be clear and concise during the interview. If they rule in your favor, the disqualification will be removed and you'll receive payment for those weeks. If not, you'll have the opportunity to appeal. Good luck!
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Amina Bah
•Thank you SO much for this advice! I have my termination letter that specifically mentions the company downsizing due to lost contracts. I also have emails from HR to our entire department about the layoffs affecting multiple people. I'll definitely gather all of this before my interview. I really appreciate everyone's help with navigating this process!
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