EDD eligibility interviewer was hostile and unprofessional - how to file a complaint?
I just had my EDD eligibility interview this morning and I'm still shaking. The interviewer was incredibly hostile and unprofessional the entire time. When I explained why I left my previous job (toxic work environment, manager changing my hours without notice), she kept interrupting me and making sarcastic comments like "So you just quit because you didn't like your boss? That's not a valid reason." At one point she literally said "If I was your employer, I would have fired you for that attitude." I was so shocked I could barely respond. As soon as the call ended, I broke down crying. This can't be normal procedure, right? How do I file a formal complaint against this interviewer? Will this affect my claim? I really need these benefits and now I'm worried she'll deny me out of spite.
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Isaiah Thompson
omg thats awful!! no they shouldnt treat u like that at all. my interviewer was super nice when i had mine. maybe call the main edd number and ask to speak to a supervisor??
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Jessica Nguyen
•Thanks, that makes me feel better knowing not all interviewers are like this. I'll try calling tomorrow, but I'm worried about getting through to anyone who can actually help.
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Ruby Garcia
I'm really sorry that happened to you. That's completely unprofessional and not how eligibility interviews should be conducted. Here's what you can do: 1. Document everything while it's fresh - write down the interviewer's name, time/date of call, and specific comments made. 2. Call the EDD Customer Service number (1-800-300-5616) and ask to speak with a supervisor. Explain the situation and formally request that your complaint be documented. 3. You can also file a written complaint. Send a letter to your local EDD office addressed to the Office Manager describing the experience. 4. If your claim is denied, this unprofessional conduct could potentially be grounds for appeal. Don't worry too much yet about your claim being denied out of spite. The interviewer's recommendation is reviewed by a claims examiner before a final determination is made.
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Jessica Nguyen
•Thank you so much for this detailed advice. I wrote everything down right after the call while it was fresh. I'll definitely try calling tomorrow, but I've had such a hard time getting through to EDD in the past. I really appreciate knowing there's a review process and not just one person deciding my fate.
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Alexander Evans
The same thing happened to me!!! My interviewer literally laughed when I told her I had to quit because my boss kept changing my schedule and I couldn't arrange childcare. She said "That's not our problem, that's YOUR problem." I was approved anyway though, so don't lose hope. Sometimes they're just trying to see if you'll crack under pressure or if you'll change your story. STAY CONSISTENT no matter how rude they are!!!
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Isaiah Thompson
•wait really?? thats so messed up that they would do that on purpose! like were already stressed enough
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Ruby Garcia
•While interviewers may ask challenging questions to verify your story is consistent, they should absolutely never be rude or unprofessional. That's not standard procedure and shouldn't be normalized. They can be thorough without being disrespectful.
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Evelyn Martinez
Try using Claimyr to get through to EDD faster. I waited for 3 weeks trying to get someone on the phone after a similar situation, then found this service at claimyr.com - they got me connected to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km When you get through, specifically ask for a supervisor and explain what happened. I had to file a complaint too (my interviewer kept cutting me off and wouldn't let me explain my situation) and the supervisor was actually really helpful and apologetic.
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Jessica Nguyen
•Thank you for the recommendation! I've been trying to call EDD all morning and can't get through. I'll check out that service - at this point I'm desperate enough to try anything that might help me talk to a supervisor.
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Alexander Evans
•I used that service too! Totally worth it. Saved me like 4 days of constant redialing.
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Benjamin Carter
I worked at EDD for 6 years (not anymore thank god). You should 100% file a complaint. Not only for yourself but to help future claimants. Call and ask for the interviewer's supervisor directly. If they refuse, ask for the office manager. Write down who you speak to and when. The reality is some of these interviewers have been there 20+ years and developed terrible attitudes. They think every claimant is trying to scam the system. They're supposed to be neutral fact-finders, not prosecutors. IMPORTANT: If your claim gets denied, APPEAL IMMEDIATELY and include in your appeal that the interviewer was hostile and unprofessional. The ALJ (Administrative Law Judge) will take that into consideration.
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Jessica Nguyen
•Thank you so much for the insider perspective. It really helps to know I'm not overreacting and that this wasn't normal. I'll definitely appeal if my claim gets denied, though I'm still hoping it won't come to that.
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Benjamin Carter
•You're definitely not overreacting. Keep in mind too that the interviewer doesn't have the final say - their notes and recommendation go to a claims examiner who makes the actual decision. So even with a hostile interviewer, you might still get approved if your reason for separation qualifies for benefits.
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Maya Lewis
This happens WAY more than ppl think!!! The EDD system is BROKEN!!! I had an interviewer tell me "you people always have excuses" when I tried explaining why I couldn't accept the new night shift schedule at my old job (I'm a single mom with 3 kids). It's like they WANT to deny us!!! I filed a complaint but NOTHING happened - they probably just threw it in the trash. The whole department needs to be investigated!!!!
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Ruby Garcia
•I'm sorry you had that experience. To clarify though, leaving a job because your shift changed to nights when you have childcare responsibilities can actually be considered good cause, especially if you communicated this to your employer and they were unwilling to accommodate. If your claim was denied for this reason, you might have grounds for appeal.
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Isaac Wright
When does ur interview descision come thru? im waiting for mine and its been 3 days
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Ruby Garcia
•Decision timeframes vary, but typically you should hear back within 7-10 business days after your eligibility interview. You can check your UI Online account for updates or call EDD if it's been longer than two weeks.
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Jessica Nguyen
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD after using that Claimyr service someone recommended here. Spoke to a supervisor who apologized and took my complaint seriously. She said they would review the interviewer's conduct and that my complaint would be documented. She also reassured me that my claim would be evaluated fairly regardless of the interview. Waiting for the decision now, but feeling a bit better about the process at least. I'll update again when I hear about my claim status.
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Isaiah Thompson
•thats great news!! fingers crossed ur claim gets approved!
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Benjamin Carter
•Good to hear they took it seriously. In my experience, most supervisors do care about this kind of feedback because it reflects poorly on their department. Hope your claim gets approved!
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