EDD flagged my new claim because of unresolved COVID claim - phone interview scheduled
I'm freaking out a little bit here. I filed for unemployment 8 weeks ago after getting laid off from my warehouse job, and I've been checking UI Online constantly with no updates. Finally called today (took FOREVER to get through) and found out my claim was initially denied because I apparently had an unresolved claim from 2020 during COVID that was never properly closed in their system! The rep said they've now 'reopened' my current claim and scheduled me for a phone interview this Thursday morning. I'm worried because I really need this money - rent is due next week and I'm down to my last $250. Does everyone get these phone interviews or does this mean there's a problem? What kinds of questions will they ask? Is there a chance they could still deny my benefits even with this interview? I'm stressing out big time.
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Marilyn Dixon
Don't panic, this is actually pretty normal. The phone interview is standard procedure when there's any kind of overlap or issue with previous claims. They'll mostly ask about the circumstances of your job separation (both now and possibly from the COVID period) and verify that you're eligible for the new claim. Make sure you have your employment dates, final paystub, and separation letter ready. Be completely honest - they're usually just going through a checklist of eligibility questions.
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Dominique Adams
•Thank you!! That makes me feel a little better. Do you know how long after the interview I might get a decision? And will they backpay me for the 8 weeks I've been waiting?
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Louisa Ramirez
i had this EXACT same problem last month!!!! my 2021 claim wasnt closed right and it messed up my new claim. they scheduled me for a phone interview too but they never even CALLED ME and then a week later my claim was suddenly approved out of nowhere. EDD is a complete mess. they might not even call you and still approve it. or they might call 30 min late. or they might deny you for no reason. its all random.
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Dominique Adams
•That's actually kind of reassuring in a weird way? At least I know I'm not the only one dealing with this COVID claim overlap issue. I'll make sure to keep my phone with me all morning just in case.
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TommyKapitz
having a phone interview doesn't mean your gonna get denied. i had one back in january. the lady was nice but asked a lot of questions about why i left my last job. make sure you say you were laid off for lack of work and NOT that you quit or got fired. also they might ask bout that old covid claim and why you never closed it. just be honest.
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Angel Campbell
•This is bad advice. If they were fired or quit, they need to tell the truth. EDD verifies with employers and lying will result in a false statement penalty which is WAY worse than just being denied.
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Payton Black
If you're having trouble with your claim, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last month - couldn't get through on the phones for weeks, but this service got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Honestly, sometimes talking to a live person is the only way to get these overlapping claim issues resolved quickly.
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Dominique Adams
•I wish I'd known about this sooner! It took me literally 47 calls today before I got through. I'll definitely check out that video if I need to call again after the interview. Thanks!
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Harold Oh
Phone interviews are standard procedure for any claim with potential eligibility issues - in your case, the overlapping claims. Here's what to expect: 1. The interviewer will ask about your most recent employment (dates, reason for separation, etc) 2. They'll likely ask about the COVID era claim and why it wasn't closed 3. They'll verify your ability and availability to work Be prepared with: - Exact employment dates for both periods - Documentation of your layoff (termination notice, emails, etc) - Information about any work or income since filing If approved, they will typically backdate payments to your filing date. The decision usually comes within 7-10 days after the interview, but can be faster.
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Amun-Ra Azra
•This is all correct, and I'd add that if the EDD interviewer doesn't call at the scheduled time, wait at least an hour before assuming they won't call. Their schedule often runs behind. If they don't call at all, you should call EDD the next day to find out what happened - sometimes they make a decision without the interview if they get enough information from your employer.
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Angel Campbell
My brother went thru something similar bcuz he had a PUA claim during covid (the special pandemic one) and then filed regular UI in 2025. They had to do extra steps to make sure he wasnt double dipping or something? The phone interview was like 10 minutes and he got approved right after.
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Dominique Adams
•That's good to hear! I think mine was a regular UI claim during COVID, not PUA, but hopefully it goes just as smoothly. 10 minutes sounds way less stressful than what I was imagining!
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Marilyn Dixon
Just checking in - how did your phone interview go today? Did they call on time?
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Dominique Adams
•They actually called 15 minutes early! Interview lasted about 20 minutes. Mostly questions about why I filed during COVID, when I returned to work after that, and details about my recent layoff. The interviewer said everything looked good on their end and I should see a determination within 48 hours. Fingers crossed! I'll update when I hear something.
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Dominique Adams
UPDATE: Just logged in and my claim status changed to PAID! They're releasing payments for all 8 weeks I've been waiting - $4,650 total! Money should hit my Bank of America card in 24-48 hours according to the website. So relieved right now I could cry. Thanks everyone for your help and advice through this stressful time.
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TommyKapitz
•congrats!! told ya it would work out. make sure you keep certifying every 2 weeks and doing your work search activities so you dont have any gaps. glad it worked out for u!
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