EDD interview after being deactivated from food delivery app - chances of approval?

Ugh these delivery apps are THE WORST! I got deactivated from grabhub last year for supposedly 'missing deliveries' which was a total lie. EDD denied me at first because the company told them i was at fault. You need to FIGHT THIS!! make sure you have screenshots of your ratings and any good customer feedback. the whole independent contractor thing is a scam they use to avoid paying benefits!!!!

Thanks for the response. Did you end up appealing the denial? I have some screenshots of my ratings and completion rate, but I'm not sure what else I should gather before the interview.

Your situation is actually somewhat complex but not hopeless. The key issue here is whether you'll be considered an employee or independent contractor under AB5/Prop 22 rules. For your phone interview, you need to be prepared to explain:\n\n1. How much control the app had over your work (schedules, delivery routes, etc.)\n2. Whether you could accept/reject orders without penalty\n3. If you worked for multiple delivery apps simultaneously\n4. If you had any written warnings before deactivation\n\nThe fact that you couldn't set your own rates is an important point in your favor. Make sure to mention that specifically. Also, request a copy of your deactivation reason in writing if you haven't already.\n\nI went through this last year and was initially denied, but won on appeal when I demonstrated the company exercised significant control over my work.

This is super helpful, thank you! I did work exclusively for this one app, and while I could technically reject orders, my acceptance rate would drop and I'd get fewer offers. I'll definitely focus on the control aspects during the interview. Did you have any documentation for your appeal that was particularly convincing?

hi i had same thing with uber eats they kicked me off for late deliveries but it was cuz of traffic not my fault. edd interview wasnt bad they just asked basic stuff about why i stopped working.

This is misleading information. The EDD interview for gig workers is much more detailed than that. They specifically need to determine employment status under current California law, which involves multiple factors beyond just why you stopped working. Please don't give people false expectations about these interviews.

You need to understand that your situation falls into a gray area with California unemployment. While AB5 and later Prop 22 created certain classifications for gig workers, the EDD still evaluates each case individually.\n\nFor your phone interview, be prepared to answer questions about:\n\n1. The level of control the company had over your work methods\n2. Whether you had your own separate business identity\n3. If the company provided equipment/supplies (besides their app)\n4. The permanence of your relationship with the company\n5. How you were paid (per delivery vs. hourly)\n6. The specific reason for termination\n\nBeing deactivated for \

I have screenshots of my weekly performance metrics that show I was meeting their time expectations. I also have the customer ratings (4.8/5) saved. Would text messages with customers about delays beyond my control (restaurant wait times, traffic, etc.) help my case?

Getting through to EDD to properly explain your situation is going to be crucial. When I was in a similar situation, I was getting the dreaded \

does that service really work? i keep calling and calling EDD and never get through. spent like 3 hours yesterday just listening to the same recording

Yes, it worked for me. I was skeptical too after wasting days trying to get through. The difference was night and day - I had an actual EDD rep on the line helping me prepare for my interview instead of getting constant busy signals.

wait im confused about something...are gig workers eligible for regular UI or is it PUA? i thought after covid ended the special unemployment for gig workers went away??

You're right that PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) ended. However, in California, many gig workers may qualify for regular UI benefits depending on how their working relationship is classified. Under AB5 and later modifications with Prop 22, some gig workers are considered employees for certain purposes. That's why the EDD interview is crucial - they'll determine if the worker meets the legal test for employee status despite being called an \

Update: I had my phone interview yesterday and wanted to share what happened. The interviewer asked TONS of detailed questions about:\n- My delivery schedule and if I could set my own hours (somewhat yes)\n- If I could accept/reject orders (technically yes but with penalties)\n- The company's written policies on delivery times\n- If I had received prior warnings (I hadn't)\n- Whether I used my own car, phone, etc.\n- How I was paid (per delivery + tips)\n\nI explained that their claim about \

This sounds like it went relatively well! The fact that you had no prior warnings is important. The interviewer is evaluating both whether you were effectively an employee (despite being called an independent contractor) AND whether the termination was for misconduct. From what you've described, you made good points on both issues.\n\nIf they do deny your claim initially, remember you have the right to appeal, and many appeals are successful. Keep all your documentation ready, and document any communications from the company about your termination.

The whole system is RIGGED against workers!! these billion-dollar delivery companies hire expensive lawyers to fight every unemployment claim. they'll probably make up some bogus evidence against you. its SO UNFAIR!!!! let us know what happens!

ya my friend worked for doordash and they straight up lied about why they fired him when edd called them

I'd like to address a few misunderstandings I'm seeing in this thread:\n\n1. The EDD will make their determination based on facts and law, not on which side has more expensive lawyers. Your documentation and honest testimony matter.\n\n2. Under California law, the burden is actually on the company to prove you're properly classified as an independent contractor, not the other way around.\n\n3. If you're denied initially, the appeal process is fairly straightforward and many claimants succeed at the appeal stage.\n\n4. The fact that you couldn't set your own rates and had to follow strict guidelines are significant factors that weigh in your favor.\n\nI'd suggest documenting any communications showing the company controlled how and when you performed your work. This will be crucial evidence if you need to appeal.

This is really encouraging to hear. I'm trying not to get too pessimistic about my chances. If I need to appeal, how long does that process typically take? I'm getting worried about bills piling up while I wait.

The appeal process can take 1-3 months depending on current caseload. In the meantime, continue certifying for benefits every two weeks as if you were approved. If you win your appeal, you'll receive retroactive payments for all eligible weeks you certified for. This is extremely important - don't stop certifying while waiting for an appeal decision.

does anyone know if its better to do a phone interview or an in-person one? my friend said in-person is better cuz they take u more serious

EDD primarily conducts phone interviews now, especially for initial eligibility determinations. The format of the interview doesn't affect how seriously they take your case - the evidence and facts are what matter most. They follow the same protocol and ask the same questions regardless of whether it's by phone or in-person.