EDD scheduled phone interview after filing new claim - should I be worried?
I just filed a new unemployment claim since my previous one expired (had been on UI most of last year). When I logged into my UI Online account today, I noticed there's a phone interview scheduled for next week, which has me really confused! I've filed multiple claims before and NEVER had an interview scheduled automatically like this. Does this mean there's a problem with my new claim? The weird part is the system still let me certify for my first two weeks of benefits without any issues. Should I be worried about this interview? Does anyone know if this is just standard procedure in 2025 or if it means they flagged something on my application?
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Emily Parker
its normal now, they started doing this more in 2025. they do random checks on new claims especially if u had a claim b4. i had mine last month and it was basic stuff just confirming ur work history and why u lost ur job again
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Justin Evans
•Thanks for the info! That's a relief. Was your payment held until after the interview or did it process normally?
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Ezra Collins
This is actually part of EDD's new verification process that started this year. They're scheduling interviews for about 40% of new claims, especially if you've had a previous claim within the past 18 months. It doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong! They're just verifying your work separation reason and making sure your claim details match up with employer records. The good news is that being able to certify is a positive sign. Make sure you have documentation ready about your last employer, separation reason, and any work you've done since your previous claim ended. The interview usually lasts about 15-20 minutes.
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Justin Evans
•Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! I'll definitely get my documents together before the call. Really appreciate it.
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Victoria Scott
DONT STRESS!! I panicked when I saw this too but its seriously just routine now. The rep told me they're doing this to cut down on fraud from last few years. As long as you have nothing to hide ur totally fine!!
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Benjamin Johnson
•Exactly this. The EDD reps are actually pretty nice during these calls. Just be honest and have your dates ready - when you worked last, why you're not working now, etc. It's not an interrogation like some people think.
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Zara Perez
I had this happen in January and TOTALLY freaked out too! But it's just standard now. Here's what they asked me: - Verified my identity (last 4 of SSN, address, etc) - Confirmed my last employer and job title - Asked about my separation reason (I was laid off) - Confirmed I'm able and available for work - Asked what kind of work I'm looking for Super basic stuff that took maybe 10 minutes. My payment came through normally even before the interview happened.
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Justin Evans
•This is SO helpful - thank you for breaking down exactly what they asked. Makes me feel much better about the whole thing.
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Daniel Rogers
they can flag u for anything u know... if ur previous employer says anything different from what u put on ur application ur in BIG trouble. i had my benefits held for 8 WEEKS bcuz of this!!! make sure ur story matches EXACTLY what ur employer will say
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Ezra Collins
•While it's important that your information is accurate, most standard verification interviews don't result in payment holds unless there's a significant discrepancy. The vast majority of these routine interviews result in claim approval. Your situation sounds like it may have involved a contested separation reason, which is different from these standard verification calls.
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Aaliyah Reed
Just went through this last month. The annoying part is actually REACHING them when they call. They only call once at your scheduled time, and if you miss it, you have to go through the nightmare of getting rescheduled. I tried calling back the number they called from and it just goes to the general EDD line with 2+ hour wait times. I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an EDD rep in about 15 minutes instead of waiting hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Totally worth it for getting my interview rescheduled quickly after I missed the first call.
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Victoria Scott
•OMG i missed my call too and it was HELL trying to reach someone!!! wish id known about this sooner!!
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Benjamin Johnson
What's most important is to answer their call when it comes. They'll typically call from a blocked number and may try twice within a 15-minute window of your scheduled time. Make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception. Have these ready: 1. Your ID (they may verify identity details) 2. Last day worked at previous job 3. Exact reason for separation (layoff, termination, etc.) 4. Names and dates of any employers since your last claim 5. Documentation of job search efforts If they find no issues, your payments will continue processing normally. The fact that you can already certify is a good sign - they usually only block certification completely if there's a serious issue with your claim.
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Justin Evans
•This is super helpful! Quick question - will they be calling exactly at the time listed in my UI Online portal? It says 10:45am but doesn't give a time window.
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Emily Parker
my payment still procesed before my interview even happend. i think they just do these to check random ppl but still pay u
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Ezra Collins
•That's often true. If there's no initial flag on your claim, they'll process payments while the interview is pending. The interview is more of a verification step rather than a payment block in most cases.
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Justin Evans
Thanks everyone for all the responses! This has really calmed my nerves. I'm going to get all my documentation ready and make sure I'm available for the call. It's good to know this is mostly routine now and not specifically because there's a problem with my claim. I'll update after my interview!
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