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Sofia Price

EDD scheduled phone interview after reapplying - previous temp jobs affecting eligibility?

I'm really stressed about my new unemployment claim. My previous benefits ran out in early June 2025, and I had to wait until November to reapply (not sure why the long wait). I finally submitted a new claim, but now my claim tracker shows 'some indications that I could not be eligible' and they scheduled a phone interview for 12/27. Between June and now, I worked for two different temp agencies. I left the first one because it was a hostile environment (seriously terrible situation!). The second temp agency only gave me work for a couple of days. Since then, I've been actively job hunting with no luck. Does anyone know if these short-term temp jobs will affect my new claim approval? Will leaving a hostile work environment count against me? I'm worried about the phone interview and don't understand why they're questioning my eligibility. This is my first time having to do a phone interview and I'm nervous about what to expect.

Alice Coleman

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I went through this exact same thing last year! The phone interview is probably because you left that first temp job. EDD needs to determine if you quit with "good cause" or if they'll consider it a voluntary quit without good cause (which would disqualify you). Make sure to gather any evidence of the hostile work environment - emails, texts, names of witnesses, etc. During the interview, be very specific about the conditions and why they made it impossible to continue working there. As for the second temp job, just explain honestly it was short-term. Good luck!

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Sofia Price

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Thx for the reply! That makes sense. I'm worried because I didn't document anything from the hostile temp job. It was all verbal harassment and the manager constantly putting me down. Will just my word be enough for the interview? Also, do you know if I'll still get benefits for the weeks between when I applied and the interview date?

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Owen Jenkins

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the interview is normal dont worry most ppl get one when they reapply. they will just ask u basic questions bout why u left. they might ask if u reported the hostility to anyone at the temp agency before quitting tho so be ready for that question!!

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Sofia Price

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Thank you! I actually did speak to the temp agency about the situation before I left, so I'll make sure to mention that. I just didn't get it in writing which is what I'm worried about.

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Lilah Brooks

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Your situation is fairly common with temp jobs. The phone interview is standard procedure when there's a job separation issue that needs clarification. Here's what you need to know: 1. For the hostile environment claim, you'll need to explain SPECIFICALLY what made it hostile - verbal abuse, unsafe conditions, discrimination, etc. The more details, the better. 2. The second temp job ending after a couple days is less concerning. They'll just verify it was temporary as assigned. 3. During the interview, stay calm and stick to facts. Don't exaggerate but don't minimize the hostile conditions either. 4. You should still certify for benefits while waiting for the interview. If approved, you'll get paid for those weeks. The most important thing is to be prepared for that phone call - have dates, names, and specific incidents ready to discuss. Good cause for quitting includes harassment, unsafe conditions, or significant changes to working conditions.

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Sofia Price

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This is super helpful, thank you! The environment was definitely toxic - my supervisor would yell at me in front of others, make fun of my work, and changed my schedule without notice multiple times. I'll make sure to mention all that specifically. Should I mention that I've applied to 20+ jobs since then to show I'm trying to find work?

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I had a phone interview last month and ended up waiting THREE HOURS past my scheduled time for them to call!! Make sure you're available well beyond your appointment time and keep your phone charged. The actual interview only took like 10 minutes once they finally called.

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Kolton Murphy

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Having trouble reaching EDD to check on your claim status before the interview? I was in a similar situation last month and wasted days trying to get through. A friend recommended using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an EDD agent quickly. They have a service that helps you skip the busy signals and actually get through to a real person. Worked for me when I needed clarification before my eligibility interview. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Might be worth talking to an agent before your interview to understand exactly what they're questioning about your claim.

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Sofia Price

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Oh wow, I haven't heard of this before. I've been calling EDD almost every day and can't get through. It would be good to talk to someone before the interview. Thanks for sharing, I'll check it out!

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Evelyn Rivera

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THE EDD SYSTEM IS SUCH GARBAGE!! I went through FIVE interview reschedules before they finally talked to me. They kept sending notices the day before saying they needed to reschedule. Each time I had to arrange my whole day around waiting for a call that never came. By the time they actually interviewed me, I'd already found a new job and didn't even need the benefits anymore. WASTE OF TIME!!!!

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Sofia Price

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Oh no, that sounds awful! I really hope they don't reschedule mine. I can't afford to wait much longer without benefits.

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Julia Hall

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my roommate got approved even tho she quit her job becuz of a mean boss so u should be ok probably

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Alice Coleman

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One thing I forgot to mention - make sure you continue to certify every two weeks even while waiting for your interview and determination! Some people stop certifying while their claim is pending and then have to do even more paperwork to get those weeks paid retroactively. Keep certifying and answering the questions honestly.

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Sofia Price

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Thank you for the reminder! I wasn't sure if I should certify while waiting. I'll make sure to do that.

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Lilah Brooks

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After your interview, you'll receive a Notice of Determination in your UI Online account and by mail. This document will tell you if you're eligible or not. If you're found ineligible based on the job separation, you have 30 days to appeal that decision. Since you mentioned speaking to the temp agency about the hostile environment before leaving, that's good evidence of trying to resolve the situation before quitting. Make sure to mention: 1. Who you spoke to at the agency 2. When you reported the problems 3. What response you received 4. Why their response didn't resolve the issue This shows you made a reasonable attempt to keep your job before leaving, which strengthens your "good cause" argument.

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Sofia Price

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You've been so helpful! I'll definitely prepare all this information for the interview. I did speak with the agency coordinator (I remember her name) and explained the situation in detail. She said she'd look into it but never got back to me after a week, and the workplace conditions were still intolerable.

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Owen Jenkins

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i had my interview last week and the lady was actually super nice! wasnt scary at all. just be honest

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Luca Marino

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Hey Sofia! I went through a similar situation a few months ago with temp work and an EDD interview. Just wanted to add that when they ask about your job search efforts since leaving those temp positions, definitely mention those 20+ applications you've been submitting - it shows you're actively seeking work which is a requirement for benefits. Also, if you have any email confirmations from job applications or responses from employers, keep those handy. Sometimes they ask for proof of your job search activity during the interview. The fact that you've been consistently looking for work since the temp jobs ended really supports your case. One more tip - write down a timeline of events before your interview (dates you started/left each temp job, when you reported the hostile environment, etc.). Having everything organized will help you stay focused during the call. You've got this!

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