EDD scheduling zoom eligibility interviews after 6 weeks of certification - normal procedure?
Been on UI since losing my marketing job early January (company downsized). I've been certifying every two weeks without issues and payments have been coming through to my Money Network card. But this week something weird happened - I got THREE separate emails from EDD scheduling me for a zoom eligibility interview plus a form they want me to fill out and return before the meeting. One email came Monday, then two more on Wednesday with different dates/times. Is this normal at around the 6-week mark? I'm actively job searching and uploading all my work search activities. Should I be worried? Why would they suddenly need an interview when everything's been fine so far? Has anyone else dealt with this zoom interview thing?
19 comments
Yuki Tanaka
Yes, this is completely normal. EDD routinely conducts eligibility interviews at various points during your claim period. These interviews are basically their way of verifying your continued eligibility and ensuring you're meeting work search requirements. A few things to know: 1. Multiple emails with different dates are likely a system glitch - choose the LATEST date/time they sent you 2. Complete that form ASAP - it asks about your work search efforts 3. Make sure you have documentation of all your job applications ready to show 4. Be prepared to explain your availability for work and any job offers you've declined (if any) These interviews typically last 15-30 minutes. Just be honest and you'll be fine. They're just checking boxes to make sure you qualify.
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CaptainAwesome
•Thank you so much! That's a relief. The emails freaked me out because they came out of nowhere. I'll definitely complete the form today and prepare my job search documentation. Do they usually stop payments while waiting for the interview or will they keep coming?
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Esmeralda Gómez
omg i just went thru this last month!!! so annoying tbh. they made me wait on zoom for like 45 min past the appointment time and then the lady was super rushed. make sure u have ur work search info READY 2 share!! they will 100% ask for specific companies u applied to and they write it all down. good luck!
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Klaus Schmidt
•Same! My interviewer was actually pretty nice though. OP should make sure their camera works ahead of time - they want to see you!
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Aisha Patel
TYPICAL EDD BUREAUCRACY! They wait until you're comfortable and then BOOM - suddenly you need to prove everything again. I've been through THREE of these "eligibility interviews" in the last year. Each time they ask the exact same questions. Complete waste of time if you ask me. The system is designed to trip people up and find any tiny reason to disqualify you. My advice? DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Screenshot every job application, save every email from employers, keep a detailed log of every phone call. The minute you can't provide proof of ONE job search activity, they'll try to hit you with an overpayment notice. Seen it happen to too many people.
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CaptainAwesome
•Oh geez, that's stressful to hear. I've been keeping decent records but not screenshots of everything. I've got about 5 days before the interview - hopefully enough time to gather more documentation. I really can't afford to lose these benefits right now.
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LilMama23
Let me clarify some misinformation in this thread. These eligibility interviews are standard procedure, but they don't happen to everyone. EDD selects claims randomly or when something in your certification responses triggers a review (like indicating limited availability, refusing work, etc.). The multiple emails with different appointments is a known glitch in their scheduling system. Always go with the most recent appointment date/time. Regarding documentation: You should definitely have records of your work search activities, but the process isn't designed to trip you up. Be honest about your job search efforts. If you're meeting the requirements (applying to 2-3 jobs weekly), you'll be fine. One recommendation: If you're having trouble reaching EDD to clarify which appointment is correct, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They connect you directly to an EDD representative and bypass the regular phone system. I used them when I had a similar scheduling confusion and got through in under 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Esmeralda Gómez
•is that service legit tho?? seems sketchy paying to talk to EDD when its supposed to be free?
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LilMama23
Yes, it's legitimate. They don't replace EDD - they just help you get through to an actual EDD representative faster. Think of it like paying for priority access to avoid hours of redialing. You're still talking directly to EDD staff. I was skeptical too but it worked when I needed to clear up a similar interview scheduling confusion.
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Aisha Patel
•Agreed. I hate that services like this have to exist, but it's better than spending your ENTIRE DAY hitting redial. I used something similar and it saved my sanity when I needed to sort out an overpayment notice.
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Dmitri Volkov
i had my interview last week and it wasnt that big of a deal. the lady just asked about my last job (why i left) and then asked for 3 jobs i applied to recently. kinda seemed like she was just going through the motions honestly
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CaptainAwesome
•That doesn't sound too bad. I left my job due to a company downsizing so I think that part will be straightforward. I've definitely applied to way more than 3 jobs so I should be covered there. Was your payment delayed while waiting for the interview?
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Dmitri Volkov
nope my payments kept coming normal the whole time. interview didnt affect anything
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Gabrielle Dubois
I work in HR and deal with EDD verification requests frequently. Here's what's happening: At around 5-7 weeks, EDD's automated system flags a percentage of claims for routine verification. It's actually a good sign - it means your claim has been active long enough to be in their regular verification cycle. The multiple emails are definitely a system issue. Call EDD to confirm which appointment is valid. As for the form, it's most likely the DE 4365REF, which asks about your work search activities and availability. Complete it thoroughly and submit it before your interview. During the interview: 1. Be prepared to discuss your last job separation in detail 2. Have specific information about 5-7 recent job applications 3. Be ready to explain your job search strategy and any limitations on your availability Most importantly, your benefits typically continue during this process unless they find specific eligibility issues.
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CaptainAwesome
•Thank you for such detailed information! Yes, the form is indeed the DE 4365REF. Feeling much better about this now. One last question - is it better to do the zoom meeting on my phone or computer? Does it matter?
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Yuki Tanaka
Computer is definitely better if you have stable internet. It's easier to share your screen if they ask to see any documentation, and you'll have a larger view of the interviewer and any materials they might show. Make sure your camera and microphone are working properly beforehand. Also, dress somewhat professionally - doesn't need to be formal, but don't show up in pajamas!
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Klaus Schmidt
•This is good advice. My interviewer actually commented positively that I "took the interview seriously" just because I wore a decent shirt and was at a desk instead of in bed lol
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CaptainAwesome
Update: Had my interview yesterday and it went exactly as you all described! The interviewer was actually pretty nice. She just verified my work search activities (asked for details on 3 recent applications) and confirmed my previous employment ended due to downsizing. Took about 20 minutes total. My certification got processed normally afterward. Thanks everyone for calming my nerves about this!
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Yuki Tanaka
•Great to hear! Thanks for coming back to update us. These routine checks can definitely cause unnecessary anxiety when you don't know what to expect.
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