EDD work search requirements changed? Job candidates ghosting interviews

The work search requirements haven't fundamentally changed, but the verification process has evolved. Currently, claimants must be able to show they've made reasonable efforts to find suitable work each week they certify, but EDD rarely requests detailed verification unless there's an eligibility interview or audit. For most regular UI claims in 2025, claimants need to perform at least 3 work search activities per week, which can include submitting applications, attending interviews, networking, etc. However, they're only required to keep their own records of these activities for 3 years - they don't submit proof with each certification unless specifically requested. So technically, someone could be marking that they're searching for work without following through on interviews. EDD would only catch this during a random eligibility review or if someone reported them for unemployment fraud.

this happens to us tooooo!! we had 8 no-shows last month for our warehouse positions. total waste of time. i think people r just applying to check the box for edd but dont actually want the job

I was on unemployment last year, and the way it works now is you have to check a box during certification saying you looked for work, but they don't ask for specific details unless they do a random audit. You're supposed to keep a record of your job search activities for 3 years in case you get audited, but most people probably don't. When I certified, I just had to answer YES to "Did you look for work?" and that was it. No details required about applications, interviews, etc. So yeah, people could easily be applying to jobs with no intention of taking them just to meet the requirements.

I work in HR and can confirm this is happening EVERYWHERE right now. We've started doing quick phone screenings before scheduling in-person interviews specifically because of this issue. Regarding the actual EDD requirements - claimants must perform work search activities each week, but how EDD monitors this has definitely gotten more relaxed post-pandemic. The system now puts more emphasis on self-reporting rather than verification. Unless someone gets selected for an eligibility interview, they likely won't have to provide any proof of their job search efforts. Long story short - yes, people can technically apply to jobs with little intention of taking them, and the system currently doesn't have great checks against this behavior.

OMG this is SO frustrating!! I've been on the hiring side AND the unemployed side. When I was on unemployment, I actually went to all my interviews even if I wasn't super interested because it's just basic courtesy!!! People have no respect anymore. I don't think the requirements changed - people just got lazier!!!!

If you want to reach an EDD representative to report this behavior or get more information about current requirements, try using Claimyr. I was trying to get through to EDD for WEEKS about a similar issue with employees who quit and then filed for unemployment. Claimyr got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 25 minutes when I couldn't get through at all on my own. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Their website is claimyr.com - definitely saved me hours of frustration. The EDD agent I spoke with confirmed they do have a fraud department that handles these types of situations where people may be abusing the system.

As someone who's currently on unemployment, I can tell u that during the weekly certification, EDD just asks if u looked for work. They don't ask for details unless they call u in for an eligibility interview later. I keep records of everything just in case, but ya know, not everyone does. BUT it's super shitty to confirm an interview and not show up. That's just rude. Sorry ur dealing with that. Some of us actually want jobs :/

To answer your follow-up question - yes, there can be penalties if EDD discovers someone is falsifying their job search. If they determine someone is not making a good faith effort to find work, they can: 1. Disqualify them from benefits for weeks they weren't actually searching 2. Create an overpayment that must be repaid 3. Add penalty weeks to future claims 4. In serious cases of fraud, assess a 30% penalty on top of the overpayment The challenge is that EDD has limited resources to investigate these cases unless someone specifically reports potential fraud. Employers can report suspected unemployment insurance fraud through the EDD website or by calling their fraud hotline.

Update: I spoke with an EDD representative today (thanks for the Claimyr tip, it actually worked!), and they confirmed that while work search requirements are being enforced, they're mainly focusing on whether people are applying to jobs, not necessarily following through with interviews. The rep suggested documenting no-shows and reporting them if you believe they're collecting unemployment fraudulently. They said EDD takes these reports seriously, especially with the pattern you're describing. In the meantime, they suggested adding a confirmation step the morning of the interview to reduce no-shows. Apparently this is becoming a widespread issue across many industries.