Fired from job - what happens during EDD eligibility phone interview?

I went through this exact situation last year. The phone interview is actually pretty straightforward - they're trying to determine if you were fired due to misconduct or just laid off/terminated for other reasons. Have documentation ready showing your schedule changes if possible! The EDD rep will ask about the circumstances of your termination, how long you worked there, and your side of the story. Be honest but frame things in your favor. If you're having trouble getting through to EDD before your interview date, try Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they helped me get through to an actual person when I had questions before my interview. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Good luck!

Make sure you're available 15 minutes before and after your scheduled time. EDD calls can come early or late! They'll ask specific questions about your termination - why you were fired, if you received warnings, your job performance, etc. The key is to be HONEST but explain any extenuating circumstances. If your schedule kept changing, mention that. Your employer will also be contacted for their side, so don't make stuff up. If approved, benefits are typically processed within 7-10 days after the interview.

they denied my claim after my phone intrview because they said i was fired for misconduct but i appealed and won!!! just be super clear about what happened and dont get flustered when they ask questions. if your boss kept changing schedules without notice thats on THEM not you. my interviewer was nice but asked alot of detailed questions so try to remember specific dates of incidents if you can

I HAD MY INTERVIEW LAST MONTH And it was a disaster!!! The EDD lady called 45 mins LATE and I almost missed it because I was in the bathroom! They only ask like 5-6 questions but they get very detailed about why you were fired. If your boss said you were consistently late you need to have a good explanation ready with PROOF if possible. My determination took 2 whole weeks after the interview which was super stressful.

will they record the phone interview? i have mine coming up too and im worried about saying the wrong thing

Here's what you need to know about eligibility interviews for termination cases: 1. Have your termination date ready 2. Be prepared to explain the specific reason you were given for termination 3. If attendance/tardiness was the stated reason, you'll need to explain any extenuating circumstances 4. Document any schedule changes that contributed to attendance issues 5. Know if you received any written warnings (and when) 6. Understand that being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you - only termination for misconduct does For schedule changes specifically, if you can prove your employer didn't provide adequate notice of schedule changes that led to your tardiness, that strengthens your case significantly. The interviewer is trying to determine if your actions rose to the level of misconduct, which has a specific legal definition in unemployment cases.

i had my interview and got approved even tho i was fired! just be ready to explain everything without contradicting yourself and you'll be fine

A key point nobody's mentioned: California uses a "willful or wanton disregard" standard for misconduct. Tardiness only counts as misconduct if it was deliberate or you showed no concern after warnings. If your tardiness was due to schedule confusion or circumstances beyond your control, clearly explain that. Also, prepare a brief timeline of events leading to termination - EDD interviewers appreciate organized responses. Don't volunteer negative information, but never lie. The interviewer will likely contact your employer after speaking with you, so inconsistencies will be noticed.

good luck with your interview i hope you get approved right away

One more thing - after your interview, your UI Online account won't update immediately. It might show pending for several more days even if the interview went well. If you need to check on the status and can't get through on the regular number, that's when Claimyr really helped me (claimyr.com). Got me through to a rep who could tell me my claim status when the website wasn't updating. Totally worth it for peace of mind.

Remember to answer only what's asked during the interview. Many claimants talk too much and accidentally say things that hurt their case. The interviewer isn't trying to trick you, but their job is to gather facts. Be concise and factual. If your tardiness was due to schedule changes, simply state that without elaborating on unrelated workplace issues. The determination typically takes 7-10 business days after the interview, and if approved, payment usually processes within 48 hours of that determination.