RESEA appointment letter from EDD - mandatory or optional?

This is called RESEA (Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment), and no, not everyone on unemployment gets selected for it. EDD randomly selects claimants for these appointments as part of their eligibility verification process. It's been around for years but they've ramped it up significantly since 2023. The appointment is MANDATORY - if you miss it without rescheduling, your benefits can be suspended. The good news is you CAN reschedule! Call the phone number on your notice ASAP and explain about your job interview. They're usually accommodating since you're actively seeking work, which is exactly what they want to see. During the RESEA, they'll review your eligibility, job search activities, and help create a reemployment plan. It's actually quite helpful for many people.

OMG I got one of these last year and MISSED IT because I thought it was optional!!! My benefits got cut off for like 3 WEEKS while I had to appeal and prove I wasn't purposely avoiding it. DEFINITELY reschedule if you can't make it!!!! Don't make my mistake lol

I went through a RESEA appointment back in January. It's actually pretty straightforward - they review your work search activities, so bring documentation of any jobs you've applied to, interviews you've had, etc. They'll also help update your resume and suggest job search strategies. One thing I'd recommend - if you're having trouble reaching EDD to reschedule (which is common), try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an EDD rep in under 5 minutes when I needed to reschedule my RESEA appointment. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km My appointment ended up being virtual due to the reschedule, which was actually more convenient.

I had one of these last month. The whole thing took like 45 mins and was actually kinda helpful. They told me about some job fairs I didnt know about 👍

The RESEA program has been around for years but EDD has definitely increased the number of claimants they select since the post-pandemic unemployment surge. I was selected twice in my life - once in 2018 and again in 2025. The purpose is twofold: 1) verify you're actively seeking work and 2) provide resources to help you find employment faster. They're especially targeting industries with high rehire rates or claimants with specialized skills. Just make sure to reschedule properly instead of missing it. They keep detailed records of attendance and communication attempts. Have you tried calling the specific RESEA number rather than the general EDD line? It's usually less crowded.

i got one of these and missed it cause it went to my spam folder... total nightmare getting my benefits back. def reschedule if u cant make it

My cousin got 1 of these last year but I didnt get one when I was on unemployment in March. I think its totally random who they pick for these???

THE WORST PART about these appointments is trying to reach someone to reschedule!!! I spent DAYS calling over and over again!!! The system is BROKEN and they don't care that they make it IMPOSSIBLE to comply with their OWN RULES!!!

i received one of these letters in april so i went to the appointment and it was actually pretty helpful. they reviewed my resume and suggested some improvements. also told me about some job training programs i qualified for. it's definitely mandatory though!!!

Update: I was able to reschedule my RESEA appointment for next Friday afternoon! The rep was actually really nice about it when I explained I had a job interview. She said they encourage that and were happy to accommodate. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! I'll make sure to bring my job search records and resume to the appointment.