What to expect during EDD phone interview? First-timer nervous about questions!
I just got a notification that EDD scheduled me for a phone interview next Tuesday. This is my first time on unemployment and I'm freaking out! The letter says it's about 'eligibility determination' but doesn't give many details. What kinds of questions will they ask me? How long does the interview usually last? Should I have documents ready? I worked at the same company for 6 years and was laid off due to 'organizational restructuring' - will this be a problem? I'm so nervous I'll say something wrong and lose my benefits. Anyone been through this recently?
15 comments
Sofia Martinez
I had my interview back in January. Don't stress too much! The interviews typically last 15-30 minutes. The interviewer will ask about your separation from your employer - why you left, the circumstances, etc. Since you were laid off due to restructuring, just be honest and straightforward about that. Have your termination letter or any documentation that shows the layoff reason handy. They might also verify your work history and wages. Make sure you're available at the scheduled time - they usually only try calling once or twice.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Thank you! That's really helpful. I do have my termination letter, so I'll keep that ready. Will they ask about job search efforts too? I've been applying to jobs but haven't had any interviews yet.
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Dmitry Volkov
just had mine last week! they basicaly wanna know if u were fired or quit or laid off. if u were laid off ur good to go!! my interview was only like 10 min
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Ava Thompson
•This isn't entirely accurate. Even with layoffs, they may still need to verify details. The interview could cover work search requirements, availability for work, and other eligibility factors beyond just the reason for separation. It's important to be prepared to discuss all aspects of your unemployment claim.
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CyberSiren
I'll tell you my experience from March 2025. The interview is mainly to determine if you're eligible for benefits based on the reason you separated from your employer. Since you were laid off due to organizational restructuring, you should be fine. The interviewer will verify this with your employer, so make sure your story matches what your employer will say. They'll ask: 1. Last day worked 2. Reason for separation (be specific about the restructuring) 3. If you're able and available for work 4. What type of work you're looking for 5. If you've refused any job offers Have ready: - Termination letter - Final pay stub - Any communication about the layoff - List of jobs you've applied to The interview is usually 15-30 minutes. Answer honestly but concisely. Don't volunteer unnecessary information. If you don't know an answer, it's okay to say so rather than guessing.
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Dylan Mitchell
•This is SUPER helpful, thank you! I'll definitely prepare those documents. For the job search part, do they want specific companies I've applied to or just a general number? And what if I don't remember the exact date of some applications?
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Miguel Alvarez
My interview was a DISASTER! The EDD interviewer was rude and kept interrupting me. Then they denied my claim saying I wasn't looking for work hard enough even though I applied to like 20 jobs! The whole system is rigged!!!!
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CyberSiren
•I'm sorry you had that experience. However, this isn't typical, and it's important not to scare the original poster unnecessarily. Most EDD interviews are professional and straightforward. If you were denied for insufficient work search, you can appeal that decision. For the OP's situation (a layoff due to restructuring), the interview should be relatively simple.
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Zainab Yusuf
When I had my eligibility interview in February, I was super anxious too! But the EDD rep was actually really nice. One big tip: MAKE SURE your phone accepts calls from unknown/blocked numbers! EDD calls often show up as 'Unknown Caller' and if you have those blocked, you'll miss the interview. Also, find a quiet place with good reception for the call. After my interview, I still had issues with my claim and couldn't get through to anyone at EDD. I discovered Claimyr.com which connected me to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. Their video (https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km) shows how it works. Definitely worth it when you're dealing with claim issues and can't get through on the regular line.
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Connor O'Reilly
•I've heard of Claimyr before - does it actually work? I thought it was just another scam trying to get money from desperate unemployed people.
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Ava Thompson
As someone who's helped many people through this process, here's what you should know about EDD eligibility interviews: 1. For layoffs due to restructuring, the interview is mainly a verification process. As long as your employer confirms the same reason for separation, you should be fine. 2. Have your facts straight: exact last day worked, final wages, and the specific reason given for your layoff. 3. The most common mistake people make is inconsistency between what they tell EDD and what their employer reports. Double-check all dates and reasons. 4. For work search requirements, be prepared to discuss 3-5 recent job applications with specific company names and approximate dates. You don't need exact dates for every application. 5. Answer questions directly and truthfully. Don't elaborate unnecessarily. 6. Take notes during the interview, especially if they give you specific instructions. 7. If approved, ask when you can expect payments to begin. Remember, layoffs due to restructuring are generally qualifying events for unemployment benefits. The interview is standard procedure, not an indication of problems with your claim.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Thank you for such detailed information! You've really helped calm my nerves. One last question - if they ask about my availability for work, is it okay to say I can't work certain shifts because of childcare issues? Or will that disqualify me?
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Sofia Martinez
Regarding your availability question - you need to be available for work similar to your previous employment. If your previous job accommodated your childcare schedule, then maintaining similar restrictions should be fine. However, if you're placing new restrictions that significantly limit your availability compared to your previous job, it could potentially affect your eligibility. Be honest but understand that you need to be available for suitable work in your field.
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Dylan Mitchell
•That makes sense. My previous job was 8-5 Monday through Friday, and that's what I'm looking for now too. So I think I should be okay with that answer. Thanks again for all the help everyone!
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Dmitry Volkov
good luck on ur interview!! u got this!
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