EDD Phone Interview Months Later? What can I expect?

August 26, 2010 9:37 AM

I've been receiving unemployment compensation (in CA) consistently since being laid off last fall. All extensions have been approved and have gone through without a hitch. I was notified of a phone interview scheduled for next week. Why??

I've submitted all forms on time and have been looking for jobs that I feel I am qualified for. There are not always jobs available that I feel I should waste my time applying to, so although I'm looking for work, I am not always applying for jobs.
My most recent form received from EDD did not include a check and gave me until Sept 2nd to return the form, whereas it should have been mailed last Sunday. And the box was checked to list jobs I've APPLIED to and include info like company name and address, contact person, etc that is for the most part not available on many online ads. (IMO they need to bring this form into the 21st century and allow for online job applications!)

Has anyone had an EDD phone interview *after* having received unemployment compensation for an extended period of time? What is it they want to know at this point? Is this standard operating procedure or could I have done something wrong that they're investigating. Obviously I need these funds to continue until I find a suitable position.

Any info or guidance would be appreciated.

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (6 answers total)

My experience has been with the unemployment system in NY. Here, they spot-check people. I occasionally have to fill out a form, and sign my name to a document swearing that I am looking for work. My first guess would be something along those lines.
posted by Buffaload at 9:47 AM on August 26, 2010

Call these people.
posted by Aizkolari at 9:48 AM on August 26, 2010

I think CA's EDD system is trying to justify it's existence. Did you put up a resume on their Cal Jobs site?

I'd just fill out the information as best you can---they're not likely to be doing any meaningful followup with CL ads or SimplyHired.

But give them the dates, the email addresses, etc. You can also fill out job applications at a number of different companies' online sites. Have you had any interviews? Be sure to list any places that called you back.

(Not to be argumentative, but why call an employee rights center? It's the State of CA that's making the OP jump through hoops. )
posted by Ideefixe at 10:56 AM on August 26, 2010

Yes, I had this happen once. They asked some pretty routine questions and that was that. (But I never had the experience of getting a form without a check.)
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:57 AM on August 26, 2010

There are several reasons why they may do that. One is if you moved to a new address. It's most likely not a big deal, don't sweat it, just make sure you answer when they call and answer their questions truthfully.

If the interview results in a denial of benefits, there is an appeals process that is easily (if slowly) navigated.
posted by jeffamaphone at 11:27 AM on August 26, 2010

I think you're going to need to put down jobs that you applied for EVERY week, period, even if they are "beneath you" or Taco Hell. The reason that they are paying you at all is that you are proving that you are trying to get off their payroll. And if you are hitting a year of unemployment, that's probably a factor too.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:04 PM on August 26, 2010