California Continues to Streamline Benefit Determinations

The EDD is continuing to speed up the eligibility determination process in cases where we need more information from our customers. Rather than waiting for a phone interview to provide additional information, customers will be able to respond online and upload documents.

By law, the EDD must determine if a person meets eligibility requirements. The vast majority of benefits are issued without the need for an interview or further information. However, a small percentage of claims require EDD review to confirm eligibility.

This new, online Eligibility Questionnaire launches later this month to help those with some of the most common eligibility issues. These common issues include details about why the applicant is no longer working or clarifying application statements.

The new online system is part of EDD’s modernization initiatives and follows efforts to reduce the need for phone interviews with a paper version of the questionnaire, Request for Eligibility Information (DE 4365FF), launched in April 2022.

The new online Eligibility Questionnaire will allow customers to choose how they prefer to provide the additional information. For customers who prefer a phone interview with an EDD agent, including multilingual customers, the phone option remains available.