EDD Implements All State Auditor Recommendations

Based on pandemic lessons learned, we have delivered major improvements including implementing all 21 California State Auditor (CSA) pandemic recommendations for fraud fighting and operational improvement.

We implemented tough new anti-fraud measures in 2020 that blocked tens of billions of dollars in fraud attempts. In close coordination with Fraud Special Counsel, McGregor Scott, we have recovered nearly $2 billion in stolen funds, with more to come.

We are also continuing to speed our payments. Last year, up to 86 percent of unemployment claims met the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) payment requirements. In June 2020 of the pandemic, the nationwide percentage was 52 percent. DOL standards require states to pay at least 87 percent of first unemployment payments within 3 weeks. The EDD transparently posts payment information on its online data dashboard, consistent with the CSA’s mandate. Our efforts dedicated to modernization will continue to help us build greater efficiencies in our benefit programs.

To further fortify our positive trends in customer service and support EDDNext, we created Customer Experience and User Experience teams to gather customer feedback and guide improvements.