Senator Portantino Makes Formal Request for Nine EDD System Improvements
Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) recently wrote to Julie Su, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and the Governor to convey his strong concerns regarding the department’s handling of claims for Unemployment and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Specifically, the Senator highlighted nine common complaints from friends and neighbors across the 25th Senate District. The nine issues Senator Portantino wants EDD to correct and to improve are:
- The lengthy ID verification process, where claimants receive no communication from EDD staff.
- Correspondence with EDD is not consistent and at times directly conflicts with prior correspondences.
- Automatic responses saying that messages will be responded to within 7-10 days but are not followed up on.
- Confusing temporary SSNs sent in the mail with no explanation.
- The significant amount of applications submitted by mail or fax that never are entered into the system.
- A number of constituents have been told by tech support that they are being put on a call back list but never hear back from EDD.
- The inconsistent messaging from EDD about how claimants can backdate claims.
- ID verification challenges for immigrants and those with name changes.
- False penalty issues and confusion over how to receive retroactive CARES payments once the issues are solved.
“Too many Californians are mired in bureaucratic red tape and not getting the benefits they deserve. We must do everything we can to bring financial relief to our neighbors who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic. I asked my team to compile the most prevalent issues facing our constituents and formally requested that EDD address them,” Commented Senator Portantino.
