EDD

streamline the claims process.

Another sign has emerged to suggest that the EDD might be struggling to make progress on determining if a questionable claim is linked to fraud or is legitimate.

The embattled state agency is taking steps to ease the time pressure for jobless workers to navigate the EDD’s bureaucratic maze for identity verification and claims validation.

“EDD has extended the window from 10 to 30 days for claimants to verify their identity with ID.me,” the

EDD said in a prepared release.

In October 2020, the EDD instituted a new identity verification technology called ID.me.

After the 30 days, the EDD will likely force the worker to restart their claim from scratch.

“This extension will provide claimants ample opportunity to validate their identities before an EDD notice of disqualification is issued,” the department said. “As claimants have their identity verified, EDD is removing barriers on claims so payments can continue for legitimate claimants within a matter of days.”