Lawmakers frustrated by EDD delays
Nearly 2 million unemployment claims filed in the state over the first three months of government-ordered business lockdowns have yet to be paid, an analysis of federal government statistics shows.
The brutal backlog is further evidence of the troubles plaguing the embattled state Employment Development Department, prompting the newly jobless to complain of an overwhelmed phone system and antiquated technology.
The first-time claims have gone unfilled even as Gov. Gavin Newsom has promised reforms and increased staffing for the EDD.
On the North Coast, local legislators are hearing loud and clear the frustration felt by constituents desperate for help with unemployment claims.
“My capitol office and our three district offices in Eureka, Ukiah and Santa Rosa have been inundated every day with often desperate calls for assistance,” said Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa).
He said he is “using every tool we have with EDD to help our constituents.”
“We hear the very real frustration and despair in everyone’s voice and it’s heartbreaking when they thank us even for the simple act of keeping in touch with them, something EDD should be doing,” Wood said. “We remain committed to doing everything possible until EDD gets its act together.”
North Coast state Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) reported a similar situation.
“Since March, we have received hundreds and hundreds of calls, emails and Facebook messages from folks who need assistance with unemployment benefits,” McGuire said in an email. “One of the top issues we continue to hear — individuals who filed more than five, six, seven weeks ago and still have never heard back from California’s Employment Development Department. It’s literally crickets. Folks are distraught, they are desperate for funds to feed their families, pay rent, and keep the lights on.”
He called the response from the EDD “woefully inadequate.”
Since the start of the pandemic, the Humboldt County unemployment rates have spiked from the extended streak of historic lows experienced through the first few months of the year. In June, the county’s unemployment rate was at 16.3%.
Between March and May, Humboldt County residents filed 15,331 initial claims for benefits and the state paid out over $19 million. But it’s unclear who still needs to be paid.
“There are currently no ‘backlogged’ claims counts we can provide at the county level,” said EDD spokesman Barry White in an email.
He added that most claims are processed within three weeks.
“Claims that require staff review including identity verification and wage investigations will always take longer than the typical three weeks for most claimants to get a claim processed for payment, whether we are in a pandemic or not,” he said.
“We continue to assist dozens of folks every week, and urge North Coast residents to reach out to us if they need help,” said Senator Mike McGuire.
Wood encouraged residents to call his local office for help at 707-445-7014. McGuire’s office can be reached at 707-445-6508.
The Bay Area News Group contributed to this report. Ruth Schneider can be reached at 707-4410520.