We are receiving a lot of questions about whether or not AT&T employees who take a voluntary buyout will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
We have received the following information from CWA District 9:
Historically, the Company’s position is to fight all unemployment claims regardless of the separation reason.
Only the EDD office makes the determination if an applicant qualifies for unemployment benefits.
The EDD’s internal process is:
- Applicant applies for unemployment benefits (utilizing the website expedites the process)
- The application is reviewed by an EDD Agent
- The company receives notification of the request for benefits
- The EDD notifies the applicant if they were awarded or denied for benefits
- The applicant has an opportunity to appeal (phone interview)
- If the applicant is denied after the phone interview they may appeal to an EDD Judge (face to face hearing)
- The company may elect to send a representative
- If the applicant is denied after the face to face hearing, then their last opportunity for appeal is with the state
Suggestions for interview process:
- Supply EDD Agent copies of news articles and AT&T News Informer emails addressing downsizing of the business regardless if your job title is listed or not
- Copy seniority list
- Copy of any notification of surplus or layoff (those beneficial to receiving EDD benefits)
- Answer a direct question with a direct answer (don’t supply additional information i.e. I left with a bonus incentive)
- If asked, you must advise you received a severance payment
EDD website:
- Benefit determination guide index https://edd.ca.gov/UIBDG/
- File a claim https://edd.ca.gov/unemployment/File_an_Unemployment_Insurance_Claim.htm
- After you file a claim https://edd.ca.gov/unemployment/After_you_Filed.htm (COVID-19 information)
- COVID-19 information https://www.ca.gov/serp/?q=unemployment