Will California EDD be able to handle the crush?

As regions like the Bay Area are under lockdown and a wide variety of workers statewide at hospitality businesses and many others suddenly find themselves out of work, the state and nation's unemployment rate will jump from historic lows.  

Even though California has already waved the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits, will the California Employment Development Department be able to handle the crush?

One reader who learned he was laid off from his job yesterday shared his experience. As someone who collected benefits in the past, he had an existing account, and for him, that proved to be problematic.

When forgetting his password, which was from about two years ago, he was locked out. After going through the password reset procedure, a reset email was to be sent. 

According to the claimant, eight hours after receiving the message, that email has not been received. A delay in the reset email will delay filing which will delay benefits.   

This is only one case, but it does illustrate the problems claimants will have as the EDD receives an onslaught of claims. Any delay, especially for low-wage workers with families, will be devastating.

Let's hope the EDD doesn't experience DMV type computer glitches. If they do, things will not be pretty.     

Copyright by Elk Grove News © 2020. All right reserved.