Press Play with Madeleine Brand
CA EDD paid out $400 million in fraudulent claims while denying benefits to people who need them
Nearly nine months into this pandemic, many Californians are desperate for financial help. The $600 unemployment benefit from the federal government’s COVID relief package expired this summer.
By Madeleine Brand • • 10m ListenNearly nine months into this pandemic, many Californians are desperate for financial help. The $600 unemployment benefit from the federal government’s COVID relief package expired this summer.
As of last week, there’s still a backlog of more than 620,000 claims with the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD). The LA Times reports today that EDD paid out $400 million on tens of thousands of fraudulent claims. Those claims used the names of California prison inmates, including more than 100 on death row.
The full episode
3 of 5
California’s COVID vaccine rollout plan- 0:00COVID vaccines are expected in a few weeks. Who will get the first shots?
- 11:02iPhones and Androids can send COVID exposure alerts. But that tech isn’t being used everywhere
- 18:39CA EDD paid out $400 million in fraudulent claims while denying benefits to people who need themYou’re reading this
- 29:08On this Giving Tuesday, a look at how generosity helps people cope with their own anxiety
- 36:03‘This is a world icon.’ New Netflix series follows life of Selena, the Queen of Tejano music
The full episode
3 of 5California’s COVID vaccine rollout plan- 0:00COVID vaccines are expected in a few weeks. Who will get the first shots?
- 11:02iPhones and Androids can send COVID exposure alerts. But that tech isn’t being used everywhere
- 18:39CA EDD paid out $400 million in fraudulent claims while denying benefits to people who need themYou’re reading this
- 29:08On this Giving Tuesday, a look at how generosity helps people cope with their own anxiety
- 36:03‘This is a world icon.’ New Netflix series follows life of Selena, the Queen of Tejano music