When you sign up for unemployment benefits, do they set up interviews for you to attend ?
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I think those sessions(Re-employment Assistance?) have different names in different states, but it's basically just a job-finding service, and they are funded by government grants. They started that between the first (2010) and second(2015) time I applied for UI benefits. There is usually a web site involved too, that you need to continually utilize those services, and let them know that you are truly unemployed and looking for work which is the fundamental requirement to get benefits. It's no big deal. In the past they would only call you in if you had an extension to benefits. Now they do it more. I'm not sure if everyone gets called or if it's lottery style, but it's a form of auditing, in a way. If you do not show up for any of the appointments, you are automatically disqualified. That's what the letters say. Take them seriously, I know someone who was disqualified for something very small and subtle. They are fishing for an opportunity to disqualify you and make the jobs numbers look good, since many now falsely equate "those receiving benefits" to numbers of unemployed.
If it's necessary that you have to show up in person to apply or interview for UI benefits, go in wesring a "Hillary 2016" tee shirt. They'll move you up to the front of the line and process you quickly to receive benefits. No questions asked.
What are REA Sessions ?
In many cases you need to show up in person and attend the REA sessions. Prepare to be reamed. I had to and it was fairly painful. You need to be actively looking for work to legitimately qualify. I don't care how much you think you "Paid your dues". It's like the DMV. I advise that you answer all questions honestly and truthfully.
The process for getting unemployment benefits in California is pretty much the same. Go to State of California Employment Development Department at:
http://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/
There's lots of information on the homepage. You can file for California UI benefits online too. Good luck.
Is this the same process in California ?
In Texas (and probably most states) you can sign up for UI benefits online. Just Google "Texas Workforce Commission" or "TWC" for short. Applying online is easy and there's no need for interviews either. After applying to receive UI benefits, you will be asked (don't remember if it's required) to also set up an online account with its sister site, called "Work in Texas" at www.workintexas.com. There is a link to it at the end of the UI application process. The Work in Texas site allows you to search for work in your desired area. The search engine has filters to search for posted jobs by Job Description, Area, Permanent or Part Time, etc. Work in Texas will also send you email alerts, if you set that feature up, to jobs that may interest you. You can sign-in to your online account and modify job parameters anytime you want. It's just on other tool they provide for you to search for available jobs. They do not arrange interviews for you, but do have "Job Fairs" that you can attend. But, from my experience, these Job Fairs are for low wage work only.