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EDD Phone Number: How to Get Live Human Help

Thomas Maxon, CEO & Co-founder of Claimyr | last updated: 11/04/2023

Been dialing the EDD customer service phone line 800-300-5616 to reach a human? This guide covers how to call and reach a live human at the EDD. Also, we provide you with a guaranteed way to speak with an EDD agent within a few hours.

Calling the EDD

A call to the EDD can change your life. In 2020, a single phone call gave me $30,000 in backdated benefits. 🤯 Yet it took 500 calls over a week to reach them. Below are my hard-earned steps to maximize your chances of landing a successful claim via phone.

Table of contents

How to call the California EDD phone number using a shortcut

If it's too hard to call the EDD, you can call the EDD to guarantee you reach a human.

For specific questions regarding your 1099G form, you can find detailed guidance by checking out the California EDD 1099G Phone Number section on our website.'.

How can I speak to a live person at the Employment Development Department?

There are two methods to reach a live person:

  • 1.) by calling manually over and over again, get on a 1hr. and 45 min hold, and then hope the call doesn't drop -- and I'll show you how to do that,
  • 2.) use a calling tool that dials for you, stays on hold, and forwards a call to your phone number when an agent is on the line. (RECOMMENDED)

For those who need specialized assistance with disability claims, you may want to directly contact the California EDD Disability Phone Number, which could provide more direct access to the help you need.

Option 1 (SLOW) call manually - time to a human rep = 2+ hours.

Below is the best way to dial through their menu faster:

  • Step 1: dial (800) 300-5616
  • Step 2: dial 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish)
  • Step 3: wait for 1 minute 10 seconds
  • Step 4: dial 1
  • Step 5: dial 1 again
  • Step 6: dial *
  • Step 7: dial * again
  • Step 8: dial * one last time
  • repeat above steps as needed; usually between 20-100 attempts

At this point, the EDD will either tell you they're too busy to take your call or you'll be put on hold. But again, I've called 500 times in a week without even getting on hold! It's just not realistic to call manually often, but you could get lucky.

If you're experiencing difficulties or require additional information, you may want to refer to the California EDD Paid Family Leave Phone Number page for alternative contact options and tips on reaching a representative more efficiently.

Option 2 (FAST): use a call app - time to a human rep = 5-40 min.

By far the fastest option is to use software. Robots are simply better at this task than humans ever can be.

  • Step 1: head to Claimyr (or click this link for a callback from Unemployment, for Disability, or for Paid Family Leave,
  • Step 3: pay for Claimyr to call for you (yes it's a paid version, but it honestly works very well. You can research Claimyr before buying to be sure)
  • Step 4: kick back, relax and wait for your phone to ring with an EDD agent on the line!

If you suspect fraudulent activity or have concerns about the security of your claim, it's crucial to contact the California EDD Fraud Hotline immediately for assistance.

EDD Callback Tool: About Claimyr

Like you, I was at wit's end trying to find a good way to reach a human at the EDD during the pandemic. After calling 500 times a week, I built a software program to dial for me automatically. This led to me sharing this tool with you. So far, a few hundred thousand people have used it to reach a live human not only at the EDD but also at the IRS phone number, American Airlines, CA Franchise Tax Board phone number, and many more.

Claimyr is a software-as-a-service that automates the entire calling process for you. We do this by programming software to

  • automatically dial the EDD phone number,
  • navigate the phone menu,
  • stay on hold,
  • detect if a live agent has picked up the call,
  • then forward a call to your phone with a live human waiting for you

The value for you is you can quickly get paid without the hours, days, weeks, and months of manually dialing over and over, staying on hold for hours, and often redialing after a dropped call. Instead, using Claimyr, all you need to do is press a button and wait for a callback to your phone with a live EDD agent on the call.

Yes, Claimyr is legit. We welcome you to search Google for "Claimyr". You'll see thousands of genuine happy reviews, news articles, and our location (San Francisco).

And no, Claimyr doesn't clog the lines or make matters worse. This is because Claimyr has a one-call-per-customer policy. We only place a single call at a time for you. We don't blast the phone lines as this would be cost-prohibitive for us (our calls would be preventing our own calls from reaching a human) and goes against our values. Also, if you use Claimyr, you stop calling yourself. This means that Claimyr doesn't add additional calls to the phone lines that wouldn't already be there anyways.

Here's what people usually say about Claimyr: a review of Claimyr

News coverage of Claimyr for the skeptical:

If you're dealing with specific issues such as overpayments, Claimyr can also streamline the process of contacting the right department by automatically dialing the California EDD Overpayment Phone Number for you.

EDD hours of operation

EDD is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time.

Tackling unemployment issues through the EDD can be a daunting task; securing the benefits you're due is often just the first step in regaining stability. To that end, after you've used this guide to connect with the EDD and set your unemployment benefits in motion, you might find that securing health insurance is next on your list. Don't fret—help is at hand. The Covered California Phone Number serves as a lifeline, providing personalized assistance in navigating your health insurance options. Much like reaching out to EDD can secure your financial support, dialing the experts at Covered California can ensure your health coverage needs are met without delay.

What is the best time to call EDD?

Now here is the secret they don't tell you: EDD never answers calls from 12 pm to around 1 pm. Yes, the entire call center takes a lunch break. They don't report this break, but they should. So do not needlessly call during lunch in California, wait until around 1:30 pm PT.

Do not call during these times (unless you are using Claimyr, which then you can order a callback 24/7 Monday - Sunday):

  • 👎 M-F 12 pm - 1 pm (EDD takes lunch then)
  • 👎 Monday mornings
  • 👎 After 4 pm on any day
  • 👎 Friday afternoons (as you'll likely not solve your issue until the following week)

But again, if you are using Claimyr's automated callback tool, then you will be able to place a call literally anytime during the day and get a callback soon after.

The best time to call the EDD is Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. ⚠️WARNING⚠️: please beware that you often need to dedicate an entire day to dialing over and over just to get on hold. Also, the EDD is notorious for dropping calls even when you finally do get on hold! So if you decide to start calling mid-week, due to excessive call volume, you may not be able to reach an agent until the following week or longer.

If you don't consider calling EDD a full-time profession, consider using a calling tool such as Claimyr to guarantee a callback with an EDD agent on the line with zero hold time.

Strike while the iron's hot and secure your financial stability with the right support. Navigating the California EDD system proves crucial for unemployment assistance; yet, many forget that other aid is available. If you're in need of food assistance or have questions about Medi-Cal, use the California EBT Phone Number to get in touch with the California Department of Social Services. This direct link gets you speaking to someone who can guide you through the CalFresh Program, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your pursuit of essential support services. From unemployment benefits to food and healthcare aid, arming yourself with the right contact information puts immediate help at your fingertips.

How to file over the phone with the EDD

You can file a claim with the Employment Development Department over the phone. To do this you’ll need to prepare ahead of time.

Here’s what you need to prepare ahead of your call:

  • Employment history
  • Identity Documents

Navigate the maze of government services efficiently. While this article equips you for EDD calls, don't miss out on fast-tracking your disability claims. People with disability claims often grapple with delays, but swift help is at hand. Click on the California Disability Ssdi Ssdi Phone Number for direct access to specialists ready to assist with your queries. Save time and sidestep the long waits by using this dedicated number to connect with an expert ready to focus on your needs.

Employment history

Last employer(s) info (all employers you worked for during the past 18 months):

  • Company name,
  • supervisor’s name,
  • address of the business,
  • your last date worked in California,
  • the reason you are no longer working, and
  • total gross earnings in the last week you worked.

If you are self-employed, a business owner, or an independent contractor, list yourself as your last employer and you will need your net income (total after taxes).

Reaching out to the EDD can secure the unemployment support you need, with the potential to transform your financial situation. If you find that your circumstances also require assistance with disability benefits, you need a direct line for specialized help. Connect swiftly and get the answers you need by utilizing the California Disability SSDI Phone Number. This direct contact enables you to bypass general information and head straight to the experts on disability benefits. Enhance your chances to receive the support you're eligible for by contacting the right department from the start.

Identity Documents

Outside of using ID.me, you will also need to have a.) two primary documents, b.) one primary document and two secondary documents

List of primary documents:

  • Driver's license (US or foreign)
  • Passport or passport card (US or foreign)
  • US Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Employment Authorization Card (I-766) issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
  • Federal or California ID Veteran health ID card
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ID Card
  • Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
  • National ID card (only if you live outside of the US)
  • Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Personal Identity Verification card

List of secondary documents:

  • US health insurance card
  • Social Security card
  • US birth certificate
  • School documents (ID with a photograph, school record, report card)
  • US voter registration card US citizen ID card (Form I-197)
  • Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214)
  • National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22)
  • Foreign birth document Certificate of Birth Abroad (FS-545)
  • Border crossing card
  • Native American tribal document
  • Tribal-issued photo ID card
  • Canadian Indian and Northern Affairs card
  • US Coast Guard merchant mariner card

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live EDD customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the Employment Development Department below, you can place an EDD call here to guarantee you reach a human.

How to backdate over the phone with an EDD representative

California allows you to report the last day you worked at your previous employers (not all states allow this). California allows you to backdate over the phone and calling is the fastest way to backdate your claim. This is an amazing feature that the Employment Development Department offers you should definitely take advantage of it.

  1. Call the EDD at 800-300-5616 or 833-978-2511 (these take you to the same call center so either number works)
  2. Press 1, wait a minute 10 seconds, press 1, wait a moment, and press 1 again. At this point enter your social security number for the final step.
  3. Speak with an agent and request to backdate to the last day you worked at your previous California employer.
  4. The EDD agent will ask you a series of questions to verify your identity and to ascertain if your unemployment claim is legitimate.

💡Pro-tip: it can often take hundreds of calls and hours on hold. We suggest you use Claimyr for a guaranteed way to speak to a human at the EDD.

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live EDD customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the EDD below, you can place an EDD call here to guarantee you reach a human.

Calling the EDD can help you get information about your payment

Bills are piling up. Simply knowing when your cash will be deposited can give you the ability to make it through. Call the EDD to get some insight into your payment dates.

A caveat here: the EDD agent you’ll be speaking with isn’t a master overseer of all things, they can give you general timeframes. A lot could slow the payment down: stakeholders such as banks, identity verification departments, and technical issues from EDD’s side all could delay your payment. As hard as it is right now for you, patience and persistence are the keys to unlocking your funds when dealing with the EDD.

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live EDD customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the EDD below, you can place an EDD call here to guarantee you reach a human.

Call the EDD if you have an unemployment benefits payment pending issue

Payment pending issues are the most confusing aspect of the unemployment process in California. There are many reasons for payment pending delays (such as ID verification, errors when filing a claim, etc.) However, this is all guesswork until you actually speak with an EDD representative.

💡Pro-tip: when calling the EDD try talking to more than one agent if you feel the information is wrong or unhelpful. Finding a good agent at the EDD can take a few calls, but it’s worth it. A helpful agent is worth their weight in gold.

Payment pending issues are routinely resolved over the phone. Many have received their benefits the very next day after resolving a payment pending issue this way.

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live EDD customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the EDD below, you can place an EDD call here to guarantee you reach a human.

Calling the EDD can help resolve identity issues

Identity verification issues are a major source of claim delays. If there is something off on your current address, name, or social security number, it will delay your benefits indefinitely. Often the EDD won’t contact you to notify you of this. The onus is on you to resolve this.

You can figure out if you have an ID issue if the UI dashboard is showing a notification that your identity is not verified yet. Also if you’re noticing a big delay in payment think about if you’ve moved or used another name to file.

Once you determine it could be an identity issue, give the EDD a call and an agent will be able to ask you a series of questions to verify you are who you say you are. Have patience here and understand this is a normal procedure due to the fact the EDD has had billions of dollars funneled out of their system by bad actors claiming to be unemployed individuals.

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live EDD customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the EDD below, you can place an EDD call here to guarantee you reach a human.

UI online technical issues can be resolved by speaking with an EDD agent

Sometimes it’s not even a bureaucratic process that’s delaying your benefits. EDD’s backend systems have been dependent on obsolete technology. Glitches are very common.

Many have been able to speak with a technical representative to undue a glitch in their account. This won’t happen often, but if you've exhausted all ideas with an EDD representative don't forget to request to speak with someone more experienced who has seen a wide range of bugs with their system.

Use the widget below to find out the best times, how to call, and a guaranteed method to reach a live EDD customer service agent. If it's too hard to call the EDD below, you can place an EDD phone call here to guarantee you reach a human.

EDD disability

If you're trying to speak to a live human EDD agent for unemployment CLICK HERE. Read this section before dialing yourself to save hours.

The number for EDD disability is (800) 480-3287. This guide covers how to call and reach a human at the EDD disability department. Trust me, read the article before trying to dial.

💡Pro-tip: it can often take hundreds of calls and a few hours on hold to reach a human by calling. We recommend you use Claimyr for a guaranteed way to speak to a human at the EDD disability office.

EDD paid family leave

The number to call the paid family leave office of the EDD is (877) 238-4373. This guide covers how to call and reach a human at the paid family office. Don't start dialing until you read that article -- it'll save you hours.

💡Pro-tip: it can often take hundreds of calls and a few hours on hold to reach a human on the phone. We recommend you use Claimyr for a guaranteed way to speak to a human at the PFL department.

1099 G phone number

The number to call the 1099 G office of the EDD is 866-401-2849. This guide covers how to call and reach a human at the 1099 G phone number. You can save a lot of time if you first learn the shortcut discussed in that article.

IRS Form 1099G is given to you by your state agency. It is relevant because it's how you report your unemployment 'earnings' to the IRS. Yes, unemployment is taxable.

Since you need to report 1099 G wages to the IRS, you should check out our guide on the IRS phone number to find the correct IRS department to call and efficiently communicate between the EDD and the IRS.

California Unemployment Phone Numbers

Included below are various services to assist you with your unemployment issues with their corresponding numbers and hours. EDD has a few phone numbers you can call to solve your issues:

Main line

The EDD line offers a few services to assist you with your claims. Call the EDD at 800-300-5616 or 833-978-2511 if you need assistance in English or Espanol, have questions about filing claims, or technical help with the online issues. Representatives can help you on the call with payment information, password resets, and answer general information about the Unemployment Insurance program. The EDD customer service center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT), Monday through Friday (but remember they've closed for lunch PT every day they're open).

If it's too hard to call these EDD numbers below, you can place an EDD call here to guarantee you reach a human.

Service Number Hours
English & Español, UI Online Question Filing Claims, EDD Customer Account Number (CAN), Payment Information, Password Resets & Technical Help (800) 300-5616 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT), Mon-Fri

Self-service options

For self-service, the EDD offers a 24/7 automated line at (866) 333-4606. This line provides information on your last payment issued, instructions on how to certify for benefits (EDD Tele-Cert), how to file a new UI claim or reopen an existing claim, and how to request copies of your 1099-G tax information. Additionally, you can find the nearest America's Job Center of California through this line.

Service Number Hours
EDD Tele-Cert, certify for benefits, guide on file/reopen claims, , last payment issued info, nearby job centers, get 1099-G tax information (866) 333-4606 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Other languages phone numbers: հայերեն/廣東話/한국어/普通话/Tagalog/Tiếng Việt

Language Native Name Number
Armenian հայերեն (855) 528-1518
Cantonese 廣東話 (800) 547-3506
Korean 한국어 (844) 660-0877
Mandarin 普通话 (866) 303-0706
Tagalog Tagalog (866) 395-1513
Vietnamese Tiếng Việt (800) 547-2058