Can't reach EDD SDI by phone even at 7:59am - tried for days with no luck

same boat here. been trying since monday. best advice i got is keep calling nonstop and maybe eventually you'll get lucky. the system is broken af

I went through this exact nightmare last month!! Try calling at exactly 8:12am - for some weird reason I got through twice at that time. I think it's when their first batch of calls wraps up. Also try Wednesday afternoons, seemed less busy then. Good luck!!!! 🍀🍀🍀

I understand your frustration with the EDD phone system. Here's what might be happening with your claim: when it shows "pending review" for 5+ weeks, it typically means either 1) they need additional information from you or your medical provider but haven't sent the notification yet, 2) there's a backlog in processing claims in your specific category, or 3) there's a discrepancy in your employment/medical information they're trying to resolve internally. If you can't reach them by phone, try these alternatives: 1. Send a secure message through your SDI Online account (check daily for responses) 2. Ask your doctor's office to call the medical provider line (they have a separate number) 3. Contact your state representative's office - they often have EDD liaisons who can help 4. Check if your claim has a specific technical issue by looking at the "Claim History" tab for any status notes Remember that retroactive payments will be made once approved, but I know that doesn't help with immediate bills.

The EDD phone system is GARBAGE!!! I had the EXACT same issue trying to reach them about my claim that was stuck pending for TWO MONTHS!!! I tried EVERYTHING - calling non-stop, sending messages, even had my doctor call. NOTHING WORKED!!! Finally I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) after another forum member suggested it. It's like a virtual line-holding service for EDD calls. They got me through to an actual human at EDD in about 25 minutes when I couldn't get through for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The EDD agent told me there was a simple issue with my certification dates that needed correction. Fixed it in 10 minutes and my payments started processing the next day. TWO MONTHS of stress for a 10-minute fix!!!

I did all the "calling right when they open" stuff too and it never worked. Here's what actually worked: I called the main number, but instead of trying the disability option, I selected the employer option. When I got through to that department, I explained I needed disability and they transferred me directly! Got to speak to someone in like 15 minutes total. Worth a try!

I work with disability claims professionally, and I can tell you the current wait time for SDI claims without any issues is approximately 2-3 weeks. When claims hit the 5-week mark like yours, it almost always indicates there's a specific issue requiring review. Most commonly, these issues include: 1. Employment verification discrepancies (your employer reported wages differently than your claim shows) 2. Medical certification issues (incomplete information or date inconsistencies) 3. Base period calculation reviews (especially if you had variable income) 4. Identity verification flags (increasingly common with heightened fraud prevention) While phone contact is helpful, you can also request an expedited review by submitting a specific message through your SDI Online account. Use the exact phrase "Hardship Request - Immediate Financial Need" in the subject line, and briefly explain your financial situation (rent due, savings depleted). This flags your claim for priority review under their hardship provisions. Also, check your physical mail carefully - sometimes notices requesting additional information are sent by paper rather than electronically.

I just went through this whole nightmare with my pregnancy disability claim! Called over 50 times in one week with no luck. What finally worked was going in PERSON to an EDD office. I didn't even know you could do that, but my friend told me about it. I had to wait about 2 hours, but I actually spoke to someone who pulled up my claim and fixed the issue on the spot. The problem was they needed an additional form from my doctor that no one had told me about. Literally 3 days later my claim was approved and I got paid. Just Google "EDD office near me" to find locations. Bring ID and all your claim paperwork just in case. The offices are usually open 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm weekdays.

Update: I FINALLY got my issue resolved! I ended up using the Claimyr service that someone recommended here, and I got through to a real person in about 30 minutes. Turns out there was a mismatch between the dates on my doctor's certification and what I put on my initial application. The EDD representative was able to fix it immediately. My claim was approved yesterday and they said payments should start processing in the next 2-3 business days. Such a relief after all this stress! Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions. For anyone else struggling with this, I'd say the most effective options are: 1. Try the Claimyr service if you can't get through by phone 2. Visit an EDD office in person if possible 3. Submit a hardship request through your SDI Online account Good luck to everyone dealing with this frustrating system!