Desperate for EDD SDI direct phone number - 3 weeks of failed attempts
I'm at my wits' end trying to reach a human at EDD for my disability claim! I've been calling the main SDI number (800-480-3287) for THREE WEEKS STRAIGHT, calling at different times each day, and I keep hitting a wall with their automated system that eventually hangs up on me. My doctor verified my stress-related disability back in February, I got approved, but now my payment certification is showing 'pending review' with no explanation. I've tried emailing through the portal twice with zero response. My rent is due next week and I'm seriously panicking. Does anyone have a direct number or extension that actually works to reach a real person? Or some secret menu option I'm missing? At this point I'd drive to an actual office if they'd let me! Help!!!
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Amelia Martinez
The frustration is real! I was in your exact situation last month. Tried for weeks, couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have this system that basically waits on hold for you then calls you when they get a human. Saved me hours of frustration. I was super skeptical at first but you can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. The rep I got was actually really helpful and fixed my payment issue on the spot.
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Jacob Lewis
•Thank you!! I've never heard of this service before. Did they ask for a bunch of personal info? I'm desperate but also cautious about sharing my info with random services.
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Ethan Clark
call at EXACTLY 8:01am. not 8, not 8:02. literally 8:01. thats how i got thru after like 2 weeks of trying. good luck
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Jacob Lewis
•Thank you! I've been trying at 8:30ish thinking that would be after the initial rush. I'll set my alarm for tomorrow and try right at 8:01!
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Mila Walker
I work with disability claims regularly, and the issue you're facing is unfortunately common. The 'pending review' status usually indicates they need additional information or verification. Here are some options: 1. When calling, try option 1, then 6, then 1 again in the menu system - this sometimes bypasses longer queues 2. Call right at 8:01am OR between 4-4:30pm when volume often decreases 3. Check your SDI Online account for any "Forms" or "Messages" that might indicate what additional information they need 4. If you have a disability case manager through your employer's insurance, they can sometimes make an inquiry on your behalf Also make sure your address is current in the system, as they may have mailed you a request for information that you haven't received. Most 'pending review' statuses are resolved within 7-10 days once the correct information is provided.
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Jacob Lewis
•This is so helpful! I had no idea about trying option 1, then 6, then 1. I've been checking my online portal every day but don't see any requests. My address is definitely current. I'm going to try your menu sequence + the 8:01am timing tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
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Logan Scott
Same boat last year. The trick is to press 0 repeatedly during the automated message. Sometimes it kicks you to a rep. Worked for me twice.
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Chloe Green
•I tried the 0 trick last month and it just disconnected me every time. They must have disabled that workaround. The system is DELIBERATELY designed to prevent people from reaching representatives. I had to fax (yes, FAX!) my documentation to them before they would even look at my claim. The EDD is completely broken and they don't care about disabled workers at all!!!
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Lucas Adams
have u tried calling the employer line instead? sometimes they answer that one and can still help with ur claim. worth a shot. i think its 866-377-3300 but double check that
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Harper Hill
•Please don't do this. The employer line is specifically for employers to manage their accounts. SDI representatives on this line cannot access claimant information or make changes to disability claims. They will just direct you back to the claimant line. Using this approach actually ties up resources for employers who need assistance with their accounts. The most effective approach is to call the correct disability line at specific times (8:00-8:30am or 4:00-4:30pm) and to check your SDI Online account daily for any updates or requests for information. The 'pending review' status typically means they need additional information to process your claim, and this is usually communicated through your online portal.
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Amelia Martinez
@OP - Just wanted to follow up on your question about Claimyr. They only asked for my phone number so they could call me back when they got through to EDD. No SSN or anything sensitive like that. They just do the waiting on hold part for you. Totally get being cautious though!
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Jacob Lewis
•Thanks for clarifying! That's really good to know. I might try that if my morning call attempt doesn't work tomorrow.
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Mila Walker
One more thing I forgot to mention - make sure your doctor's certification hasn't expired. For stress-related disabilities, they often require recertification every 4-6 weeks. If your doctor certified in February and it's now been over 6 weeks, this could be why your payment is pending. You can check the certification dates in your SDI Online account under "View Claim Details." If the end date has passed, you'll need a new certification from your doctor.
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Jacob Lewis
•Oh! I didn't even think of that. My doctor certified through April 15th, and it's now March 21st, so I should still be good. But I'll double check the claim details section. Thank you!
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Caden Nguyen
when i was on disability last year i had this EXACT prob!! sat on hold for 3 days straight n never got thru. ended up sending them a message thru the portal every single day until someone finally responded. took like 9 days of messages but eventually worked. just kept saying "URGENT: need immediate assistance with pending payment" in the subject line. annoying but got results eventually
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Jacob Lewis
UPDATE: You guys are amazing! I used the 1-6-1 menu sequence at exactly 8:01am this morning and got through after only 35 minutes on hold! The rep told me my claim was pending because they needed additional verification from my employer (even though nothing in my account indicated this). She processed it while I was on the phone and said I should see payment in 2-3 business days. THANK YOU for all the tips!!!
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Mila Walker
•That's excellent news! I'm glad you were able to get through. This is a perfect example of why speaking with a representative is so important - those 'pending review' statuses rarely explain what's actually needed. For future reference, always keep notes about who you spoke with (first name and ID number if possible) and what they told you. If you have any more issues with payments, having this documentation can help expedite resolution.
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Logan Scott
•congrats!! such a relief when you finally get through to someone who can actually help!
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Yuki Tanaka
So glad you got through and got it resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for others dealing with the same nightmare. I've been lurking here for weeks trying to figure out how to reach EDD for my own disability claim issues. The 1-6-1 menu trick + 8:01am timing combo seems to be the winning formula. Bookmarking this post for sure. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really makes a difference when we help each other navigate this broken system!
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ShadowHunter
•This is such a valuable thread! As someone new to dealing with EDD disability claims, I had no idea there were specific menu sequences and timing strategies that actually work. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly educational. It's frustrating that we have to share "secret codes" just to access basic services we're entitled to, but I'm grateful this community exists to help each other out. Definitely saving all these tips in case I need them. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge!
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