Desperate for SDI phone contact after 5 failed attempts - any tricks that actually work?

try calling at 8:01 am exactly thats when i got thru once

I've been dealing with the same NIGHTMARE for my stress-related disability claim!!! Called 23 times last week and NOTHING!!! The system is DELIBERATELY designed to make us give up. When you do manage to get through, they just tell you 'it's in process' and can't give ANY useful info. It's like they're trained to be as unhelpful as possible. I finally got through last month by repeatedly hitting 0 during the automated menu, but they changed something because it's not working anymore. EDD is the absolute WORST government agency in California hands down.

I understand how frustrating this situation is. Here are a few approaches that might help with your SDI contact issues: 1. Try calling at 8:00 am exactly when they open or between 4:00-4:30 pm when call volume sometimes decreases 2. When navigating the phone system, select the option for "filing a new claim" even if you're checking on an existing one - those queues are sometimes shorter 3. Make sure you have your claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and all relevant dates ready when you call 4. Double-check your SDI Online account to see if there are any messages or requests for additional information that might explain the pending status 5. If your case is urgent due to financial hardship, specifically mention that when you do reach someone The pending review since January 18th is concerning since most claims should be processed within 14 days. Have you received any mail correspondence that might explain the delay?

I found a service called Claimyr that actually worked for me when I was in the same situation with my pregnancy disability claim. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they basically hold your place in line and call you back when they get an EDD rep on the phone. Saved me days of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd I was skeptical at first but I was desperate after my claim was stuck pending for 3 weeks. They got me connected with an EDD agent who fixed my issue in about 10 minutes. The agent told me there was a simple flag on my account that needed to be removed.

i just keep hitting # and 0 over and over while the recording plays sometimes it drops u into the queue by accident

I had the same struggle with my SDI claim last month. What worked for me was calling the main number, but using the Spanish language option, then hitting 9 to get back to English. The Spanish queue seems shorter for some reason. I got through in about 20 minutes that way. Also, check if there's an "Information Requested" notification that you might have missed. My claim was stuck because they needed additional verification about my last day worked, but the request was buried in the messages section of my SDI Online account, not sent by mail like I expected. Don't give up - once you get someone on the phone, they can usually fix things pretty quickly!

I had this exact same problem. My doctor submitted everything but it was stuck on pending for a month. Turns out their system didn't properly register my medical provider's certification even though my doctor swore they submitted it. When I finally got through, they told me they needed it resubmitted. So annoying!!! Might be worth checking with your doctor again to see if they can resubmit just to be safe.

Based on your situation, I'd suggest trying these actions all at once: 1. Have your medical provider verify the status of your certification in their system and potentially resubmit it 2. Try the Spanish queue trick mentioned above - this has worked for many claimants 3. Call exactly at 8:00am when their systems reset for the day 4. Check your SDI Online account for any status changes or hidden messages If your claim has been pending since January 18th and it's now February, you're approaching the 30-day mark where additional escalation might be possible. Once you reach an agent, specifically ask if there are any "stops" or "flags" on your account that need to be addressed. Sometimes there's a simple verification issue holding everything up. Also, make sure you're continuing to certify for benefits while waiting for the initial determination. Missing certifications can create additional complications.

Just an update - I called using the Claimyr service I mentioned and got through to EDD in about 1.5 hours today. The agent told me there's been a huge spike in claims this month which is causing delays. Thought that might be useful info for your situation too.

UPDATE: Success! I finally got through this morning using a combination of your suggestions. Called at 7:59am, used the Spanish queue trick, then selected the option for filing a new claim. Was on hold for about 35 minutes but finally spoke to a real person! Turns out there was a discrepancy between my last day worked on my application versus what my employer reported. The rep fixed it immediately and said my claim should be processed within 3-5 business days. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help and suggestions. This community is amazing!