Desperate to reach EDD agent - is there ANY way to get through for my disability claim?

Unfortunately this is super common right now. SDI claims are taking 4-6 weeks for processing in 2025 due to high volume and staffing shortages. The best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday right when they open at 8am or between 4-4:30pm. Avoid Mondays completely - that's when everyone tries calling after the weekend.

been there done that got the t-shirt lol. the edd phone system is a JOKE. i had to call 47 times in one day before i got through last month. just keep hitting redial, eventually you'll get lucky

I had the exact same issue but finally found a solution that worked. There's a service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD agent in under 20 minutes. I was skeptical at first, but it actually works - they basically keep calling for you until they get through, then they call you and connect you with the EDD agent. Saved me days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Once I actually spoke with an agent, they were able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim and processed it while I was on the phone. Worth checking out if you're desperate.

theres ACTUALLY a little known secret number for disability claims: 1-866-352-7675!!! its NOT the main number everyone calls. sometimes it works better than the regular one

Having navigated the EDD disability system for years helping clients, I can tell you that persistence is unfortunately key. For your specific situation, I'd recommend: 1. Continue trying the online messaging system - while it seems non-responsive, they do eventually answer, and it creates a paper trail. 2. Be very specific in your messages - include your claim filing date, confirmation number, and exactly what information you're seeking. 3. If your claim has been pending for over 30 days with no explanation, you can also contact your state assemblyperson or senator. Their constituent services can sometimes expedite EDD issues. This is a legitimate escalation path that many people don't know about. 4. Make sure your doctor submitted form DE 2501 completely. The most common delay is incomplete medical certification. Don't give up - the system is frustrating but eventually does work.

when i had a problem calling EDD for my pregnancy disability (SDI) last month, i asked my husband to try calling for me while i was at a doctor appointment. apparently the automated system is different if you call from a different phone number! he got through after only 4 tries. might be worth asking someone else to call from their phone too

I work with disability claims professionally, and there are a few things happening right now you should be aware of: 1. EDD implemented a new claims processing system in January 2025 that has created significant backlogs. 2. Claims filed in February-March are facing particularly long review times (4-6 weeks instead of the normal 2 weeks). 3. The online portal shows "pending review" for ALL claims until they're fully processed, even if nothing is actually wrong. 4. For fastest resolution, you need to speak with someone directly. Two legitimate approaches: 1) Use a calling service like Claimyr that others have mentioned - it does work for getting through the phone systems, or 2) Contact your state representative's office for constituent services help with EDD (search "[your city] state assembly representative constituent services"). Once you reach someone, ask them to check if your claim is in the standard review queue or if it's flagged for additional verification. If it's flagged, they can tell you exactly what's needed to move forward.

Just wanted to follow up on my earlier comment - if your claim has been pending for over 30 days, there's definitely something holding it up. The most common issues are: 1. Employment verification problems 2. Base period wage issues 3. Medical certification incomplete 4. Identity verification needed None of these will be visible to you on the portal, which is why speaking with an agent is so important. They can see exactly what's holding up your claim and often resolve it immediately during the call.

UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! I used Claimyr this morning and got connected to an EDD agent in about 25 minutes. Turns out my claim was held up because my employer reported a different last day worked than what I put on my application (I had included paid sick days in my calculation). The agent fixed it right on the call and said my payments should start processing within 48 hours. Thank you so much to everyone who offered advice - I would still be pulling my hair out without your help!