EDD SDI phone menu maze - what options to choose to reach an actual disability rep?

Same here!!!! The system is totally broken. I pressed 1, then 3, then waited 30 mins just to be told I needed to call a different number. Then THAT number told me to call the first number back. It's like they WANT us to give up on our benefits. So frustrating.

Call the main SDI number (866-658-8846) and as soon as it starts, press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish), then press 1 again for "Claimant", then 3 for "all other questions". When they ask for your SSN, enter it, then choose option 4 for "speak to a representative". You might still have to wait, but at least you'll be in the right queue for disability issues.

I've been dealing with EDD for years and honestly, the phone system can be very frustrating. The menu options occasionally change, but here's the current path that works most reliably: 1. Call 1-800-480-3287 (this is the dedicated SDI line) 2. Press 1 for English 3. When asked, enter your Social Security Number 4. Press 1 for "information on an existing claim" 5. Listen to the options carefully and press 4 for "all other questions" 6. This should place you in queue for a Disability Insurance representative Best time to call is Tuesday-Thursday right when they open at 8:00am or between 1:00-2:00pm when lunch shifts are changing. Avoid Mondays and Fridays when call volume is highest. Hope this helps!

lol good luck actually reaching anyone!! i gave up after 2 weeks of calling. my claim eventually just processed on its own after like 4 weeks. thier website said 10 days but that was a total lie for me

After spending countless hours getting disconnected by EDD's phone system, I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an EDD disability representative in about 20 minutes. It basically navigates the phone menu for you and holds your place in line, then calls you back when it reaches a real person. Saved me SO much frustration. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. It was totally worth it to finally get my claim sorted out without spending all day on hold.

The SDI phone system is definitely confusing. One thing that people often mix up is that there are different phone numbers for different types of disability claims. If you're calling about Paid Family Leave (PFL), you need to use 877-238-4373. If you're calling about regular State Disability Insurance (SDI), use 800-480-3287. And remember to have your claim ID number, not just your social security number, ready when you call. This will help the representative assist you more quickly once you do get through.

i just went to my local edd office in person and they helped me with my disability paperwork. might be easier than calling? idk if all offices do this but mine did

UPDATE: Finally got through! I used the phone number and menu options that @helpful_guidance posted (thank you!!) and called right at 8:00am. Still had to wait about 35 minutes on hold, but eventually spoke with someone who was actually really helpful. They said my claim had a "medical certification issue" that needed to be resolved, but they fixed it while I was on the phone. My claim should be processed within 7-10 business days. For anyone else struggling with the phone system, definitely try calling right when they open!