Going to EDD office instead of calling SDI - appointment needed or walk-in ok?

Omg same!!! I've been calling like crazy for DAYS and can't get through either. SO ANNOYING!!!! Let us know if going in person works!!!

Most EDD offices are walk-in, but for SDI specifically you might not get the help you need. The physical offices mainly handle unemployment stuff, not disability claims. SDI is handled by a separate division and those workers are usually not at the regular EDD offices. I went to my local office last month thinking they could help with my SDI certification issue and got sent home - complete waste of time. They just told me to keep calling the disability number. 😠

I had same problm last yr. Kept getting that stupid recorded messge about call volume. I found out you can use Claimyr to get through to an actual SDI person. Its this service that gets you past the phone queue. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd) and tried it. Got through to a rep in like 15min after trying for days on my own. You can check them out at claimyr.com if your still stuck

I work as a disability advocate and can clarify a few things here: 1. EDD offices are primarily for Unemployment Insurance services, not SDI. Some offices may have limited SDI assistance but it's not guaranteed. 2. Most EDD offices are walk-in, but have extremely long wait times. Some locations now have appointment options through the website. 3. For SDI claims specifically, the local offices often just direct you back to the phone system or online portal since the specialized SDI staff aren't physically present at most locations. 4. The best times to call SDI are right at 8:00 AM when they open or around 1:15 PM right after lunch. Their call volume management system resets at these times. 5. Have you tried sending a secure message through your SDI Online account? While not as fast as a call, they typically respond within 5-7 business days. One final tip: make sure your claim number and all identifying information is ready before you call. Every second counts once you get through!

I had this exact same issue in January. After trying for weeks to get through by phone, I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an SDI rep in about 20 minutes. They helped resolve my pending claim status that same day. Saved me so much frustration! Their video demo shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd As for going to an office - I tried that first and it was a complete waste of time. The staff there told me they don't handle SDI claims in person and I'd need to call the disability number anyway.

My husband just went thru this whole thing with his knee surgery disability. The EDD offices cant help with disability stuff AT ALL. they r completely different departments even tho its all EDD!! so stupid!!! dont waste ur time going in person seriously

Update! I finally got through this morning, thanks everyone 😊 I tried calling right at 8am again but this time I used a different approach. Instead of selecting the option for claim status, I chose the option for general information first. That put me in a different queue, and I only waited about 15 minutes! When I got a rep, I explained my situation and they were able to transfer me to the right department. Turns out my employer submitted information that didn't match what my doctor sent in. The rep helped clear it up and said my claim should be processed within 3-5 business days. Such a relief! Wanted to share what worked for me in case it helps someone else dealing with the same SDI phone nightmare!

So glad you got through and got it resolved! That's such a smart trick about calling the general information line first - I never would have thought of that. It's crazy how one small mismatch between employer and doctor info can hold up the whole claim. For anyone else still struggling, this thread has been super helpful. Between the secure messaging option, the 1:15pm call time tip, and now this general info line trick, there are actually several strategies to try. Hope your claim processes quickly now that it's sorted out!