Unable to reach EDD SDI after 5 weeks of pending claim - any working phone numbers?

the same exact thing happened to me in January! i called like 50+ times over 3 weeks and never got through once. its absolutely ridiculous that they expect people who cant work to somehow magically pay bills while they take their sweet time. the system is COMPLETELY BROKEN.

Unfortunately, there's no secret phone number, but there are a few strategies that might help: 1. Try calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open (set an alarm for 7:58) 2. Call on Wednesday or Thursday - typically fewer callers those days 3. Use the online messaging system through your SDI Online account - sometimes they respond within 5-7 days 4. Contact your state assembly member's office - they have special liaisons who can help with EDD issues 5. Check if there's a flag on your account that needs addressing - sometimes there's a simple documentation issue Hang in there - the system is definitely overwhelmed right now.

when I had this problem last yr I ended up bein on hold for 3+ hours after dialin repeatedly for a week!! My claim was pending bcuz they needed additional verification of my last day worked even tho my doctor put it on the form? makes no sense. just keep callin they'll pick up eventually

I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually get through to EDD SDI last month when my disability claim was pending for almost 6 weeks. It basically keeps dialing for you and reserves your place in line when there's an opening. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd that explains how it works. After I got through, I found out my claim was delayed because they needed additional medical information, but no one had bothered to notify me. Got it resolved in one call once I finally reached someone.

There are several reasons your claim might be pending for this long: 1. Medical provider information discrepancy - the most common issue 2. Employment verification delay - especially if your employer contests the claim 3. Base period wage issues - if your earnings history needs additional verification 4. System processing backlog - currently about 3-4 weeks for uncomplicated claims Instead of just trying to call, I recommend submitting a formal appeal for delayed claim processing. This creates a separate workflow in their system and often triggers a review. You can find the appeal form on the EDD website under "Forms and Publications" (search for DE 1000A). While not technically an appeal, it often gets faster attention.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. The waiting period is absolutely excruciating when you have bills due. One thing that worked for me back in November was sending a message through my SDI Online account specifically mentioning that I was experiencing financial hardship and including the exact date my doctor submitted the medical certification. For some reason, using the phrase "financial hardship" seemed to get their attention, and they processed my claim within 3 days after that message. Might be worth trying!

why do they even HAVE a phone number if NO ONE can EVER get through!?!?! its literally been like this for YEARS and they do NOTHING to fix it!!!

hey did u try calling the different office locations? sometimes the local offices pick up faster than the main number. google edd disability offices near me and you might find a direct number

Any update on your situation? Were you able to get through to anyone? I'm curious because I'm about to file my claim next week for surgery and I'm getting nervous after reading all these stories...