I've been in the exact same boat - spent almost a month trying to get through to EDD about my pending claim! What finally worked for me was a combination of strategies from this thread. I used the 8:00:59 AM calling trick that Landon mentioned, but I also had backup times ready (10:30 AM and the pre-lunch 11:40 AM window that Camila suggested). The key was being prepared with EVERYTHING before I called - claim number, SSN, all my paperwork, and a list of specific questions. When I finally got through using the 1-2-4 menu path, the rep was able to release my pending payments in about 15 minutes because I had all the info ready. I also want to second the assembly member suggestion - I contacted mine as a backup plan and they actually responded within 2 days asking for my release form. It's worth doing both approaches simultaneously since you never know which one will come through first. Don't lose hope Victoria! I know it feels impossible but all these strategies really do work. The system is overwhelmed but there ARE people there who can help once you get through to them.

I went through this exact nightmare last year and finally got through using a combination of strategies! Here's what worked for me: 1. Download the "Auto Redial" app (free on both iPhone and Android) - this was a game changer. Set it to redial every 15-20 seconds and let it run while you do other things. 2. Call at 7:59:30 AM and let the app start dialing. The goal is to get into the queue right as they open. I got through 4 times using this method. 3. Have a "backup plan" - I always had 2-3 different time slots ready (8AM, 10:45AM, and 4PM) so if the first didn't work, I wasn't starting from scratch. 4. When you do get through, IMMEDIATELY ask if they can help with pending claims or if you need to be transferred to a specialist. Don't waste time explaining your whole situation to someone who can't actually help. The most important thing is persistence. I know it's exhausting but I promise you WILL get through eventually. The system is broken but the people on the other end genuinely want to help once you reach them. Hang in there!

For anyone still trying manually: make sure you're calling M-F between 8am-5pm Pacific. Don't waste time calling weekends or outside business hours.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now. Been calling for 4 days straight and can't get through either. My unemployment got suspended and I have bills due next week. Reading all these comments about hundreds of calls just to maybe get on hold is terrifying. Starting to think I need to look into those callback services people are mentioning because this manual calling approach clearly isn't working for any of us.

So glad you got this resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people to call Money Network directly first instead of trying to get through to EDD. The postal service has been having issues lately, and cards getting lost in the mail is way more common than it should be. For anyone else reading this thread - the Money Network customer service number is 1-866-692-9374 and they're usually pretty helpful once you get through to them. And yeah, that $15 expedite fee is totally worth it when you're waiting on rent money! Hope your replacement card arrives quickly and you can get that direct deposit set up ASAP!

@Jasmine Quinn - Definitely call Money Network ASAP! I was in the same boat as you and @Malik Johnson just a few weeks ago. My card took 18 days and I was panicking about bills. Money Network was actually really helpful once I called them directly - they could see exactly when my card was mailed and when it should have arrived. The key is to be persistent with them if your card is overdue. They have the tracking info and can tell you right away if it's lost in the mail. Don't wait any longer than 10 business days to call them, especially if you need the money for rent or other essentials. Also, once you do get your card, I second what others have said about setting up direct deposit immediately. It's so much less stressful not having to worry about cards getting lost in the mail for future payments!

OK, here's what I've learned after dealing with this for 3 months: 1. Keep trying the website at odd hours. Like 2 AM or 6 AM. 2. If you get an error, screenshot it and note the time/date. 3. Call right when they open (usually 8 AM) and be prepared to redial for an hour. 4. If you get through, explain the online errors. They might be able to override. 5. Check your spam folder for emails from them. 6. Make sure all your info matches exactly what's on your W-2. 7. If all else fails, try the claimyr service someone mentioned or contact your state rep. Hang in there, it's a nightmare but you'll get through eventually!

I'm dealing with the same exact issue! The website crashes every single time I try to submit my claim. I've been unemployed for 2 weeks now and still can't get through the system. Has anyone tried filing by mail as a backup option? I'm wondering if that might be more reliable than the online portal right now. Also, does anyone know if there are specific browser requirements that might help? I've tried Chrome and Safari with no luck.

Update: I certified this weekend and reported my earnings exactly as explained here. My payment was processed and I received $118! (Slightly different than the $120 calculation but close enough). Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on getting it sorted out! That $2 difference is totally normal - I've noticed EDD's system sometimes has slight variations in calculations, probably due to rounding or how they handle cents. The important thing is you got the partial benefits you were entitled to. For anyone else reading this thread, this is a perfect example of why it's so helpful to understand the formula beforehand. You knew what to expect and could verify the payment was correct. Keep documenting everything in case you need it later!