Can't reach California Unemployment? Claimyr connects you to a live EDD agent in minutes.
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- Redial until on hold
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If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
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Just wanted to share another potential solution that worked for me when I faced this same issue a few months ago! If you have a local EDD office near you, sometimes walking in person can be way more effective than trying to call. I know not everyone has this option depending on location and office hours, but the staff there were able to help me reset my security questions after verifying my identity with my ID and Social Security card. The wait was about 2 hours, but still way better than the endless phone loop. They also gave me a printout with my recent payment history so I could write down the key details for future reference. Just another option to consider if Claimyr doesn't work out or if you prefer handling things in person. Really glad this thread exists - it's like having a survival guide for dealing with EDD's broken systems! The community support here is amazing.
That's such a great point about visiting in person @Dmitry Petrov! I completely forgot that EDD offices even exist since everything seems to be online these days. For people who are struggling with the phone system and maybe can't afford services like Claimyr, walking into a local office sounds like it could be a real lifesaver. The 2-hour wait is definitely annoying but probably still less stressful than calling dozens of times and getting disconnected. Do you happen to know if all EDD offices can help with account lockout issues, or are there specific locations that handle different types of problems? I'm asking as someone who's completely new to this system and trying to learn all the available options before I potentially need them. The printout with payment history is brilliant too - having those details written down officially would prevent this whole situation from happening again! Thanks for adding another solution to this already incredibly helpful thread. It's amazing how many different ways people have found to work around EDD's frustrating systems.
Wow, this entire thread has been such a learning experience! As someone completely new to both this community and dealing with EDD, I'm honestly shocked at how many people have faced this exact same account lockout nightmare. The fact that EDD expects perfect recall of payment details from months ago is absolutely ridiculous - who remembers exact dollar amounts that far back?! I'm taking detailed notes on all the solutions mentioned here. The Claimyr service sounds amazing based on everyone's success stories, and I had no idea that visiting EDD offices in person was even an option anymore. The creative workarounds people found (old text messages, tax forms, duplicate mail) really show how resourceful this community is when dealing with broken government systems. Already setting up my "EDD survival kit" based on all the prevention tips shared here - dedicated email folder, spreadsheet with key details, screenshots of everything important. It's sad that we need to create these elaborate backup systems just to access our own benefits, but better safe than sorry! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions. @Jacinda Yu your success story gives real hope, and @Dmitry Petrov the in-person office tip is brilliant! This community is such an invaluable resource for navigating these bureaucratic mazes.
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I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Got my disqualification notice 4 days ago for "willful misrepresentation" but like everyone else here, I'm certain I reported everything correctly. The worst part is not knowing what I supposedly did wrong - the notice gives zero details. I've already started printing out all my certification confirmations and pay stubs based on the advice here. For anyone still waiting for their overpayment notice, I found that calling EDD first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through. I managed to reach someone yesterday who at least confirmed what weeks they're questioning, even though she couldn't reverse the decision over the phone. Don't give up - it sounds like most of these cases get resolved in favor of the claimant when you have proper documentation and persistence!
I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you too! It's frustrating how vague these disqualification notices are - they really should be required to tell us exactly what we supposedly did wrong. Your tip about calling at 8:01 AM is gold - I'm going to try that tomorrow morning. It's encouraging that you at least got some information about which weeks they're questioning. That's more progress than I've made so far! I'm also printing everything out now instead of just relying on screenshots. There's something about having physical copies that feels more official for an appeal. Keep us updated on how your situation progresses - it's really helpful to hear real-time experiences from people going through the same thing. We're all going to get through this!
I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! Got the disqualification notice on a Tuesday for "false statement" and the overpayment notice arrived exactly 16 days later. Like everyone else here, I was totally confused about what I supposedly did wrong since I answered everything honestly. Turns out EDD's system flagged me because I reported working 2 days one week but they thought I should have been "unavailable for work" those days. Complete misunderstanding that got cleared up once I reached an actual human being. My advice: start calling EDD NOW while you're waiting for the overpayment notice - don't wait. I used the technique someone mentioned about calling right at 8:01 AM and got through on my 3rd try. The rep was able to explain exactly what triggered the disqualification and even put notes in my file for the appeal. Also, gather EVERYTHING - I printed out all my certifications, work schedules, even text messages with my boss about my hours. When the overpayment notice comes, you'll have 30 days to appeal, but having everything ready beforehand makes the process so much smoother. Don't panic - most of these really are system errors that can be fixed!
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i wish they explained this stuff clearly on there notices!!! my cousin got his wages garnished 50% cuz he thought filing an appeal stopped everything automatically but it didn't and now hes behind on his car payments
You're absolutely right. The notices should clearly explain that filing appeals or waivers doesn't automatically stop collection actions. Many people learn this the hard way, and 50% wage garnishment is devastating for most households. Always request a formal stay of collection in writing while simultaneously setting up at least a minimal payment plan.
I went through this exact situation last year and learned some hard lessons. Here's what I wish I had known: the 30-day response deadline on your notice means you need to take ACTION, not just submit paperwork. Even though you're filing a DE-100, you should also call EDD immediately to request a temporary collection hold while your hardship waiver is being reviewed. I made the mistake of thinking the DE-100 submission would automatically pause everything, but they continued sending threatening letters and almost started garnishment. Also, keep detailed records of every interaction - dates, times, representative names, confirmation numbers. The system is frustrating but there are people there who will help if you're persistent and follow the right steps. Don't let the fear paralyze you into doing nothing - that's when the penalties really add up.
This is exactly what I needed to hear from someone who's been through it! I was definitely making the mistake of thinking the DE-100 would pause everything automatically. Your point about the 30-day deadline meaning taking ACTION vs just submitting paperwork really clarifies things for me. I'm going to call first thing tomorrow and explicitly request that temporary collection hold while documenting everything like you suggested. Thank you for sharing your experience - it's helping me avoid the same costly mistakes!
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Just wanted to add another data point here - I went through this exact same issue about 6 months ago. The "information cannot be verified" error drove me crazy for almost 3 weeks! What finally worked for me was a combination of waiting the full 14 business days AND making sure I was entering my SSN without any dashes or spaces (just the 9 digits straight). Also discovered that if you have any browser extensions that auto-fill forms, they can sometimes cause issues with the EDD registration system. I had to disable my password manager extension temporarily. The ALL CAPS name trick that @Freya Christensen mentioned is definitely legit - that's what worked for several people in my situation. Hang in there everyone, it's frustrating but it does eventually work!
@Grace Johnson Thanks for sharing that extra tip about the SSN formatting! I hadn t'thought about browser extensions potentially interfering with the form. I ve'been entering my SSN with dashes this whole time - definitely going to try it without any formatting when I attempt again. It s'crazy how many little technical quirks can mess up what should be a simple registration process. Really appreciate everyone sharing what worked for them, it makes this whole frustrating experience feel less isolating when you realize it s'a widespread system issue and not user error.
I'm dealing with this EXACT same issue right now! Filed my claim 2 weeks ago, got my EDDCAN letter last Friday, and I've been banging my head against the wall trying to register online. That "information cannot be verified" error message is the most unhelpful thing ever - like, WHAT information?? Which field is wrong?? Reading through all these responses is actually really reassuring because I was starting to think I was losing my mind. Definitely going to try the ALL CAPS name trick since that seems to be the magic solution for multiple people here. Also going to double-check that I'm entering my SSN without dashes. The 14 business day wait is frustrating when you're already stressed about money, but sounds like that's just how their system works unfortunately. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know this isn't just me being incompetent with online forms!
Amina Toure
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress while caring for a 7-month-old! This is actually a really common issue that many new parents face with EDD, and you're absolutely right to keep fighting. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - when you file your Board Appeal, consider requesting that they assign a different administrative law judge if possible. Sometimes the first judge has already formed an opinion about your case that's hard to change, and a fresh perspective can make all the difference. Also, if you can afford it, consider consulting with an employment attorney who specializes in unemployment appeals. Many offer free consultations and some work on contingency. They know exactly how to frame these disability leave cases and can spot issues that non-lawyers might miss. You mentioned feeling confused by the process - that's completely normal! The EDD system is intentionally complex, but you have a strong case based on what you've described. The 18 months of work history plus the SDI coverage should absolutely qualify you. Don't let them wear you down - you deserve these benefits! Keep documenting everything and stay organized. You've got this! 💪
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Admin_Masters
•Thank you so much for mentioning the attorney option! I hadn't even considered that, but you're right that a consultation might be worth it. I've been trying to handle this all on my own while juggling everything with the baby, but having a professional look at my case could really help. Do you know if there are attorneys who specifically handle EDD appeals, or should I just look for general employment lawyers? And the suggestion about requesting a different judge is really smart - I definitely felt like the first judge had already made up their mind before I even started talking.
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Ava Rodriguez
•Yes, there are attorneys who specifically focus on EDD and unemployment appeals! I'd recommend searching for "California unemployment benefits attorney" or "UI appeals lawyer" rather than general employment attorneys. Many of them have experience with exactly these types of maternity leave/SDI cases because they come up so frequently. Some even advertise that they handle EDD appeals specifically. You can also check with your local bar association - they often have referral services and can point you toward lawyers who specialize in this area. The fact that you have such clear documentation and a strong legal basis for your case would probably make you an attractive client for a contingency arrangement too. Don't feel bad about needing help - the system is designed to be confusing and you're dealing with a lot right now!
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Aisha Ali
I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through a very similar situation about 2 years ago. The whole SDI vs PFL distinction that others mentioned is HUGE - I wish someone had explained that to me earlier because it was exactly what was tripping up my case too. One additional tip that really helped me during my Board Appeal: I wrote a brief summary letter (like 1 page) that clearly stated my case and attached it as the first page of all my documents. Something like "This appeal concerns EDD's incorrect denial of benefits due to failure to properly account for SDI disability leave under UI Code Section 1253.3" and then bullet points of the key facts. The judges see so many cases that having a clear summary right up front really seemed to help. Also, the timeline document suggestion from Emma is spot-on. I made mine in a simple table format showing each month, what I was doing (working/SDI/PFL), and my wages. It made it super visual and obvious that I had qualifying work history when disability periods were properly excluded. Don't let them intimidate you - you clearly know your case better than that first judge did! The fact that you're organizing everything and learning the specific regulations shows you're on the right track. Keep pushing forward! 👍
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Omar Hassan
•That one-page summary idea is brilliant! I've been gathering all these documents but you're right that the judges probably see tons of cases every day. Having everything laid out clearly at the front makes so much sense. I'm definitely going to create both the summary letter and the timeline table you mentioned. It's really encouraging to hear from someone who went through almost the exact same thing and won their appeal. All of these specific tips are giving me so much more confidence that I can actually win this Board Appeal. Thank you for taking the time to share what worked for you!
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