To all those having trouble reaching a human at the EDD. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

You can also try logging into your UI Online account if you have one set up - your customer account number should be displayed on your account homepage or in your profile section. If you don't have online access set up yet, you'll need to call EDD directly. The number is 1-800-300-5616, but be prepared for long wait times. Having your Social Security number and other identifying information ready will help speed up the process once you get through to someone.

That's amazing news, Todd! Your success story gives me so much hope. I've been stuck in the system for months too, and reading about your experience with asking for a tier 2 rep is exactly what I needed to hear. It's encouraging to know that persistence pays off and that the community resources here actually work. Congratulations on getting your back pay - you must be so relieved! Thanks for sharing the details about your process, it's incredibly helpful for those of us still fighting through this.

This is exactly what I needed to see today! I've been in limbo for 3 months waiting for my phone interview and was starting to lose hope. Your step-by-step breakdown is so helpful - especially the part about asking specifically for a tier 2 representative and not giving up if you get disconnected the first time. I had no idea that was even an option! I'm going to try Claimyr based on your recommendation. It's stories like yours that remind me there's light at the end of this tunnel. Congratulations on getting your back pay sorted out - that must be such a huge relief! 🙌

UPDATE: I called EDD this morning (took 27 attempts to get through) and finally spoke to someone who confirmed they have me down as "no contact made" for yesterday's interview. She said the interviewer's notes claim they "couldn't complete the call due to connection issues" but admitted it was done outside the scheduled window. She's escalated it to a supervisor to see if they can reschedule rather than making a determination without talking to me. I'm still going to file an appeal for this second interview just to be safe, but at least I have some documentation that I did answer and they acknowledged calling outside the window. Will update again if anything changes!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's incredibly frustrating! I had a similar experience last year where EDD called me 4 hours after my scheduled window while I was at a doctor's appointment. They left a 30-second voicemail saying I "missed" my interview and would be disqualified. What helped me was immediately calling back the number they called from (if it's not blocked) and explaining the situation. Sometimes you can reach the actual interviewer who called you, and they might be willing to note that you were available during the proper window. I also took screenshots of my call log showing exactly when they called versus when I was supposed to be available. The key thing is to appeal IMMEDIATELY - don't wait to see what they decide. You have 30 days from when they mail the disqualification notice, but the sooner you file, the better. In your appeal letter, be very specific about the scheduled times versus when they actually called, and emphasize that you were available during the proper window as instructed. Good luck with getting that supervisor to reschedule! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - if you have a smartphone, try using the EDD mobile app to send a message through the "Contact Us" feature. I know the original poster mentioned they already tried UI Online, but the mobile app seems to route messages differently. I got a response within 2 days when I explained my situation was urgent due to rent being due. Also, when you do get through to someone (whether by phone or through one of these services), ask them to put notes in your account about the issue being resolved so if something similar happens again, the next rep can see the history. Really glad to hear the Claimyr service worked for you @Ava Johnson - that's awesome that you got it sorted out!

Another strategy that helped me when I was in a similar situation - try calling the disability insurance (DI) line at 1-800-480-3287 and explain that you're having trouble reaching someone about your UI claim. Sometimes they can transfer you internally to the right department, and since fewer people know about this number, you're more likely to get through to a human. Also, if you're really desperate, consider reaching out to your local One-Stop Career Center (American Job Centers). They often have direct contacts at EDD and can sometimes make calls on your behalf or escalate urgent cases. I know it's frustrating but don't give up - there are people there who want to help, the system just makes it incredibly hard to reach them!

MAKE SURE u save all ur paystubs and take screenshots of ur work schedule too!! my friend got hit with an overpayment notice because her employer reported different hours than what she claimed. EDD always sides with the employer unless u have proof!!

I'd also recommend downloading the EDD mobile app if you haven't already - it makes certifying every two weeks much easier than using the website. You can certify right from your phone and track your claim status. Just remember that when you certify, you'll need to report your gross earnings (before taxes) for those 15 hours, not your take-home pay. The app will walk you through all the questions step by step. Good luck with your application!