


Ask the community...
For those still manually calling - avoid Fridays after 3pm. Even if you get through, you won't get issues resolved before the weekend.
UPDATE: Finally used Claimyr after reading these comments. Got connected to a Spanish agent in 32 minutes and resolved my mom's claim hold. Should have done this weeks ago instead of the manual calling nightmare.
Seriously, save yourself the misery. The peace of mind alone is worth it. Check out claimyr.com if you're tired of this phone nightmare.
Just got off a call using that customer service number. Took 85 attempts to get through, 2 hour hold, but finally got my issue resolved. Persistence pays off.
About 3 days of calling on and off. Not realistic for most people but it can work if you have the time.
That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist. Nobody should have to make 85 attempts just to talk to someone.
The customer service number is your only free option but there's nothing free about spending 20+ hours trying to get through. Time is money.
For those still trying manually: bring snacks, water, and charge your phone fully. I've spent entire days redialing and you need to be prepared for the marathon. It's honestly exhausting.
This shouldn't be necessary in 2024. The fact that we have to treat calling a government office like survival camping is ridiculous.
Agree completely. That's why services like Claimyr exist - to handle this broken system so we don't have to waste our entire lives on hold.
Final success tip for Spanish speakers: When you finally get an agent, have your SSN, claim details, and specific questions written down in advance. The call could drop at any moment so make every second count.
Joshua Wood
If you're still trying to call manually, at least use speaker phone and do other things while redialing. Don't just sit there getting frustrated. Make breakfast, do laundry, whatever keeps you sane during the process.
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Justin Evans
•Good advice. I was driving myself crazy just sitting there listening to busy signals all day.
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Emily Parker
•I set up a whole workstation with snacks and entertainment. Made the endless calling slightly more bearable.
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Ezra Collins
Bottom line: reaching a live person at the CA EDD phone number is possible but requires either incredible patience/luck with manual calling or using a service that automates the process. Don't let anyone tell you it's easy - it's genuinely one of the hardest government phone systems to navigate.
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Victoria Scott
•This thread has been so helpful. At least now I know I'm not alone in this struggle.
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Raúl Mora
•Agreed. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. Going to try some of these strategies.
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