California Unemployment
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach California Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the EDD drops your call
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 :)
EDD claim confusion after penalty weeks and part-time job - no benefits and account is empty
Hey everyone, I'm in a really tough spot and could use some guidance on my EDD situation. I lost my job back in February and immediately filed for unemployment. When I applied, I discovered I had penalty weeks to serve from an old claim (apparently I made a reporting mistake years ago). I served those penalty weeks through March and early April, dutifully certifying each time. Here's where things get confusing - in mid-April I managed to land a part-time gig through StaffPro (a staffing agency). I reported this on my certification as required. Shortly after, EDD sent me a letter with a NEW EDD Customer Account Number saying I had filed a new claim (which wasn't my intention - I just reported my part-time work!). The letter also stated that my part-time wages exceeded what my weekly benefit amount would be. Fast forward - the part-time job only lasted about 5 weeks and ended in May. I haven't received ANY certification forms since then, either online or by mail. I'm completely lost on what to do next. Do I need to reopen my claim? Start a new one? Call EDD to fix the original claim? I'm literally down to $8.37 in my bank account, my rent is due next week, and I'm panicking. Has anyone dealt with this weird situation where reporting part-time work somehow created a new claim? What's the fastest way to get this sorted out?
Join the conversation
EDD claim for leave of absence - can't select correct option on UI form
I've been put on administrative leave during a workplace investigation at my company (retail management). It's completely open-ended with no set return date. I haven't done anything wrong, but company policy requires leaves during certain types of investigations. My supervisor told me I should apply for unemployment since I'm not being paid during this time. The problem is when I go to file a claim on UI Online, the only separation options are 'quit' or 'laid off' - neither applies to my situation! I've been calling EDD for 3 days straight (like 50+ calls) and either get disconnected or told all reps are busy. I've tried calling at 8:01am, 10:30am, 2pm... nothing works. Does anyone know what option I should choose on the application? Or how to actually reach a human being at EDD who can help me file properly? My rent is due next week and I'm seriously stressing out.
Join the conversation
ya the interview took like 3 weeks for me. make sure u answer ur phone even if u dont recognize the number cuz they only call once and if u miss it u have to reschedule and wait another month lol
EDD Account Registration Error - 'Can't find information in system' before interview date
I just got laid off from my restaurant job and applied for unemployment benefits last week. I received my EDD account number in the mail yesterday, but when I tried to register for UI Online, I keep getting an error message saying "can't find your information in our system". My eligibility phone interview is scheduled for 7/25/2025, which is still two weeks away. I'm confused about what to do next - should I wait until after my interview to try registering again, or do I need to call EDD to fix this issue? I'm stressing about not being able to certify for benefits if I can't even access my account. Has anyone dealt with this registration error before?
Join the conversation
Update us if you get it working! I'd try these steps in order: 1. Wait another 24-48 hours and try again 2. Triple-check all your info exactly matches your EDD letter 3. Try registering during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening) 4. If still not working by Monday, call the technical support line You can still prepare for your interview while waiting for the registration issue to resolve.
Thanks for the step-by-step plan! I'll try again tomorrow morning with all my documents in front of me to make sure I'm entering everything exactly right. I'll update once I get it working (hopefully!).
UPDATE: It worked!! I waited until this morning and tried again, making sure to enter my FULL legal name exactly as shown on the EDD letter (including my middle name). That was the issue - I wasn't including my middle name when trying to register. System accepted everything right away and I'm in my account now. Thanks everyone for your help!
Great news! The system is incredibly picky about those details. Glad you got it sorted out!
EDD benefit year renewal confusion - waiting week with no payment despite timely renewal
Has anyone dealt with this benefit year renewal issue? I filed my renewal application 2 weeks before my benefit year ended (tried to be responsible and avoid gaps). Got approved for the new claim since I had enough wages from a 6-month contract job I worked last year. Here's the weird part - I certified for what should have been my final week on the old claim, but instead of getting paid, my UI Online account shows "no payment due - waiting period week" even though I already served a waiting week when I first applied over a year ago! My renewal letter specifically stated to file early to "avoid interruption in benefits" but now I'm out a week's worth of money ($520). Is this normal procedure or did something get messed up? Feeling frustrated since I did everything they told me to do.
Join the conversation
My bf went thru this in April. He was SOOOO angry when he figured out he wasn't getting paid for that week! Like others said tho its just how EDD works with new benefit years. Just keep certifying and you'll get paid for the next weeks. They really should explain this better when they tell people to renew early!!!
Thanks everyone for the explanations. I'm still frustrated that EDD doesn't make this clearer in their communications, but at least now I understand what happened. I certified for my next two weeks yesterday, so hopefully those payments will process normally. I appreciate all the help!
Glad we could help clarify! Yes, your next payments should process normally. For future reference (and anyone else reading this thread), the waiting week is required by California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 1253(d), so it's not something EDD can waive except in special circumstances like state emergencies. The only time in recent history it was waived was during the early pandemic period.
Need to reach EDD rep for UI reapplication - fastest way to get through phone lines?
My benefit year is ending next week and I'll need to reapply for UI. Last time the online process flagged my account for 'further review' and I was stuck in pending hell for almost 2 months! This time I want to talk to an actual human being who can process my reapplication correctly the first time. Has anyone successfully gotten through to a representative recently? What time should I call? Is there a special number or extension that works better? I've tried the 833 number before but always got the dreaded 'we're experiencing high call volume' message. Any tips or tricks would be so appreciated!!
Join the conversation
Update: I tried calling at 8:01am sharp today and got the 'too many callers' message right away. Tried the disability number trick but that department opened at 8:30am so no luck there either. I might try the in-person office tomorrow or look into the Claimyr service. Feeling pretty stressed since my last payment is next week and I know there will be a gap if I don't get this sorted. Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far!
Try the disability number after 8:30! That's when it worked for me. Just be super polite when they answer and explain you need a transfer to UI for reapplication. The SDI reps are usually more helpful than the recorded unemployment system.
One more thing to try: call the employer line instead of the claimant line. The number is 1-866-333-4606. When they answer, politely explain you're trying to reach a representative about your reapplication. Sometimes they'll transfer you directly to a UI specialist. The wait is usually shorter on the employer line. If they ask why you're calling that number, just say you were given this number by an EDD representative at the office.
I would never have thought of that! Will definitely try this tomorrow if my other attempts don't work. I really appreciate everyone's help and will update when I get through!
Diego Vargas
Quick update question: Were you able to get through to EDD? If you're still struggling to reach them, I recommend calling right when they open at 8:00 AM. The phone lines are least congested then. Also, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have slightly lower call volumes than Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays in my experience.
0 coins
Omar Hassan
AuthorI actually tried that Claimyr service that someone mentioned! Got through to EDD in about 25 minutes. The representative was super helpful and explained that I needed to reopen my claim. She processed it while I was on the phone and said I should be able to certify starting this Sunday. She also confirmed that my penalty weeks were completely served, so I should start receiving payments after I certify. Such a relief!
0 coins
Chloe Anderson
that's awesome! make sure u certify on time every 2 weeks from now on. also remember to report ANY work or income when u certify even if its just 1 day of work
0 coins
Omar Hassan
AuthorAbsolutely! I've learned my lesson about accurate reporting. I'll be super careful with my certifications from now on. Thanks everyone for all your help!
0 coins