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EDD phone lines always maxed out - can't get through to adjust my return-to-work date!
I'm at my wits' end trying to reach EDD on the phone! For the past two weeks, I've been calling at 8:01 AM, 10:30 AM, and 2:15 PM, but EVERY SINGLE TIME I get that automated message saying they've hit their max calls for the day. So frustrating! My situation: I had to adjust my return-to-work date from April 22nd to May 5th, 2025 because my new job's start date got pushed back. I updated this in UI Online two weeks ago, but they still haven't processed my certification for that extra week and I'm missing a payment of $520. My rent is due in 5 days and I'm seriously stressing out. Has anyone found a reliable way to actually speak to a human at EDD? I've tried all the phone menu tricks I could find online (pressing 1, then 2, then 4... or whatever) but nothing works. Are there certain days/times that are better? Or is there another way to contact them besides calling? Email? Carrier pigeon?? Smoke signals??? HELP!
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Will EDD expedite my extension if I call? Submitted July 2, need money for bills ASAP
I'm seriously stressing out right now. My regular UI benefits ran out last month, and I submitted all my extension paperwork on July 2nd (EDD received it on the 3rd according to tracking). The website says to wait 10-14 business days for processing, but I literally can't wait that long. Rent is due on the 15th, and I've got a car payment that's already 5 days late. Does anyone know if calling EDD might get them to process my extension faster? Has anyone had luck with this? I know their phone lines are a nightmare, but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Just worried I'll waste hours on the phone for nothing...
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I submitted my extension in April and it took exactly 12 business days to process. So they do sometimes hit their timeline. Make sure you're still certifying for benefits each week during the waiting period - they'll backpay those weeks once your extension is approved. The important thing is to keep certifying even if your portal shows $0 benefits available.
Thank you! I've been certifying but my portal shows $0 available and all weeks say "Not Paid" status. I was worried I was doing something wrong.
You're doing it correctly! Those weeks will automatically flip to "Paid" status once your extension is processed. Just keep the certification receipts as proof in case there are any issues later. And definitely try calling - it can make a difference in speeding things up.
i was in your exact situation last september. called for 3 days straight and finally got through. the rep was super nice and processed my extension right then. had money on my card 2 days later. keep trying!!!
That gives me hope! I'm definitely going to try calling tomorrow morning. Did you say anything specific that seemed to help your case?
just be honest about your financial situation! i told them i was about to miss rent and car payment and they were understanding. also have your confirmation number from when you submitted your extension paperwork handy - that seemed to help them locate everything quickly
EDD Money Network card: Does automatic bank transfer reset with new card?
So I just got my replacement Money Network debit card in the mail after my old one expired. I had set up automatic transfers to my checking account with the previous card about 18 months ago. Now I'm wondering if I need to go through that whole process again or if the transfer settings carry over to the new card? The instructions with the card don't say anything about this. Anyone dealt with this before? I'd really rather not have to call EDD about this if I can avoid it!
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just want to remind everyone its not actually EDD that handles the debit cards its money network. different phone numbers and websites to deal with card issues vs claim issues!!
You're absolutely right! This is a common confusion. For card issues, transfer setups, etc., you need to contact Money Network directly at 1-866-320-8699. For actual claim questions, payment amounts, certification issues, etc., that's when you contact EDD.
UPDATE: I was able to set up my automatic transfers again. For anyone with the same issue in the future, I can confirm you DO need to set it up again with the new card. It took about 15 minutes total. The Money Network website isn't the most user-friendly but once you find the transfer section it's pretty straightforward. Thanks everyone for your help!
Nice! Glad u got it working
Consider switching to direct deposit through UI Online if you're eligible - it's so much simpler in the long run! But glad you got your transfers set up in the meantime.
Stuck on 'Pending' for 6 weeks - can EDD Assembly rep help?
I'm at my breaking point with this pending claim. Filed on March 12, 2025 and it's been PENDING for 6 weeks with no movement. Called EDD literally 40+ times, always get the 'too many callers' message or disconnected. Certified correctly every two weeks but $0 payments. My rent is due next week and I'm completely out of savings. Someone at work mentioned contacting my Assembly representative might help? Has anyone done this? How do I even figure out who my Assembly rep is or what to say to them? Do they actually have power to help with EDD claims or is this just another dead end? Any experience or advice appreciated!
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lol good luck assembly person in my district takes FOREVER to respond. i waited 3 weeks and nothin. ended up just having to wait it out til edd finally fixed my claim on their own. system is totally broken
UPDATE: You all were right!! My Assembly rep's office called me this morning (less than 24 hours after submitting the form) and said they'd contact EDD on my behalf. Just checked my UI Online account and all 6 weeks of pending payments switched to PAID about an hour ago! Money should hit my Money Network card in 24-48 hours according to the rep. I'm literally crying with relief right now. THANK YOU to everyone who suggested this route!!
YESSS!!! So happy for you! Exactly how mine went too - it's like magic when they finally fix it. Make sure to set aside some for taxes if you didn't select withholding!
That's fantastic news! So glad it worked out. This is a great reminder for anyone else stuck in pending limbo - Assembly reps really do have the power to get things moving. Thanks for coming back to update us.
Working part-time (2 days/week) after full-time training - still need work search for EDD?
So I just started a new job at a retail store and my first week they had me doing full-time training (40 hours). But now they've only scheduled me for 2 days per week going forward (total of 16 hours). I'm still certifying for unemployment since this is way less than what I need to survive. My questions: 1. Do I still have to do the work search requirement even though I technically have a job? 2. How will EDD calculate my benefits? Will they just reduce my weekly benefit amount based on what I make those 2 days? 3. Should I report the full-time training week differently than my regular part-time weeks? I'm really confused about how this works and don't want to mess up my claim. Anyone deal with something similar?
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I'm also wondering about something similar... I started as an independent contractor last month but the hours are totally inconsistent. Sometimes I work 30 hours a week and other times just 5-10. I'm still certifying but have NO IDEA if I'm doing it right. Do I need to do work search in weeks where I get more hours?
For independent contractors, you should still report all earnings for each week and do work search activities in any week you're working less than full-time (under 32 hours). Your situation is a bit more complex because you need to report gross earnings, not just hours. Since your hours vary, you need to evaluate each certification week individually. In weeks you work 30+ hours, you're likely not eligible for benefits, but you should still certify and report everything accurately.
btw dont forget u can count job interviews and even checking job listings as work search activities... u dont have 2 apply to jobs every single time
Oh that's good to know! So even if I just spend time looking through job postings on Indeed or LinkedIn, that counts as a work search activity? What about networking or talking to friends about potential job openings?
Yes, EDD considers these as valid work search activities: - Applying for jobs - Submitting resumes - Attending job interviews - Registering with placement facilities - Checking with former employers - Networking with friends/relatives about job leads - Searching for jobs online Just keep a record of what you do each week in case EDD asks for verification later.
Anastasia Popov
Update on your specific issue: For return-to-work date changes, if you're seeing "pending eligibility" on UI Online, that's actually a good sign. It means the system registered your change but needs manual approval. Once you get through to EDD (however you manage it), ask them to look specifically at your "return-to-work date extension request" and the "pending eligibility week" associated with it. Use those exact terms and they'll know exactly what screen to look at. They'll need to remove a flag in their system, and payments typically process within 24-48 hours after that flag is removed. They can also expedite it if you explain your rent situation.
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Freya Nielsen
AuthorTHANK YOU for this specific advice! I'll use those exact terms when I finally get through. Feels like you need to know the secret language to get anything done with EDD. Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
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Omar Mahmoud
Did you get through yet? Just checking in because I know how stressful this can be when rent is due soon. If you're still having trouble, there's also the option of contacting your state assembly member's office. They have EDD liaisons who can sometimes help move things along. Worth trying if you're still stuck by tomorrow.
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Freya Nielsen
AuthorI'm trying Claimyr this morning! If that doesn't work, I'll definitely try the assembly member route - didn't even think of that. Will update once I (hopefully) get through. Thanks for checking in, it really is stressful.
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