Best EDD phone number to file a new unemployment claim? Trying for days!

After trying for weeks to reach someone at EDD, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a game-changer. They have this system that calls EDD for you and connects you when an agent is available, so you don't have to keep redialing all day. They even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. For new claims, you want to call 1-800-300-5616. Have your SSN, ID, employment history for 18 months, and last employer's info ready. Good luck!

The main EDD customer service number is 1-800-300-5616 for UI claims. They're open 8am-noon on weekdays but GOOD LUCK getting through!! I spent 3 WEEKS trying to reach someone!!! Call EXACTLY at 8:00am and keep hitting 0 when the automated system starts - sometimes that helps bypass the queue. Have ready: your SSN, CA ID/license, full employment history for past 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone #s), reason for separation from each job, and citizenship/work authorization docs if applicable.

tbh the phones are a nightmare rn, took me 67 calls over 3 days to get thru last month lol. website is actually faster if u can get it to work. try using a different browser or clearing ur cookies? chrome worked 4 me after edge kept freezing.

The official number for filing a NEW claim by phone is 1-800-300-5616. Hours are 8am-12pm Mon-Fri. But honestly, I recommend trying the website again instead. Phone wait times can be 3+ hours if you even get through. For the website issues: try very early morning (like 5am) or late evening when traffic is lower. Have all these docs ready before you start: - Social Security Number - CA driver's license/ID - Employment history (18 months) - Last employer info including address - Bank account info for direct deposit - Alien registration number (if applicable) If you MUST use phone, call exactly at 7:59am and start dialing right as it hits 8:00. Choose option 1, then 2, then 1 again.

The 1-800-300-5616 number is correct but I HATE HATE HATE trying to get through on it!!! After my layoff in February it took me TWO WHOLE WEEKS of calling every day before I got a human being. The whole system is designed to make you give up I swear!!

I recently filed a new claim and discovered it's actually much easier to use the UI Online portal than phone. The secret is to file your claim between 10pm-6am when the system isn't overloaded. I had issues too until I tried at 11:30pm. If you absolutely must call, the best number is 1-800-300-5616, but prepare for a frustrating experience. Before you start either method, gather these documents: - Social Security card - California ID/driver's license - Employment history for past 18 months - Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers - Last day of work and reason for separation - Citizenship status/right to work documents A tip about the website freezing: don't use the back button! It invalidates your session. If it freezes, close the browser completely and start again. Good luck!

does any1 know if unemployment income counts for food stamps eligibility? sorry to hijack but thought id ask while were on the topic

Update to my previous comment: I just used the 1-800-300-5616 number yesterday and the wait time was over 4 hours! The only reason I got through was because of Claimyr. For new claims specifically, some people have better luck with the alternative number: 1-866-333-4606, but that's mostly for already-filed claim questions.