Best phone number to reach actual SDI representative + menu prompts

Main SDI # is 1-800-480-3287 but its always busy. I press 1 for english, then 1, then 7, then 1, then 7 again. Sometimes works but not always.

The SDI phone number is 1-800-480-3287, and they're open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, reaching someone directly is extremely difficult. I've had the most success calling exactly at 8:01 AM (not 8:00 when everyone calls) or between 11:30-12:30 when some reps are at lunch but the queue is shorter. For menu options, select your language, then press 1 for claimant, then 7 for other questions. Avoid the automated system options. Also, make sure your online account is fully set up with all documents submitted. Sometimes there's a missing document that's causing the hold-up, and you wouldn't know without speaking to someone.

my sister works for EDD (not SDI) but she says all there systems r connected and sometimes calling the UI side can help with SDI questions too. maybe try the regular unemployment number if u cant get thru on sdi line?

I was in the EXACT same situation last month! Calling that SDI number is nearly impossible. After 2 weeks of trying, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an SDI rep in about 20 minutes. They basically call for you and then connect you when they reach someone. Costs money but was worth it for me since I needed to fix my claim to get paid. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with said my doctor had coded something wrong on the form which was causing the delay, and they fixed it right away. My payment was processed 2 days later.

SDI is the WORST to get ahold of!!! I tried for THREE WEEKS straight before getting someone on the line!!! The number is 1-800-480-3287 but GOOD LUCK getting through!! I found that calling right at 8am is actually the WORST time because EVERYONE calls then!! Try calling at weird times like 10:23am or 3:17pm - times when most people aren't thinking about calling. I finally got through on a Wednesday at 2:45pm after trying literally 20+ times that day. AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T press the option for "check claim status" because it just puts you in the automated system. Always select "other questions" or "problems with your claim" to get a human!! Also make sure you have your claim ID number, last 4 of SSN, and birthdate ready when you call. They'll ask for verification before helping you.

The correct number for SDI is 1-800-480-3287. Here's what has consistently worked for me to reach a representative: 1. Call between 8:15-8:30am (after the initial rush but before the queue fills) 2. Select your language preference 3. Press 1 for claimant services 4. Press 7 for other questions about your claim 5. Press 1 to continue 6. Press 7 again when prompted for more options This specific sequence bypasses most of the automated options. Another strategy is calling Thursday or Friday, as call volumes tend to be highest Monday-Wednesday. Regarding your pending status, this typically happens when: - Your medical provider submitted incomplete information - EDD needs additional verification of your identity - There's a discrepancy between your wages and what employers reported When you reach a representative, ask specifically what's causing the hold-up and what documentation you can provide to expedite processing.

I had surgery last year and was on sdi for 3 months. I never could get through on phone so I just went to the actual edd office in person. They have separate lines for ui and sdi. Took about an hour wait but at least I got to talk to someone face to face who could help me. If you live near an office maybe try that?

Don't waste your time with the phone!!!! I NEVER got through that way! I ended up contacting my state assembly member's office and they have staff dedicated to helping with EDD/SDI issues. I emailed them explaining my situation and they contacted SDI on my behalf. Had my problem fixed in 3 days after struggling for weeks!!!! Google "[your city] state assembly member" to find yours.

Update: I FINALLY got through this morning! For anyone else struggling, here's what worked: Called at 8:17am (after the 8am rush), used the prompt sequence 1-1-7-1-7 as suggested, and got connected to a real person after about 30 mins on hold. Turns out my employer hadn't responded to EDD's wage verification request, which was holding up my claim. The rep put a note on my file and is expediting the process. They said payment should process within 5-7 days. Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on finally getting through! This is such a helpful update. It's crazy that employer wage verification delays are so common but they don't tell you that's what's holding things up. I'm dealing with a similar "pending review" status right now and this gives me hope. Going to try calling tomorrow morning around 8:15-8:20 using those same prompts. Did the rep give you any way to follow up if it takes longer than the 5-7 days they quoted?