Best time to call EDD? 20+ attempts and can't get through
Seriously getting desperate here. I've called the EDD literally 20+ times over the past week trying to resolve an issue with my claim, but I just keep getting that automated message saying they're experiencing 'higher than normal call volume' and to try again later. Then it hangs up on me! It's driving me CRAZY. Does anyone know if there's a better time of day or specific day of the week when it's easier to get through? I've tried morning (right when they open), midday, and afternoon. I even took a day off work just to sit and redial for hours. Nothing works. My rent is due next week and I NEED to speak with someone about why my payments are still pending after certification. Any tricks or tips would be hugely appreciated. I'm at my wit's end here.
19 comments
Join the conversation
Mei Chen
In my experience, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 8:15-8:45am are slightly better. The key is calling right after their opening rush (they open at 8am) but before the midday surge. I've also had some luck around 4pm on Tuesdays. Mondays and Fridays are absolutely the worst days to try. Some people say to press different number combinations to get different departments, but honestly I think it's mostly luck. The system is completely overwhelmed right now.
0 coins
Jamal Edwards
•Thanks for the tip! I'll try Wednesday morning. I've been calling mostly Mondays and Fridays thinking more staff would be available on those days (no idea why I thought that). Getting desperate enough to try anything at this point.
0 coins
Liam O'Sullivan
i call like 50-60 times a day sometimes lol its just how it is with edd these days
0 coins
Amara Okonkwo
•This is so frustrating! What happened to our tax dollars?? Why can't they hire more people to answer phones or upgrade their systems? It's 2025 for crying out loud!
0 coins
Giovanni Marino
After trying for weeks, I finally had success using Claimyr. It's a service that basically connects you with an EDD representative. I was skeptical at first but was desperate after calling 30+ times myself. It worked and got me connected within about 40 minutes (which is WAY better than my endless redialing). They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km You can check it out at claimyr.com. Seriously saved me so much frustration and I was able to get my pending payment issue resolved in that one call.
0 coins
Jamal Edwards
•Wow, I've never heard of this. Does it actually work? Did you use it recently? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point if it means I can actually talk to a human being.
0 coins
Giovanni Marino
•Yes, I used it last week. It worked exactly as advertised - they basically keep calling on your behalf until they get through, then connect you. The rep I spoke with was actually super helpful once I finally got connected. Fixed my pending payment issue right away.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Sayed
The EDD phone system is THE WORST!!!! I spent three entire days (literally 8 hours each day) calling and redialing. I finally got through at 3:17pm on a Thursday. Then after waiting on hold for 1.5 hours, they transferred me to another department and I GOT DISCONNECTED!!!! I cried for an hour afterward. The whole system is DESIGNED to make us give up. Don't let them win!!!
0 coins
Dylan Hughes
•This is actually a common problem with their phone system. When they transfer between departments, there's often a connection drop. If you do get through, immediately ask for the rep's ID number or name. If you get disconnected during a transfer, call back and reference who you were speaking with. Sometimes they can reconnect you to the same person or at least note your account that you were mid-conversation.
0 coins
NightOwl42
Here's what worked for me: call the disability number instead (1-800-480-3287) and then ask to be transferred to regular unemployment. For some reason the disability line isn't as swamped. I got through on my third try using this method. Also, make sure you're calling the right number for your specific issue. Different problems require different departments, and using the wrong number means you'll just get transferred anyway (if you're lucky enough to get through at all).
0 coins
Liam O'Sullivan
•i tried this last week and the lady yelled at me lol said i was clogging up their system for people who actually need disability
0 coins
NightOwl42
•Yeah, that can happen. It's technically against their procedures but when you're desperate... Some reps will help you anyway, especially if you're polite and explain your situation. It's hit or miss though.
0 coins
Dylan Hughes
The best time to call EDD statistically is between 10:30 am and 11:45 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This is based on call volume data from previous years. Mondays and Fridays have approximately 35% higher call volume. If your issue is related to a pending payment after certification, you might be able to resolve it without calling. Have you checked your UI Online account for any flags or notifications requiring additional information? Sometimes there are action items that aren't clearly labeled. Also, if it's been less than 10 business days since you certified, the system might still be processing normally, especially if this is your first or second certification period.
0 coins
Jamal Edwards
•That's really helpful info! Where did you find those statistics? I've checked my UI Online account thoroughly and there are no action items or messages - it just shows my certification as "pending" with no explanation. And it's been over 3 weeks since I certified, so definitely not normal processing time.
0 coins
Dylan Hughes
•I used to work as an employment consultant (not for EDD directly, but I interfaced with them regularly). The call statistics were shared during a training session. If it's been 3+ weeks with no explanation and no UI Online messages, you definitely need to speak with a representative. Your claim likely has a "stop payment alert" or manual review flag that only a representative can clear. These aren't always visible to claimants in the online system.
0 coins
Amara Okonkwo
My neighbor works for EDD (not on the phones though) and she says they're MASSIVELY understaffed right now. They lost a bunch of temporary workers they hired during COVID and never replaced them, even though claims are still way higher than pre-pandemic levels. It's not that they don't want to help - the whole system is just falling apart. Keep trying though - they can't just ignore your claim forever!
0 coins
Fatima Al-Sayed
•They sure SEEM like they can ignore us forever!!! Going on 5 weeks with no payment and rent due in 3 days. What are we supposed to do???
0 coins
Mei Chen
I just wanted to follow up and see if you had any luck getting through? Were you able to resolve your pending payment issue?
0 coins
Jamal Edwards
•Yes!! I actually tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got through yesterday morning. Turns out there was an identity verification issue they never notified me about. The rep fixed it right away and said my payment should be processed within 48 hours. Such a relief! Worth every penny not to spend another week redialing constantly.
0 coins