Best times to actually reach EDD in 2025 - any secret phone numbers?

The "secret" to reaching EDD is persistence and timing. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be slightly better than Mondays (absolute worst) or Fridays. The sweet spot is between 10:30-11:30am or 2:15-3:30pm when call volume sometimes dips. The main numbers (833-978-2511 or 800-300-5616) are correct, but try this strategy: instead of hanging up when you get the "too many callers" message, keep redialing immediately for at least 45 minutes straight. It took me 37 calls in a row last month, but I finally got through. Also, make sure you're selecting the right options in the phone tree. For payment issues on your Money Network card, press 1, then 6, then 4 when prompted. This routes you to payment specialists who can specifically help with missing payments.

pro tip: call exactly at 8:01am. not 8 sharp, not 8:05. EXACTLY 8:01. thats how i got thru last week after trying for days. also have your claim number and ssn ready bc they ask for it right away and if ur fumbling around looking for it they might hang up lol happened to me

I've worked for years helping people navigate unemployment issues, and unfortunately the phone system has gotten worse since 2025 started with all the new claims coming in. Here's what actually works: 1. The best time is Tuesday-Thursday between 10:15-11:15am or 2:00-3:15pm. 2. The correct number for payment issues is 866-401-2849 (Money Network specific) or 800-300-5616 (general claims). 3. For your specific missing payment issue, you need to speak with a Tier 2 specialist. When you call, immediately ask for a Tier 2 specialist who handles payment disputes/issues. 4. Be prepared with your information: claim ID, last four of SSN, Money Network card number, and the exact week(s) showing missing payments. If you're still having trouble reaching someone, there's a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you bypass the busy lines and get connected with an EDD agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. I've had multiple clients use it successfully when they were in your situation with missing payments.

Im in the EXACT same situation right now!!! Been calling for 3 days straight and nothing. So frustrating. My landlords breathing down my neck for rent and I cant even get anyone to tell me why my certification from 2 weeks ago is still pending. Let me know if any of these suggestions work for you please.

The whole system is designed to frustrate us into giving up!!! I've been dealing with EDD since January and let me tell you - NONE of the "tricks" people suggest actually work consistently. One day 8am works, next day it doesn't. One day the 2pm slot works, next day nothing. It's all designed to wear us down. What finally worked for me was contacting my state assembly member's office. They have dedicated EDD liaisons who can cut through the red tape and actually get answers. Google "[your county] state assembly member" and fill out their constituent services form specifically mentioning your EDD issue. They contacted EDD on my behalf and I had an answer within 3 business days after weeks of getting nowhere on my own!

Just wanted to update - I called today using the 10:30am timing I mentioned earlier and got through after 14 attempts (about 25 minutes of redialing). The EDD rep was able to help resolve my certification issue. So the timing suggestion does still work, but requires persistence. Don't give up after just a few tries!

UPDATE: I FINALLY got through!!! After trying the Claimyr service that was mentioned here. I was honestly skeptical but I was desperate after another day of failed calls. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. Turns out my payment was held up because of an identity verification flag that was never cleared properly after I completed my ID.me verification. The agent was able to remove the flag and release my payment - should hit my Money Network card in 24-48 hours! Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. This community has been a lifesaver!