CA EDD: Tips to reach a human at unemployment office after constant busy signals and disconnects?

Have you tried calling right when they open? I heard that's the best time to get through. Also, keep hitting 0 or # repeatedly - sometimes that'll get you to a human faster.

Pro tip: if you have a friend or family member who speaks another language, have them call the non-English line. Those usually have shorter wait times.

I feel your pain. It took me 3 weeks of constant calling to finally get through. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call early in the morning, like 5 minutes before they open. 2. If you don't get through, wait 15 minutes and try again. 3. Keep doing this throughout the day. 4. Use multiple phones if you can - I had my cell and landline going at the same time. 5. Be persistent and don't give up. It's frustrating, but eventually you'll get through. Also, make sure you have all your documents ready when you do get through. They'll ask for your last day of work, employer info, and reason for unemployment. Good luck!

I found a method that actually works to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://claimyr.com

I understand how frustrating this situation must be for you. An alternative solution you might want to consider is using services like Claimyr, which was suggested by another user. While it costs $20, Claimyr offers a calling tool that navigates the phone menu, holds the line, and connects you to a live agent. Users have reported success with this service, which can save you hours of frustration. However, it is important to weigh the cost against your current financial situation. If you opt for this, ensure you have all necessary documents ready to make the most of your call. Furthermore, reaching out to your local representative might also help, as they can sometimes expedite the process. Google your city's state representative and use the contact form on their website to explain your situation. It's also worth noting that if you have a specific question that isn't covered online, writing a detailed email or using the available contact form on the unemployment website might yield some results, albeit slowly. Finally, staying persistent with your attempts to reach the unemployment office through multiple avenues is key. Every bit of effort counts when dealing with bureaucratic processes.

Has anyone tried going to the unemployment office in person? I'm thinking of camping out overnight to be first in line when they open.

I heard they just hired a bunch of new people to handle calls. Maybe it'll get better soon? 🤞

Have you tried applying online? I know it's not the same as talking to a person, but at least you can get the process started.

Welcome to the club, buddy. We're all in the same boat here. I've been trying to get through for weeks now. It's like they're purposely making it impossible to talk to anyone. 🤔

Have you tried contacting your local representative? Sometimes they can help push things through faster.

lol good luck. I've been trying for 3 months. The whole system is a joke. 🤡🤡🤡

This is why we need universal basic income. The whole unemployment system is outdated and can't handle crises like this.