Called EDD 116+ times with no answer - is this normal or am I doing something wrong?

welcome to dealing with edd lol. i had to call like 200+ times last month. its totally normal (but totally stupid). just keep calling

Unfortunately this is pretty standard with EDD these days. Their phone system is completely overwhelmed. I had the same issue last month with my UI claim stuck in pending. What worked for me was using Claimyr - it's a service that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you when they get through. Saved me days of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. I was skeptical at first but got connected to a rep in about 25 minutes after trying for a week on my own.

There are actually a few tactics that can help increase your chances of getting through to an EDD representative: 1. Call exactly at 8:01 AM when they open - this is when the queue is typically shortest 2. Try calling on Wednesday or Thursday, which statistically have lower call volumes than Monday or Tuesday 3. When you get the automated system, select the option for employer services first, then when that menu comes up, press 0 - sometimes this routes you to a general queue with shorter wait times 4. Use the UI Online messaging system in parallel with your calling attempts - sometimes reps will respond within 1-2 days 5. If your issue is specifically about a pending payment, try the technical support line (833-978-2511) instead of the main line Pending certifications usually resolve within 10 days, but if you're approaching rent due date, definitely keep trying to reach them. The system is frustrating but persistence eventually pays off.

I work as an employment counselor and help clients navigate EDD issues daily. The phone system is absolutely overwhelmed right now. There's a significant staffing shortage at EDD call centers combined with a new claim processing system that's generating more issues than usual. If your certification is pending, there may be an eligibility issue that needs addressing. Common reasons include: - Income reporting discrepancies - Work search requirement issues - Employer contest of your claim - Identity verification flags Besides calling, I recommend these steps: 1. Check your UI Online inbox for any correspondence requesting additional information 2. Review your certification answers for potential issues (especially regarding availability for work) 3. Submit a question through UI Online's Contact EDD feature 4. If it's been more than 10 days pending, consider requesting an escalation through your state assemblyperson's office The current average resolution time for pending certifications is 12-14 days without intervention, so if you're approaching that timeframe, it may resolve soon on its own.

OMG I FEEL YOUR PAIN!!! The EDD phone system is LITERALLY THE WORST THING EVER CREATED! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through last month when my account got flagged for "potential fraud" (it wasn't). I would call 50+ times a day and nothing! What finally worked was calling exactly at 8:00 am and using the comma trick on my phone to auto-enter all the prompts. You can do this by saving a contact with the number formatted like: +18003005616,1,,,,,,,,,,,,,1,2 (the commas create pauses and the numbers select menu options). Hit call right at 8:00:00 am and it'll automatically navigate the menu for you. I finally got through this way after hundreds of failed calls!

Maybe try calling your local EDD office instead of the main number? That's what I did and actually got through to someone who could help. The local offices sometimes have dedicated lines that aren't as busy.

This is exactly why I tell everyone the system is DESIGNED to be difficult. They WANT people to give up so they don't have to pay benefits. I had to file a complaint with the state oversight committee to finally get my issue resolved after calling 300+ times over 3 weeks. The whole system is broken on purpose!!

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone else struggling with this issue, I combined several suggestions from this thread - used the comma trick that @profile4 suggested, called right at 8:00am, and selected option 1,2,4 in the menu instead of 1,2,1 which I was doing before. Total hold time was still 45 minutes, but at least I got through! The rep confirmed there was an employer verification flag on my account that was causing the pending status. She removed it and said my payment should process within 24-48 hours. THANK YOU all for your help - this community saved my sanity!