Calling EDD at 800-300-5616 but stuck in automated loop - how to reach a real person?

The EDD phone system is DESIGNED to keep you trapped in automation hell!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through before I finally spoke to someone. The 800-300-5616 number is correct, but you have to call right when they open at 8:00 AM and spam redial until you get past the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. Even then, you'll probably get disconnected 5-6 times before you actually reach someone. The system is BROKEN BY DESIGN to frustrate people into giving up!!

I just dealt with this last week! Here's what worked for me: call the 800-300-5616 number, then as soon as the automated system starts, press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish), then when the next menu plays, press 2-4 in sequence. Don't enter your SSN when it asks - instead, just wait silently. After about 30 seconds, it should transfer you to the queue for a representative. It took me about 45 minutes on hold, but I eventually got through to someone who helped resolve my claim issue.

im calling them right now lol. what do u need to ask them? i can try to ask for u when i get thru

I've been dealing with EDD for years, and reaching them by phone has always been a nightmare. I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to an EDD agent without the hours of redialing. Their system basically handles the calling and gets you in the queue, then calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me literally days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Completely changed my experience with contacting EDD.

Your dialing the wrong number! The correct number is 800-300-5616, not 809-300-5616. That might be why your getting stuck in weird loops.

The problem isn't just getting through - it's getting to the right department. I waited 97 minutes on hold last month only to be told I needed a different department and got transferred and disconnected. When you do get through, immediately ask if they can handle questions about pending payments. If they say they're just Tier 1, politely ask to be transferred to Tier 2 claims specialists. Those are the only ones who can actually fix payment issues. The regular agents are only allowed to give general information and can't adjust your claim status.

Update on my earlier advice: Another trick that sometimes works is calling the Employer line instead at 866-333-4606. Some people have reported better luck getting through there, and despite it being for employers, the reps can often still help with claimant issues or at least transfer you to someone who can. Just something to try if the main line continues to be impossible.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful suggestions! I tried calling this morning using the 1-2-4 method right at 8:01am. Still took me 6 calls to get through, but I finally got placed in the queue instead of being disconnected! Was on hold for 67 minutes but eventually spoke with a very helpful representative who fixed my pending payments. They said there was a "quarterly review flag" on my account that needed to be removed manually. For anyone else struggling with this issue - persistence is key! And the 1-2-4 sequence after selecting your language does seem to help bypass some of the automation.

glad u got thru! my payments were stuck too and they told me someting about a review flag too. weird they don't just tell us that in the online messages