Can't access EDD online application - need phone number or paper form alternatives
I've been trying to file for unemployment through UI Online for the past 3 days but keep hitting technical issues. The page either freezes at 90% completion or gives me an error saying "system unavailable at this time." My former employer (restaurant industry) just closed permanently last week, and I need to get my claim started ASAP. Does anyone know if there's a specific phone number for application assistance? I've tried the main EDD number but can't get through. Also, is there a way to request a paper application instead? I've heard some people mention getting paper forms but don't know how to request one. Getting desperate as bills are piling up. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Amina Sy
hav u tried clearing ur browser cache or using incognito mode? sometimes the EDD website is just trash with certain browsers. Firefox worked best 4 me
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QuantumQuest
•I tried both Chrome and Safari but not Firefox. Will download it now and try again. Thanks for the tip!
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Oliver Fischer
For paper applications, you can request one by mail by calling 1-800-300-5616, but honestly you'll have a better chance getting through to an actual EDD rep for immediate help. The paper applications take MUCH longer to process (like 3-4 weeks extra). For phone applications, there are actually two numbers you should try: - Regular UI claims: 1-800-300-5616 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week) - Technical Support: 1-833-978-2511 (8am-8pm, 7 days/week) Try calling exactly at 8:01am when they first open or around 7pm when call volume tends to decrease.
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Natasha Petrova
•OMG the paper forms are THE WORST!!! I tried that route back in January and it took them 6 WEEKS just to input my info into their system before I could even certify!! Don't do it unless absolutely necessary!!!
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Javier Morales
EDD is IMPOSSIBLE to reach by phone!!!! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through last month when my account got locked. The 1-800-300-5616 number just hangs up on you after saying "we're experiencing high call volume" and the tech support people CAN'T help with applications they just transfer you back to the main line!! THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!!
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Emma Davis
•I was having the same frustrating experience until I found Claimyr. It's a service that essentially calls EDD for you and then connects you when they get through to a rep. Saved me hours of redial hell. Check out their site at claimyr.com and watch the demo (https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km) to see how it works. Got me through to an actual person who helped fix my application issues.
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GalaxyGlider
So I also had issues with the online application freezing. Turned out my internet connection was part of the problem - the EDD system times out easily if your connection fluctuates. Try using a stable wifi connection rather than cellular data if that's what you're using. Also, here's another option many people don't know about: you can visit an America's Job Center of California (AJCC) location in person for help. They have staff who can assist with applications. Find your local office here: https://www.edd.ca.gov/office_locator/
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QuantumQuest
•Thank you! I had no idea about the job centers. There's actually one about 20 minutes from me. I'll try Firefox first as suggested, but if that doesn't work I'll visit the center tomorrow.
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Malik Robinson
just wondering but did you get laid off or quit? because if u quit u might not qualify for regular ui and maybe need to apply for disability or something else? my cousin quit and got denied but my brother got laid off and was approved right away
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QuantumQuest
•I was laid off when the restaurant permanently closed, so I should qualify for regular UI. My manager actually told all of us to apply. But thanks for checking - that's a good point for others reading this thread.
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Natasha Petrova
Has anyone else notice that the EDD website seems to work better late at night? I couldn't complete my application during daytime hours for like 3 days straight, then randomly tried at 11:30pm and it went through smoothly! Maybe fewer people using it then?
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Oliver Fischer
•Yes! System maintenance usually happens between 8pm-8am on weekends, but during weeknights after 10pm the system often runs better. It's a good workaround for the technical issues - fewer users on the system means less server load.
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QuantumQuest
UPDATE: Firefox worked!!! I was able to complete my application just now. The page looked slightly different than on Chrome/Safari and didn't freeze up at the employment history section. Thank you all for the suggestions! For anyone else having similar issues, definitely try a different browser before giving up.
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Oliver Fischer
•Awesome! Glad it worked out. Make sure to write down your confirmation number and take screenshots of the confirmation page just in case. You should receive an account number in the mail within 7-10 days, and then you'll need to start certifying for benefits every two weeks.
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Charlotte Jones
•That's great news! I've been lurking here for weeks dealing with my own EDD issues and this thread was super helpful. Firefox seems to be the magic solution for a lot of people. @QuantumQuest just curious - how long did the whole application take once you got Firefox working? I'm about to try this myself.
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Rita Jacobs
•@Charlotte Jones It took me about 45 minutes once Firefox was working properly. Make sure you have all your employment info ready beforehand - dates of employment, employer addresses, reason for separation, etc. The system will time out if you take too long on any one page, so having everything prepared definitely helps!
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Sofia Torres
•@Charlotte Jones It took about 35 minutes once Firefox was working - much faster than I expected! The key is having all your documents ready. I had my last pay stub, employer contact info, and exact employment dates written down before starting. Also saved my progress frequently using the save "and continue later button" just in case. Good luck with your application!
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Nia Thompson
•@Charlotte Jones It took me about 40 minutes total once Firefox was working. The biggest time saver was having all my employment history organized beforehand - employer names, addresses, phone numbers, start/end dates, and wages. I also kept my Social Security card and ID handy for the identity verification steps. The Firefox browser definitely made all the difference - no freezing or error messages like I was getting with Chrome. Hope this helps and good luck with your application!
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Mei Chen
•@Charlotte Jones It took me about 30 minutes once I got Firefox working smoothly. The employment history section was the longest part - make sure you have exact dates, addresses, and supervisor names for your last job ready. Also double-check that your bank account info is correct for direct deposit setup. One tip: if you get any error messages, don t'hit the back button - just refresh the page and it usually recovers your progress. Really glad this thread helped so many people!
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