Can't get past work type selection on EDD application - screen keeps freezing

Same thing happened to me last month!! So annoying... the EDD website is such garbage. I ended up having to try at like 2am when fewer people were on the site and it finally worked.

Seriously? At 2am?? I've been trying for three days now during normal hours. I'll try late tonight I guess. Did you use your phone or computer when it finally worked?

The occupation selection tool is notoriously buggy. Try these steps:\n1. Use Chrome in incognito mode\n2. Instead of using the dropdown, type the first few letters of your job title in the search box\n3. Wait at least 30 seconds for results to load (it's slow)\n4. If that doesn't work, try a different but similar occupation title\n\nAlso make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might interfere with the page. Good luck!

Thank you! I didn't realize I could search instead of just using the dropdown. I'll definitely try incognito mode too. I was getting desperate and considering just picking a random occupation just to move forward with the application!

I had this problem and it was because my internet connection was too slow. The occupatin selector is basically a database search and it timesout if your connection isnt fast enough. Try using a different wifi or hotspot from your phone maybe?

This is partially correct but the main issue is usually server-side, not connection speed. The EDD occupation database runs separate from the main system and often gets overloaded during high-traffic periods (especially mornings). The official workaround is to use the

Oh that's helpful! I didn't know I could select 'Other' as a temporary solution. Will that delay my claim processing though?

If you're still having trouble after trying the technical suggestions, you may need to call EDD directly. I know calling EDD is a nightmare, but I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that can help you get through to an EDD representative much faster. Their system basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when an agent is available. Check out their website at claimyr.com - they even have a video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nI was stuck at the same screen for days, called using their service, and the EDD rep was able to manually enter my occupation and push my application through. Worth considering if the online system continues to fail you.

I used Claimyr last month and it actually worked! Normally it takes me 30-40 call attempts to get thru to EDD but their system got me connected in about an hour. Just sharing my experience since I was skeptical at first.

I'll check it out as a backup plan. Going to try all the technical fixes suggested here first, but if nothing works by tomorrow, I might need that service. Thanks for sharing your experience!

have u tried using another device?? my laptop didnt work but when i tried on my ipad it went thru fine... also make sure u dont have too many tabs open. edd website is super old and crashes with too much stuff running

To properly address this issue with the work type selection:\n\n1. The occupation selection tool uses SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) codes and requires significant server resources, which is why it frequently experiences issues.\n\n2. The most reliable solution is to access the site during off-peak hours (11pm-5am PT) when server load is minimal.\n\n3. If you must complete it during business hours:\n - Use a wired internet connection if possible\n - Clear your browser cache completely (not just refresh)\n - Allow up to 60 seconds for the occupation database to load before assuming it's frozen\n - Try using Internet Explorer/Edge as the site was originally optimized for older browsers\n\n4. If you're still having trouble after multiple attempts, select \

Thank you for such a thorough explanation! I really appreciate it. I'll try during off-peak hours tonight and switch to Edge. I didn't realize the system was designed for older browsers, that might explain a lot. If all else fails, I'll use the 'Other' option as suggested. It's frustrating that such a critical system has these limitations.

when ur on that screen, try pressing TAB key instead of using mouse. sometimes keyboard navigation works when mouse clicks dont. weird but it worked for me!

The whole EDD system is BROKEN BY DESIGN!!! They make it impossible to complete applications so they can deny more claims! I spent WEEKS trying to get past that same screen last year and ended up having to start my application over THREE TIMES!! Even when I finally got through, they still messed up my classification and I got less benefits than I should have. The system isn't \

While the system definitely has technical issues, there's no evidence it's intentionally designed to prevent claims. These are legacy systems that weren't built to handle modern web traffic volumes. The occupation selector specifically uses an older database connection that wasn't properly updated during the last system upgrade in 2021. I understand your frustration, but incorrect classifications can be corrected by speaking with a claims specialist.

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UPDATE: Success! I tried at 1am using Microsoft Edge in InPrivate mode, and the occupation selector finally worked! For anyone else having this issue, here's what worked for me:\n\n1. Waited until very late (1am) when site traffic was low\n2. Used Edge browser in private browsing mode\n3. Closed all other programs and tabs\n4. Used the search box instead of the dropdown\n5. Typed my job title and waited a full minute for results\n\nThe search eventually showed results and I was able to select restaurant manager and complete my application. Thank you everyone for your suggestions! My claim is now pending and I'm hoping for the best.

Great news! Just a heads-up that your claim will remain in pending status until after your phone interview, which is typically scheduled 1-2 weeks after submitting your application. Make sure to certify for benefits on schedule (every two weeks) even while your claim is pending. If you haven't received an interview date within 10 days, that's when you should consider calling EDD directly.

Thanks for the tip about certifying while pending - I wouldn't have known to do that! I'll keep an eye out for the interview notification and mark my calendar for the 10-day point to follow up if needed.