Can't get through EDD phone lines - desperate for fastest contact method!

morning is best time 2 call, like right when they open at 8am. but u still gonna be on hold 4ever lol. thats just how edd is now

I had luck using the Claimyr service last month when I was in a similar situation with a pending payment that wouldn't go through. They basically connect you with an EDD agent by navigating the phone system for you. Costs money but saved me days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I was skeptical at first but it actually worked for me when I was getting nowhere for weeks. The rep I got helped clear up my issue in about 15 minutes once I was connected.

Former EDD employee here. The phone system is definitely overwhelmed, but here are some strategies that might help: 1. Don't just call the main line (1-800-300-5616). Try the UI Online technical support line (1-833-978-2511) and when you get a person, politely explain your certification issue. Many agents can help with basic claim problems or transfer you. 2. Be strategic about timing. Wednesday and Thursday tend to have lower call volumes than Monday or Tuesday. Late morning (10-11:30am) and mid-afternoon (2-3:30pm) often have slightly shorter wait times. 3. If you have a complicated issue, send a message through UI Online AND keep calling. Document everything - dates/times of calls, who you spoke with, what was said. 4. If your certification issue is just a simple mistake (wrong date entered, etc.), sometimes visiting an in-person EDD office can resolve it faster than waiting on the phone. The system is frustrating, but persistence is key. Don't give up after 3-4 tries in one day - sometimes it takes 10+ attempts.

The EDD is a JOKE!!! I spent THREE MONTHS trying to get someone on the phone about my appeal. THREE MONTHS!!! And when I finally got through the lady acted like I was bothering her! These people forget WE PAY THEIR SALARIES with our taxes!!! The whole system is designed to make you give up. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

I had to contact my state assembly member when I couldn't reach EDD for over a month. They have dedicated liaisons with EDD who can escalate your case. Google your district's assembly member, call their office, and ask for help with an EDD issue. They usually have a form you fill out giving them permission to inquire about your case. My payment issue was fixed within a week after I did this! Also, for what it's worth, I had inconsistent results calling the 5616 number but much better luck with the 2511 number, even though everyone says that's just for technical support. Sometimes the tech support people can actually resolve simple payment issues or transfer you to someone who can.

My cousin used that claimyr thing 2 and said it worked for him when he was in the same boat. idk how much it costs tho

one time i got thru by hitting random numbers when the menu came up lol. worth a try

Quick update on your question about the technical support line - yes, they can often help with simple certification issues like incorrect reported earnings. They have access to the same systems, though some more complex issues might require a specialist. But for what you're describing, the tech line might be able to resolve it directly. Just be very clear about what happened with your certification and what information needs to be corrected.

I was in the same situation last month and honestly I tried everything - calling 50+ times, different numbers, different times. I eventually used Claimyr that others mentioned and got through in about 20 minutes. The EDD agent was able to fix my certification issue right away. It's ridiculous we have to resort to these measures, but when you're desperate and rent is due... sometimes you gotta do what works.

UPDATE: I got through today! Called the technical support line (2511) at exactly 10:15am, was on hold for about 45 minutes but finally spoke to someone who was actually really helpful. She fixed the issue with my certification where I had accidentally reported the wrong hours for my part-time job. My payments should resume within 48 hours! Thanks everyone for all your advice - especially the tip about trying the technical support line instead of the main number. Huge relief to finally get this resolved.