Can't get through to EDD phone lines - always 'maximum callers reached' no matter when I call
I'm at my wits end trying to reach someone at EDD about my unemployment claim. For the past 2 weeks, I've tried literally EVERYTHING to get through their phone lines. I've called right when they open at 8am, mid-day around 11-2pm, and even 10 minutes before they close. Every single time I get that automated message saying they're experiencing 'maximum callers' and then it just hangs up on me! I haven't been able to certify properly because there's an issue with my account that only a rep can fix. My rent is due next week and I'm seriously panicking. Has anyone successfully gotten through recently? Any tricks or specific times that actually work? I need to talk to a representative ASAP before my landlord starts the eviction process.
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Natasha Petrova
This is unfortunately super common right now. Their call volume is insane since they reduced staff after the pandemic but claims are going up again. I was in your exact position last month and wasted HOURS redialing. I finally used Claimyr.com and got through to a rep in about 30 minutes. It's a service that basically auto-redials for you until it gets through, then calls you when an EDD agent is on the line. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me from losing my apartment honestly.
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Javier Hernandez
•does that actually work? sounds 2 good 2 b true tbh
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Emma Davis
YES!!! I HATE THE EDD PHONE SYSTEM WITH A PASSION!!! Been dealing with this garbage for MONTHS!!!!! The system is DESIGNED to keep us from getting help!!!! They don't care if we end up homeless as long as they don't have to answer calls!!!
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Oliver Becker
•I'm starting to feel the same way. It's like they're intentionally making it impossible to reach them. How did you eventually get your issue resolved?
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LunarLegend
I've had consistent success reaching EDD by calling 1-833-978-2511 (not the main number) at exactly 8:01am. Don't call right at 8:00 when everyone else is calling. The key is to select the options that lead to claim filing questions, not payment status. Once you get a rep, they can transfer you to the right department. Also, Thursdays tend to have lower call volume in my experience. Be prepared with your claim number, last 4 of SSN, and have a clear explanation of your specific issue. This increases your chances of getting your problem resolved in one call rather than needing multiple transfers.
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Malik Jackson
•This is so helpful! I didn't know about the alternate number or the Thursday tip. I've been trying the main line every day with no luck. Will try this approach tomorrow morning. Should I pick option 1, 2, or 3 when the system asks what my call is regarding?
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Isabella Oliveira
I've helped dozens of claimants with this issue. The EDD phone system is overwhelmed, but there are effective strategies to reach a representative: 1. Call the 833-978-2511 number (as mentioned above) 2. Try calling Tuesday-Thursday (Mon and Fri are busiest) 3. The sweet spot is actually 10:30-11:15am or 2:30-3:15pm when morning/afternoon shift changes happen 4. When you hear "We're currently experiencing high call volume" do NOT hang up - wait through the entire message 5. If using the main number (800-300-5616), select options that lead to claim filing (1, then 2, then 4) 6. Have your case details ready: claim ID, specific dates with issues, and exactly what needs fixing If your issue relates to certification problems or pending payments, you might also try using the "Contact Us" form in UI Online, specifically selecting "Payments" as the category. Sometimes this gets a faster response than calling.
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Oliver Becker
•Thank you! This is incredibly detailed. I didn't realize there were specific time windows during shift changes. I've been hanging up as soon as I hear the "high call volume" message - will definitely try waiting through it now. My issue is that my certification is stuck in pending even though I've been answering all the questions correctly. Will try your approach tomorrow.
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Ravi Patel
just keep hitting redial man thats wat i do lol. took me like 97 calls last week but i got thru eventually. its a numbers game
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Javier Hernandez
•97 calls?!?! who has time for that omg
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Freya Andersen
So when I was having this issue last month (my claim was stuck in pending for 3 weeks), I was also going crazy calling EDD nonstop. Then my neighbor told me she contacted her state assembly member's office and they helped push her claim through! I tried it and it actually worked. Google your district's assembly member, most have EDD assistance forms right on their websites. Took about 5 business days but they got back to me and had an EDD specialist call me directly. Didn't have to deal with the regular phone lines at all.
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Malik Jackson
•This is a great suggestion that often gets overlooked! Assembly members and state senators have dedicated EDD liaisons who can escalate cases. I've seen claims that were stuck for months get resolved within days using this method. The key is providing detailed information in your initial request and being responsive when they contact you. You can find your representatives at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov by entering your home address.
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Natasha Petrova
Just wanted to follow up about the Claimyr service I mentioned. I was skeptical at first too, but it worked for me when nothing else did. After they connected me with an EDD rep, I got my pending certification issue resolved in one call. It was such a relief after weeks of stress. The rep explained that my claim had a "quarterly review flag" that needed manual removal.
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Emma Davis
•I used that service too and FINALLY got thru!!! That stupid quarterly review flag was on my account too!! WHY don't they tell us this stuff?? EDD rep told me it happens to TONS of people every quarter!!
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Javier Hernandez
my cousin works at the edd office in sacramento and she says they're super short staffed right now. like half the normal people answering phones. sucks for everyone :
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Ravi Patel
•yea that explains alot. system is broken.
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Oliver Becker
UPDATE: You guys are the best! I tried calling the alternate number (833 one) at 10:40am today using the options several of you suggested. Still got the high volume message, but I waited through it like @helpful_advice said, and surprisingly got transferred to a queue! Waited about 35 minutes but FINALLY spoke to a real person. Turns out I had that exact "quarterly review flag" on my account that needed to be manually cleared. All my pending weeks are now showing paid and the money should hit my Money Network card in 24-48 hours. THANK YOU ALL for your help!
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Isabella Oliveira
•Great news! Glad you got through. For future reference, that quarterly review flag happens automatically when your benefit year crosses into a new calendar quarter. The system checks if you've earned any wages that might affect your eligibility. It's standard procedure but requires manual review, which is why so many people get stuck in pending during these periods. Be prepared for it to possibly happen again in about 3 months!
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