Can't reach EDD after 2 weeks of calling - claim stuck in limbo for a month
So frustrated right now!! My unemployment claim has been sitting in limbo for over a month with zero updates. I got laid off from my restaurant management job after they downsized, and I filed everything online on March 3rd. The system said my claim was received, but that's it - no updates, no correspondence, nothing showing in my inbox. I've been obsessively checking my UI Online account every day hoping for ANY change. For the past two weeks, I've been trying to reach someone at EDD - calling literally 20+ times a day starting right when they open. Either I get the dreaded "we're experiencing high call volume" message and get disconnected, or I wait on hold for 45+ minutes until the call mysteriously drops. I've tried the main number, the technical support number, even the employer line out of desperation! I need to know if my claim is processing or if there's some issue holding it up. Bills don't stop just because EDD is impossible to reach. Has anyone successfully gotten through to a human being recently? Any secret phone numbers or tricks to actually speak with someone? I'm getting desperate here.
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GamerGirl99
Same boat man....been trying 4 weeks to get thru! they're system is completly broken. i filed in febuary and NOTHING. online status just says "pending" with no explanation. i tried calling 30+ TIMES EVERYDAY last week and nothing!!! its like they don't want us to get our $$$ that we're entitled too!!
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Amina Diallo
•It's so frustrating! Have you tried calling at different times? I'm wondering if there's a secret window when it's easier to get through.
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Hiroshi Nakamura
The most effective way to reach EDD is to call right at 8:01am, but use the keypad sequence 1-2-4 when you get to the menu options. Don't choose option 1 for English and then wait - that puts you in the general queue which is always full. After entering 1-2-4, wait on hold (likely 30-60 minutes) but DON'T hang up. Also, if your claim has been in limbo for a month, you probably have an identity verification issue or something flagged in the system requiring an interview. Check your UI Online account for any messages or tasks under "Notifications" that might need your attention. Sometimes they'll mail you something without updating the online portal.
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Amina Diallo
•Thank you! I'm going to try that exact sequence tomorrow morning. I've checked my notifications and there's nothing there - not even any correspondence showing they received my claim. I just need to know if there's something wrong or if this is normal processing time now.
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Isabella Costa
have u checked ur physical mail??? my hubby didnt get ANY online updates but then gottn a letter in the mail saying he needed to verify his identity with ID.me.... took like 4 days after he did that before anything updated online
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Amina Diallo
•I check my mail religiously every day! Nothing from EDD has come through except the initial acknowledgment letter when I first filed. No request for ID verification or anything else.
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Malik Jenkins
I went through this exact situation in January. After weeks of frustration, I finally used Claimyr to get through to EDD. It's a service that basically calls for you and connects you when an agent is available - worked perfectly and saved me from the redial nightmare. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km When I finally got through, it turned out there was a discrepancy with my employment history that needed clearing up. The agent fixed it on the spot and my claim was processed within 2 days. Totally worth it because you'll likely need to speak with someone to get your claim unstuck after this long.
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Freya Andersen
•is this legit? seems sketchy to have a 3rd party service for something the govment should make accessible
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Malik Jenkins
It's completely legit. They don't access your EDD account or anything - they just navigate the phone system and hold your place in line, then connect you when an actual EDD agent picks up. You still talk directly to EDD yourself. I was skeptical too but it saved me weeks of frustration.
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Amina Diallo
•Thanks for sharing this! I'm checking out their site now. At this point I'll try anything to get this resolved.
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Eduardo Silva
The standard processing time for new claims is supposed to be 10 days, but in reality, it's been running 3-4 weeks lately. That said, if it's been over a month, something is definitely delayed. Here are some additional tips: 1. Make sure you've completed ALL certifications, even if your claim is pending 2. Check if your ID.me verification is complete (this is required now) 3. Look for mail from EDD - they often send physical notices even if nothing shows online 4. If you worked in multiple states in your base period, that can delay processing 5. Try calling the disability line and then asking to be transferred to UI - sometimes easier to get through I used to work for EDD (quit in 2024), and the system is overwhelmed right now due to staffing shortages. Many claims have issues that require manual review, which creates backlogs.
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Amina Diallo
•This is super helpful! I haven't been able to certify yet because the system won't let me - it just shows my claim as received but not processed. I did complete the ID.me verification when I first applied. I worked in California for the past 5 years, so no multi-state issues. I'll try the disability line trick tomorrow if my morning attempt doesn't work.
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Leila Haddad
my cousinwas stuckin the same situation and she went to her local EDD office in person and got it fixed that day. sometimes u gotta physically go there to get results. the phone system is designed to make u give up tbh
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Eduardo Silva
•Not all EDD offices handle UI claims in person anymore. Most require appointments for UI issues, and many offices now primarily handle job search services rather than claims processing. Always call the specific office first to confirm if they can help with your particular issue before making the trip.
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Amina Diallo
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning using the 1-2-4 sequence right at 8:01am! Had to wait on hold for 67 minutes, but finally spoke to a representative. Turns out my former employer contested my claim (even though I was laid off, not fired), which put everything on hold. The rep scheduled me for an eligibility interview next Wednesday to resolve it. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions - I would've been completely in the dark without them. For anyone else stuck in limbo, definitely try calling first thing with that sequence!
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Hiroshi Nakamura
•Great news! For your eligibility interview, make sure you have documentation of your layoff (any termination letters, emails, etc.) and prepare a clear timeline of events. Be ready to explain your job loss situation concisely. Most contested claims are resolved in the employee's favor when it's truly a layoff, so don't stress too much about the interview.
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