Desperate for EDD phone tricks that actually work - 2+ weeks of busy signals
I'm at my wits end trying to reach EDD about my claim status. Been calling every day for over 2 weeks and either get the dreaded 'we're experiencing high call volume' message or wait on hold for 3+ hours only to get disconnected. I've tried calling right when they open at 8am, during lunch, and late afternoon. Nothing works! My rent is due next week and I'm seriously panicking. Has anyone cracked the code to actually getting through to a real person? Any specific times that work better? Secret phone numbers? ANYTHING would help at this point!
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Rita Jacobs
I was in the exact same boat last month and finally found a solution. After 3 weeks of constant calling and getting nowhere, I discovered this service called Claimyr that automatically dials EDD for you and calls you back when an agent is on the line. It saved me HOURS of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - I was skeptical at first but it worked great for me. The rep I got was able to fix my pending payment issue right away.
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Manny Lark
•Thanks for this! Never heard of it before - did you have to wait long after using it? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.
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Khalid Howes
try calling EXACTLY at 8:01am not 8 sharp cause everyones doing that lol
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Ben Cooper
•This doesn't work anymore. I tried calling at 8:01, 8:02, 8:05, 8:15, 8:30, 9:00, 10:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 3:30 EVERY DAY FOR THREE WEEKS!!!! The system is RIGGED against us! They don't WANT to answer the phones because they know they messed up my claim and don't want to FIX IT!!! I've been disqualified for no reason and can't even find out WHY!!!!
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Naila Gordon
when i had to call last year i just kept hitting 0 over and over during the recording and somehow got through faster lol worth a shot
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Cynthia Love
•This used to work on the old phone system, but EDD has updated their call routing. The current system requires you to navigate through specific menu options to reach the right department. For general assistance with unemployment claims, press 1 at the main menu, then 2, then 4 (this sequence can change, so listen carefully). If you're calling about an existing claim, have your Social Security Number and EDD Customer Account Number ready. The best times to call are typically mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) between 10-11:30am or 1:30-3:30pm when call volumes tend to be slightly lower.
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Darren Brooks
I jst got my benefit after 2month of waiting it's so frustrating but the EDD is slow af rn everyone's calling
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Manny Lark
•Congrats on finally getting paid! Did you just keep trying or did something finally break through? I'm hoping I don't have to wait 2 months...
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Rosie Harper
If you need to speak with an EDD representative about a specific issue with your claim, here are some evidence-based strategies: 1. Call the main EDD number (1-800-300-5616) precisely at 8:01am. The first minute tends to have lower call volume than exactly at 8:00am. 2. If you reach the automated system, choose the option for "file a new claim" even if you're calling about an existing claim. This queue often has more available representatives. 3. Avoid Mondays and Fridays when call volume is highest. Tuesday-Thursday between 10:30am-11:30am or 1:30pm-3:30pm typically has lower wait times. 4. Use the UI Online messaging system to document your issue in writing while continuing to attempt phone contact. This creates a record of your attempts to resolve the issue. 5. If your situation is urgent (eviction risk, utilities being shut off), contact your state representative's office as they can sometimes expedite contact with EDD through their constituent services team.
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Khalid Howes
•the file new claim trick worked for me!!
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Naila Gordon
my cousin works for edd (not on phones) and she said they're super understaffed right now so good luck
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Ben Cooper
•They're ALWAYS "understaffed"!!! It's been the same excuse for YEARS!!! Why don't they HIRE MORE PEOPLE with all our tax dollars?!?! It's ridiculous!!!
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Rita Jacobs
Just an update for those following this thread - I took the suggestion to try Claimyr and it actually worked! Got connected to an EDD rep in about 40 minutes (instead of waiting on hold myself for hours). The agent was able to fix the pending payment issue that was holding up my claim. FYI for anyone else desperate - sometimes paying for a service is worth it when you're waiting on thousands in benefits.
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Manny Lark
•That's awesome! I actually managed to get through this morning using the "file new claim" trick someone mentioned above. Took about an hour on hold but finally spoke to someone who could help. For anyone else reading this - don't give up, and try all these different methods. What worked for me might not work for everyone.
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