Does anyone know a reliable phone number to actually reach an EDD rep? Been trying for weeks!

Unfortunately, there's no "secret" number that guarantees you'll get through. The 1-800-300-5616 is still the main line for claim issues. What has worked for me in the past is calling at exactly 8:01am, and if that doesn't work, try around 10:30am and 3:45pm when staff are rotating shifts. Also, Thursdays seem to be slightly less busy than Mondays and Tuesdays in my experience. If you're trying to reach someone about a pending claim specifically, make sure you're selecting the right options in the phone tree. Usually option 1, then 2, then 4 will get you to claims specialists faster than other pathways.

call right b4 lunch!!! that worked 4 me once. like 11:40ish.

You know what's INSANE? They expect us to sit around all day calling and calling and calling just to get basic help with OUR MONEY that WE PAID INTO THE SYSTEM for YEARS!!! I spent 3 weeks trying to get through and got nothing but busy signals and automated messages. This system is DELIBERATELY DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate. They WANT people to give up!!! And don't even get me started on the "we're experiencing high call volume" excuse. They've been saying that for YEARS now. How about hiring more people instead of making us beg for our benefits? The whole thing makes me sick.

I was in the same situation last month - calling for weeks with no luck. I finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to EDD in about 20 minutes. They basically keep dialing for you and then call you once they get through to an agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km It saved me so much frustration and I finally got my pending payment released. Just sharing what worked for me because I know how stressful the waiting game is!

have u tried contacting ur assemblymember??? my sister couldnt get thru for like 2 months then she contacted our local assembly persons office and they helped push her claim thru in like a week!!

I'm having the same problem but with my disability claim not unemployment. Been calling every day for two weeks. I'm starting to think no one actually works there lol. Anyway good luck hope you get through!!

Here's my comprehensive advice after helping numerous people with EDD contact issues: 1. Best calling times: 8:01am, 10:30-11am, or 3:45-4pm 2. Menu navigation: When you call 1-800-300-5616, press 1 for English, then 2 for claim questions, then 4 for payment info. This route typically connects to claims specialists. 3. Alternative contact methods: - Use the UI Online portal to send a secure message (though responses can take 5-7 days) - Schedule a phone interview through your UI Online account if that option is available - Contact your state assembly member's office for assistance 4. Preparation before calling: - Have your claim number, last 4 of SSN, and ID ready - Write down specific questions and issues to be efficient - Note dates of any correspondence or changes to your claim The key is persistence and trying different times. The system is absolutely overwhelmed, but with consistent effort, you will eventually get through. If your situation is financially urgent, I'd recommend trying the assembly member route in parallel with continued calling efforts.

I feel your pain! I was in a similar situation a few months ago and what finally worked for me was using the callback feature. When you call 1-800-300-5616 and get through the menu (1-2-4 as others mentioned), sometimes there's an option to request a callback instead of waiting on hold. It's not always available but when it is, you can get a call back within 2-3 hours instead of sitting on the phone all day. Also, try calling on Wednesdays - I noticed they seem less slammed mid-week. And if you do get through to someone who says they can't help with your specific issue, politely ask them to transfer you to a tier 2 specialist rather than hanging up and starting over. Sometimes the first person you reach is just doing initial screening. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but you will eventually get through!

I've been dealing with EDD for over 2 months now and here's what I've learned from trial and error: The absolute best time I've found is calling at exactly 8:00:59 AM - literally watching the clock and hitting send right before 8:01. I got through 3 times using this method. Also, if you get the busy message, hang up immediately and redial - don't wait for it to finish the whole recording. Another thing that helped me was downloading an auto-redial app on my phone. I set it to redial every 30 seconds while I did other things, and it got through after about 45 minutes of auto-dialing around 10:45 AM. One more tip - if you're working with a pending claim like OP, make sure you have your Notice of Determination letter ready (if you received one) because they'll need those details to actually help resolve the issue. I wasted my first successful call because I didn't have the right paperwork with me. The system is absolutely broken but don't give up. Your persistence will pay off eventually!

I've been in the exact same boat - spent almost a month trying to get through to EDD about my pending claim! What finally worked for me was a combination of strategies from this thread. I used the 8:00:59 AM calling trick that Landon mentioned, but I also had backup times ready (10:30 AM and the pre-lunch 11:40 AM window that Camila suggested). The key was being prepared with EVERYTHING before I called - claim number, SSN, all my paperwork, and a list of specific questions. When I finally got through using the 1-2-4 menu path, the rep was able to release my pending payments in about 15 minutes because I had all the info ready. I also want to second the assembly member suggestion - I contacted mine as a backup plan and they actually responded within 2 days asking for my release form. It's worth doing both approaches simultaneously since you never know which one will come through first. Don't lose hope Victoria! I know it feels impossible but all these strategies really do work. The system is overwhelmed but there ARE people there who can help once you get through to them.