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.