EDD Disability's new phone system constantly busy - tried 100+ times with no luck
I'm at my wit's end trying to reach SDI about my disability claim! Ever since they updated their phone system last week, it's been IMPOSSIBLE to get through. I've literally called more than 100 times over the past 3 days and all I get is 'due to high call volume' or straight busy signals. My disability payments are delayed and I need to speak with someone ASAP because my rent is due next week. Has anyone figured out how to actually reach a human being with this new system? Are there specific hours that work better? Secret phone numbers? ANY advice would be appreciated because I'm seriously stressing out here.
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Dylan Cooper
omg same!! been trying for like a week straight. every morning from 8am til they close. all i get is the automated message saying too many callers and then it hangs up on me. so frustrating!!
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•It's ridiculous! Have you tried calling right when they open? I've been trying that but still no luck. I'm worried about my claim getting messed up because I can't talk to anyone.
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Sofia Ramirez
The new phone system is definitely causing problems for everyone. Here's what worked for me after dozens of failed attempts: Call exactly at 8:00 am, but use the employer services option first (option 2 I think), then when you get a human, explain you need disability services and ask for a transfer. Also, Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to have slightly lower call volumes from my experience.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Thank you so much! I haven't tried the employer services trick yet. Will definitely try that tomorrow morning at 8am sharp. Really hope I can get through because my anxiety is through the roof right now.
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Dmitry Volkov
I had the same issue for weeks with the SDI phone system. Here's what finally worked: When you call, DON'T press any options initially - wait silently for about 45 seconds. Sometimes this bypasses the automatic rejection system. Also, try calling between 11:30-1:30 when many agents are returning from lunch breaks. Make sure you have your claim number, last employer info, and doctor info ready so you don't waste time once you get through. If all else fails, you can also try submitting a request for contact through your SDI Online account under "Contact SDI" - though response times vary quite a bit.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•This is incredibly helpful! I've been hitting options immediately so maybe that's part of the problem. Will try the silent approach tomorrow. And I didn't even think about the online contact option - heading there right now to submit a request just in case. Thank you!
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StarSeeker
After dealing with the same nightmare trying to reach EDD for my UI claim (not SDI like you, but same department), I started using Claimyr and it worked amazingly well! They basically call EDD for you and get you in the callback queue, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me HOURS of frustration. Check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - the service works for disability claims too (website is claimyr.com). Seriously made the difference between getting my issue resolved and still waiting.
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Ava Martinez
•does this actually work? seems sketchy to have some company calling for you...
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StarSeeker
@skeptical - I thought the same thing initially! But yes, it's legitimate. They don't ask for any sensitive info like your SSN or anything. They just help get you past the busy signals and into the queue. I was desperate after calling 50+ times and it worked when nothing else did.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Thank you for this recommendation! Just checked out their site. At this point I'll try anything because my landlord isn't going to accept "EDD won't answer their phones" as a reason for late rent. Going to try the other tips first thing tomorrow morning, but if those don't work, I'll definitely look into this service.
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Miguel Ortiz
i had 2 call for 2 WEEKS b4 i got thru 2 disability!!! its soooo bad since they changed everything. i finally got thru by calling at exactly 8:02am (not 8 sharp when evry1 else calls) and then i chose spanish option even tho i dont speak it, then when person answered i just said "english please" and they transferred me 2 english line that wasnt busy!!
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Sofia Ramirez
•This is actually a clever workaround! Just be aware that this might not always work as EDD has been trying to address these kinds of workarounds. But definitely worth trying if you're desperate to get through.
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Zainab Omar
The whole EDD system is completely broken and they don't care AT ALL about fixing it! I went through this exact nightmare for my SDI claim in January and it nearly cost me my apartment. It's CRIMINAL how they treat disabled people who are already suffering. I found that sending a message through your assemblyperson's office sometimes gets results - they have special contacts at EDD who actually respond. Google your district's assemblymember and call their constituent services.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•You're right, it really is broken. I hadn't thought about contacting my assemblyperson - that's a great idea as a last resort. I'm going to try all the phone tricks first thing tomorrow, but if I still can't get through by Friday, I'll definitely reach out to my rep's office. Thank you for this suggestion!
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Dmitry Volkov
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through with any of these methods? I'm curious which one worked for you. Also, make sure you're not calling the main EDD unemployment line by mistake. The SDI specific number is 1-800-480-3287 for English.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Great news! I FINALLY got through this morning using a combination of the tips here. Called at 8:02am exactly as someone suggested, then waited silently for about 30 seconds before choosing options. Still got the busy message twice, but on the third try I got into the queue with a 45-minute wait. The agent was able to fix the issue with my claim and said payments should resume within 3 days. THANK YOU all for the help - I was seriously about to have a breakdown over this!
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Zoe Kyriakidou
•That's such a relief to hear @Fatima Al-Qasimi! I'm dealing with the same phone nightmare right now for my own SDI claim. Going to try the 8:02am + silent wait combo tomorrow morning. Really glad you got it sorted out before your rent was due. These tips from everyone here are gold - saving this whole thread for future reference!
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Effie Alexander
So glad you got through @Fatima Al-Qasimi! This gives me hope. I've been stuck in the same loop with SDI for my disability claim - called probably 80+ times this week alone. The new phone system is absolutely brutal. Going to try the 8:02am timing with the silent wait trick tomorrow. It's insane that we have to develop these elaborate strategies just to talk to someone about our benefits. The stress of not being able to reach them when you're already dealing with a disability is just cruel. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually works - this thread is more helpful than anything on EDD's actual website!
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