EDD Local Offices DON'T handle unemployment claims! Don't waste your time like I did

I learned this the hard way too! The local offices are America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) and they focus on helping people find work, not managing UI claims. For getting through to EDD claims specialists, I've had success calling right at 8:01 AM when they open. Also, make sure you're calling the right number - there are different numbers for different issues (regular UI, appeals, tech support).

ya theyre totally separate systems. i went to my local place too thinking i could just talk to them and fix my claim but the guy looked at me like i was crazy lol. said he literally cant even see my claim info on his computer.

THE ENTIRE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FRUSTRATE YOU INTO GIVING UP!!! I've been dealing with these people for years and it's ALWAYS the same runaround. They don't answer phones, the offices can't help, and when you finally get someone on the phone they transfer you and you get disconnected. It's not an accident - it's BY DESIGN to make people give up on their benefits. The whole "separate offices" thing is just another barrier they've created to make it harder for regular people to get THEIR OWN MONEY!

This happened to my cousin last month! She spent half a day at the local office and they couldn't do anything about her claim status. Such a waste of time especially when you don't have a car and have to take the bus.

After trying for weeks to get through on the phone (calling literally 70+ times a day), I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD representative in about 20 minutes. It costs money but honestly it was worth every penny after all the stress and wasted time. It basically auto-dials for you until it gets through, then calls you to connect. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - website is claimyr.com if anyone's desperate like I was. The rep I spoke with fixed my pending status issue right away.

The disability offices CAN sometimes help with certain paper forms but NOT with unemployment. I tried getting help with my UI claim at one of those offices and they just gave me a pamphlet with the same phone numbers I already had. USELESS!

Here's a quick guide to what each type of EDD office handles: 1. America's Job Centers (AJCC) - Resume help, job search, training programs, but NO access to unemployment claims systems 2. Disability Insurance Offices - Handle SDI and PFL claims in-person, but NOT unemployment 3. UI Call Centers - Only way to speak to someone who can actually access and resolve unemployment claim issues The UI representatives need specific training and security access to help with claims, which the job center staff don't have. It's confusing but they're actually different divisions within EDD with different functions. For pending claims, continue calling the main UI line (1-800-300-5616) and try these tips: - Call at 8:01am when they first open - Try Wednesdays and Thursdays (often less busy) - If you get through but are told the wait is too long, STAY on the line anyway - sometimes the estimates are wrong - Always have your claim ID ready when you call

does anyone know if the disability office can help with paid family leave? my wife is having a baby next month and im confused about where to go

One more tip - if your claim is stuck in pending, sometimes sending a message through your UI Online account can help. Click on "Contact Us" in your UI Online homepage and select "Where is my payment?" as the category. Be specific about how long it's been pending. Sometimes this flags your account for review faster than calling.