EDD keeps disconnecting after 5-hour calls & flagging substitute teacher certifications for interviews

Unfortunately this is standard procedure for school employees including substitutes. EDD has special rules for school employees during summer breaks - they need to verify you don't have 'reasonable assurance' of returning to work in the fall. That's why you're getting flagged for interviews on every certification. The good news is once they complete your first interview and establish your eligibility, the process usually gets smoother. As for the phone nightmare, it's sadly typical. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM. Sometimes the 2511 number works better than the main line.

omg same thing happened to my cousin!! she subbed for high school and EDD made her wait like 2 months b4 paying anything. the school thing is a HUGE red flag for them

I went through this exact situation last summer. Here's what works: 1) You need to upload that district letter about "hoping" to use you - that actually helps because it shows there's no guarantee of work 2) Make sure you've completed ALL certifications even if they're pending 3) Try calling 833-978-2511, press 1, then 2, then 1 again when prompted. This path sometimes gets you to disability but they can transfer you to the right department without disconnecting. 4) During your interview (once you get one), emphasize that as a substitute, you have no guaranteed hours or income, and no contract for the following school year. The key phrase is "no reasonable assurance of employment." Hang in there! They'll backpay everything once approved.

eDD is a total joke!!!!! i got disconnected 23 TIMES last month trying to fix my claim. TWENTY THREE!!!! the whole system is designed to make you give up. they dont want to pay benefits theyre entitled to give us!!!! 😡😡😡

Have you tried Claimyr? I was in the same boat, constant disconnects and couldn't get through. My roommate recommended claimyr.com and it actually worked - they call EDD for you and hold your place in line, then call you when they have an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

Regarding the school employee issue - this is absolutely standard procedure. EDD Code Section 1253.3 requires them to verify eligibility for school employees during recess periods. As a substitute without guaranteed hours, you should qualify, but they MUST do the interview first. If you're getting automatic interviews for every certification period, ask during your first interview if they can place a note on your account about your substitute status to prevent future flags. Sometimes they can do this to streamline the process.

I'm a substitute teacher too and went through this exact nightmare last year. What finally worked for me was contacting my local Assembly member's office. They have EDD liaisons who can escalate your claim. I got a call back from EDD within 48 hours after my Assembly member's office got involved. Google "[your city] state assembly member office" to find contact info.

Just explain exactly what happened - that you're a substitute teacher trying to collect legitimate benefits during summer break, have been waiting X weeks, and can't get anyone on the phone who can actually help. They'll have you fill out a form authorizing them to inquire about your case. Their office deals with EDD problems constantly, so they know exactly what to do.

I know this is frustrating, but there's actually a reason behind the school employee flags. EDD is required by federal law to verify that school employees don't receive benefits if they have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work after a break. The system automatically flags ALL school employees for this verification - it's not personal or targeted at you specifically. Once you have your interview, clarify your substitute status with no guarantee of hours. Having documentation ready will speed things up. After the initial interview, you might still see pending payments but they should resolve all at once when your eligibility is established.