EDD mail application taking forever - worse than COVID times?
I mailed in my unemployment application on January 29th and it's now mid-February with ZERO response from EDD. Not even a confirmation letter! I've been trying to call every single day but can't get through - just constant busy signals or that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volume. This is somehow WORSE than during COVID when at least they had extra staff! Has anyone else filed by mail recently? How long did it take to get ANY response? I'm starting to worry my application got lost in the mail system. Should I just give up and try filing online instead? I'm getting desperate as rent is coming due soon.
12 comments
Join the conversation
Emma Anderson
oh man filing by mail is the wooooorst! took me like 6 weeks to hear anything back when i filed that way last year. should def do it online if u can
0 coins
Javier Morales
•6 WEEKS?? I can't wait that long! Do you think I should just start over with an online application or keep waiting?
0 coins
Malik Thompson
Paper applications are taking 4-6 weeks for processing currently due to staffing shortages at EDD. This is unfortunately normal. If you have access to a computer, I'd strongly recommend filing online through UI Online instead - those applications are typically processed within 7-10 days. You don't need to withdraw your paper application; if you file online, the system will recognize your information and update your existing claim. Also make sure you're saving copies of all your work search activities while waiting.
0 coins
Isabella Ferreira
•The online system is a JOKE too! I filed online and it's been THREE WEEKS with my claim still pending. The whole EDD is broken beyond repair. They claim 'staffing shortages' but they've had YEARS to fix this system. It's designed to be frustrating so people give up!!!
0 coins
CosmicVoyager
I went through the exact same nightmare last month. Filed by mail on Dec 18th and didn't hear ANYTHING until Feb 1st. The only way I finally got through to EDD was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service that connects you directly to an EDD agent instead of getting stuck in the phone loop. Worked like magic after weeks of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km When I finally got through, the agent told me my application had been sitting in a processing queue for weeks. She was able to push it through that same day.
0 coins
Javier Morales
•Thank you for the suggestion! Did you have to start your application over or were they able to find the paper one you submitted?
0 coins
CosmicVoyager
•They found my paper application in their system - it was already scanned in but just sitting there waiting for someone to review it. The agent was able to complete the processing while I was on the phone. Had my account set up by the end of the day.
0 coins
Ravi Kapoor
mail applications take FOREVER now!! my neighbor tried calling edd for 3 weeks straight couldnt get thru either. she ended up just going in person to the edd office and they helped her right there. maybe try that?
0 coins
Freya Nielsen
•Just to clarify an important point - most EDD offices don't process unemployment claims on-site anymore. While you can visit an America's Job Center of California location for help, they typically can only assist with accessing the online system. They can't expedite paper applications that are already in the system. Your best options are either: 1) File online if possible, 2) Successfully reach EDD by phone, or 3) Wait for processing. The current official processing time for paper applications is 3-6 weeks, though it can sometimes take longer.
0 coins
Omar Mahmoud
I had the same issue back in November when I applied by mail. Waited and waited... then I realized I had certification forms in my mailbox that were about to be late! Turns out they processed my application but never sent me the confirmation letter. When I finally got through to someone they said sometimes the notification letters get lost. Have you checked your mailbox carefully? Maybe they already processed it but the letter got lost.
0 coins
Javier Morales
•Oh! I never thought of that. I'll double check my mail more carefully. Is there any way to check my status without getting through on the phone? I don't have an online account yet.
0 coins
Omar Mahmoud
•If you don't have an online account, not really. That's the frustrating part. Oh wait, do you have your EDD Customer Account Number? It would be on any paperwork they might have sent. If you have that, you can create an online account even if you applied by mail initially. Worth checking all your mail!
0 coins