EDD phone line nightmares - need help filing new claim when online system blocks me

call at exactly 8:01 am. thats when i got thru last month

OMG I'm literally dealing with the EXACT same issue!!!! Had a claim open all last year, worked on and off reporting everything correctly, and now the stupid system won't let me file again. I've been calling NONSTOP for 10 days and haven't gotten through once. It's RIDICULOUS how they expect people to survive when you can't even talk to a human being to fix their broken system. I've tried calling at opening, before lunch, after lunch, 15 minutes before closing... NOTHING WORKS!!! Let me know if you figure anything out because I'm about to lose my mind.

This is a common issue when you had a prior claim and were working but still certifying. The system needs verification that your benefit year has ended and that you qualify for a new claim rather than reopening the old one. The technical term for what you're experiencing is a "transitional claim review." There are a few direct numbers you can try: - Technical Support: 833-978-2511 (press 1, 2, then 4) - Claims Filing: 800-300-5616 (press 1, then 2, then 4) Also, try calling on Wednesday or Thursday as those tend to be slightly less busy. When you do get through, explain that you need to file a new claim but the system won't allow it. They'll need to verify your employment history for the past 18 months to determine if you qualify for a new claim period.

I went through this EXACT thing in December! The problem is that when you have a claim where you're reporting wages but not getting paid benefits, the system gets confused about whether you qualify for a new claim or need to continue on your old one. In my case, I eventually got through by calling 833-978-2511 and following these steps: 1. Call at 8:05am (not 8:00 exactly when everyone calls) 2. Press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish) 3. Then press 1 for claim questions 4. Then press 1 again for filing a claim I found that if you press different options, you get routed to different call centers with different wait times. The trick is finding which department has shorter queues. Also, don't hang up if it says there's a long wait! Sometimes after saying there's a 30+ minute wait, I would suddenly get connected in just 5-10 minutes.

I had the same frustrating experience trying to reach EDD for weeks. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you once they get through. Saved me DAYS of constant redialing. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km It was seriously worth it because I was able to get my issue resolved in one day instead of burning through another week of trying to reach someone. The rep I spoke with was able to immediately see that I needed a "benefit year transition review" and processed it while I was on the phone.

I work as an employment counselor and see this issue frequently. Let me clarify what's happening technically: When you have a claim where you're reporting wages but not collecting benefits (due to excessive earnings), your claim remains open but inactive. Your benefit year still runs its course (typically 12 months from filing). At the end of that benefit year, you're supposed to be able to file a new claim if needed, BUT the system requires verification that: 1. Your previous benefit year has fully expired 2. You've earned enough wages in the new base period to qualify for a new claim 3. You're not attempting to double-dip between claims This verification process is what's triggering the system to require you to speak with a representative. It's actually a safeguard to ensure proper claim processing, though obviously the inability to reach anyone defeats the purpose. In addition to the calling strategies others have suggested, I recommend checking if your local America's Job Center (formerly OneStop) has reopened for in-person EDD assistance. Some locations can help with these transitional claim issues without going through the call center.

THE SYSTEM IS DELIBERATELY DESIGNED TO BE IMPOSSIBLE TO NAVIGATE!!! After my last layoff I went 9 WEEKS without getting benefits because of this exact runaround. The online system sends you to phone, the phone system disconnects you, and meanwhile bills are piling up! I finally ended up contacting my state assembly member's office and MAGICALLY got a call from an EDD specialist the next day. I'm not even kidding. Try reaching out to your local representative's office - they often have dedicated EDD liaisons who can escalate cases.

I want to add one more technical detail that might help when you do get through: Ask the representative to process a "UI Reapplication" for you rather than just reopening your claim. Sometimes they'll try to just reactivate your old claim (which won't work in your situation since the benefit year has ended). Also, make sure you have your employment information for the last 18 months ready when you call - they'll need employer names, addresses, dates of employment and wages. Having this information organized will make the call go much faster once you get through.

just wanted to chime in - i solved this by using the "ask EDD" feature on the website instead of calling. took 4 days to get a response but then they fixed it on their end and emailed me saying i could file a new claim online. might be worth trying that route too while ur trying to get thru on phone