EDD phone lines always maxed out - can't get through to adjust my return-to-work date!

Try calling exactly at 8:00 AM, not 8:01 - those 60 seconds make a HUGE difference. Also, Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to be slightly better than Mondays. Whatever you do, DON'T email them - they take 12-15 business days to respond and usually just tell you to call anyway. Make sure you're calling the right number too: 1-800-300-5616 for regular UI claims.

ive been in ur shoes before its the WORST. try calling right after lunch break around 1:05pm. sometimes the reps come back and theirs a small window b4 the lines get jammed up again. worked for me once but not the 2nd time lol. good luck!!

Same thing happened to me last month when I got a new job. Actually waited until they were about to close (around 7:45pm) and got through after only 15 minutes on hold. Worth a shot!

I was in this exact situation and wasted three weeks trying to get through on my own. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and had an EDD rep on the phone within 25 minutes. They have a service that basically calls for you and secures your place in line. Totally worth it when you're in a time crunch with rent due. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Just make sure you have your claim info ready because EDD reps will verify your identity before discussing your claim details. For return-to-work date changes, ask them to specifically note that in your file and confirm when you can expect payment.

The EDD system is DESIGNED to be impossible to reach!!!! They WANT you to give up so they don't have to pay you!!! I've been fighting with them for 3 months over a similar issue. The whole system is BROKEN!!! >:

For your return-to-work date adjustment, you might not actually need to call. Have you tried submitting another certification for that extra week through UI Online? Sometimes when you update return dates, you need to manually certify for any additional weeks that weren't previously available in your certification calendar. Check your UI Online homepage and see if there's a "Certify for Benefits" button for that missing week. If not, look under "History" to see if that week shows as pending or if it's missing entirely. If it's missing, then yes, unfortunately you'll need to speak with a representative.

ok so ive spent like years dealing with edd and heres my secret tip: call the vietnamese line!!!! seriously!!! the number is 800-547-2058 and most of the reps actually speak english too but the wait times are way shorter. then just ask them to transfer you to a regular english-speaking agent. works half the time for me.

Update on your specific issue: For return-to-work date changes, if you're seeing "pending eligibility" on UI Online, that's actually a good sign. It means the system registered your change but needs manual approval. Once you get through to EDD (however you manage it), ask them to look specifically at your "return-to-work date extension request" and the "pending eligibility week" associated with it. Use those exact terms and they'll know exactly what screen to look at. They'll need to remove a flag in their system, and payments typically process within 24-48 hours after that flag is removed. They can also expedite it if you explain your rent situation.

Did you get through yet? Just checking in because I know how stressful this can be when rent is due soon. If you're still having trouble, there's also the option of contacting your state assembly member's office. They have EDD liaisons who can sometimes help move things along. Worth trying if you're still stuck by tomorrow.