EDD phone nightmare - UI account access code not working

OMG same!!! ive been calling for 2 weeks and cant get through. the automated system is so broken. like why even have a phone line if no ones EVER going to answer???

I know it's frustrating, but there are a few things you can try: 1. Call the main number (1-800-300-5616) but try at 10:55am or 2:55pm - right before their lunch and end-of-day rushes. I've had better luck during those windows. 2. For access code issues specifically, try the UI Online technical support line (1-833-978-2511). They're usually more accessible than the main line, and despite what they told you, some reps CAN help with access codes if you explain it's a technical account access issue. 3. Make sure you're entering the access code exactly as shown on the letter, including any dashes or special characters. 4. If your code is more than 7 days old, it may have actually expired. You might need to request a new one through the "Contact EDD" section of the website. Based on my experience with EDD last year, persistence is unfortunately key. Don't give up!

Have you guys tried Claimyr? I was in the exact same situation last month - couldn't get through for WEEKS and was about to lose my mind. A friend recommended this service called Claimyr that basically calls EDD for you and gets you in the queue, then calls you when they have an agent on the line. It worked on my first try and saved me days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Totally worth it for me since I was losing sleep over my claim issues. I was skeptical at first but was desperate enough to try anything.

The ENTIRE system is designed to be impossible to navigate. They WANT you to give up. I had a similar issue with an access code and ended up having to go IN PERSON to an EDD office after two months of trying to reach someone by phone. And guess what? The "expired code" was actually THEIR ERROR in the system. They had linked my SSN to someone else's account somehow. Do NOT trust the system to work properly. Document EVERYTHING. Write down every time you call, take screenshots, print emails. The EDD is NOT your friend and will blame YOU for THEIR mistakes. Good luck... you'll need it dealing with these incompetent bureaucrats.

have you tried pressing 0 repeatedly during the phone tree? sometimes that bumps you to a human faster. worked for me once, not always tho

Update for anyone dealing with access code issues: EDD has actually created a new dedicated phone line specifically for UI Online access problems as of February 2025. The number is 1-866-401-2849 and they're open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. They can help with access codes, password resets, and account recovery. I just learned about this from an EDD representative I spoke to last week, and it seems to be less overwhelmed than the main line. Might be worth a try!

i had a friend who went thru this last month and she said what worked was calling EXACTLY at 8:01am not 8:00 because everyone tries right at opening. also she said try the 2511 number which sometimes has different people answering