EDD phone nightmare - max callers message but need urgent disability extension help

I had the same issue last month trying to get through about my regular UI claim. What worked for me was calling exactly at 8:01am, but use the disability direct line (1-800-480-3287) not the regular unemployment number. Press 1, then 7, then wait for the full menu to play and press 4. For whatever reason, this specific sequence got me through faster, but you still might need to try 5-6 times. Their call center is absolutely swamped right now because of the new fiscal quarter paperwork.

have u tried useing the online messging? i got thru that way after trying 2 call for like 2 weeks. just log into ur UI account and clikc contact us. took 2 days but they messaged back n fixed my problm

After spending 3 weeks trying to reach EDD about my pending payments and getting absolutely nowhere with their regular phone lines, I finally used Claimyr and got through in about 30 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through the queue, then calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Definitely worth it for peace of mind, especially with disability claims that have tight deadlines for extensions.

THE EDD PHONE SYSTEM IS DELIBERATELY DESIGNED TO STOP YOU FROM GETTING HELP!!!! I'm 100% convinced they set it up to block most callers so they don't have to hire more staff. Been dealing with these people for MONTHS on my claim. Complete joke of a system.

For disability extension claims specifically, I recommend also faxing your medical certification paperwork directly to the SDI office in addition to what your doctor submitted. The fax number is (855) 342-5515. Include a cover sheet with your full name, claim number, contact phone number, and a brief note explaining it's for a disability extension. This creates a paper trail in their system and can sometimes trigger them to process the extension faster, especially if your doctor's original submission got lost in their system (which happens a lot with electronic submissions). In my experience working with clients who have SDI issues, having this documentation directly submitted can make a big difference in getting your extension approved without needing to speak to a representative. But definitely keep trying the phone too, using the tips others have shared.

have you tried emailing your local assembly member's office? my brother-in-law got his edd issue fixed in like 3 days after struggling for weeks because our assembly person has a dedicated EDD liaison. just google your district representative.

I work as an employment counselor, and one thing many people don't realize is that SDI extension requests have very specific timing requirements. If you're within 7 days of your claim expiring, you actually qualify for expedited processing. When you do reach an agent (using any of the methods suggested here), be sure to specifically mention "I need expedited processing for my SDI extension as my claim expires in less than 7 days." This specific phrasing flags your account in their system. Also important to note: even if your payments temporarily stop while this gets sorted out, they will be backdated once the extension is approved, so you won't lose any benefits you're entitled to. It might cause short-term cash flow issues, but you will eventually receive all payments.

my frend said if u call and press 0 over and over it gets u 2 a person faster but idk if thats true lol