EDD phone number changed to a scam line? Can't get through to real EDD
Has anyone else tried calling EDD this week? I've been trying to reach them about my pending claim (going on 3 weeks now) and when I called the regular 800 number, I got this weird recording saying the number changed, then it tried to direct me to some "win $100" sweepstakes line. Definitely seems like a scam! I double-checked the number from my paperwork and the EDD website but I'm getting the same result. Did EDD actually change their phone numbers? If so, what's the new one? Or is my phone somehow connecting to the wrong place? I'm desperate to talk to someone about my claim before rent is due next week!
23 comments


Luis Johnson
The EDD didn't change their numbers - sounds like you might be dialing incorrectly or your phone is redirecting you somehow. The main UI customer service number is still 1-800-300-5616. Make sure you're dialing exactly that number. Sometimes if you miss a digit it can redirect to all kinds of weird places including scam lines. Also, try calling right when they open at 8am - that's usually the best time to get through.
0 coins
Jasmine Hernandez
•Thanks! I'll triple check the number. Maybe I've been misdialing it somehow, though I swear I was careful. Will try at 8am sharp tomorrow.
0 coins
Ellie Kim
omg the same thing happened to my cousin last month!! she kept getting redirected to some sweepstakes garbage. turned out her phone was doing something weird with the number. she had to use another phone and it worked fine
0 coins
Fiona Sand
I HATE calling EDD!!! Been trying for TWO WEEKS to get through about my disqualification notice. Either the "maximum callers" message or being on hold for 3+ hours only to get disconnected. Their phone system is COMPLETE GARBAGE and they don't care at all about us. Why can't they just hire more people to answer the phones?? We pay taxes for this service and can't even use it!!
0 coins
Mohammad Khaled
•for real tho!! i got disconnected 5 times yesterday after waiting over an hour each time. edd system is broken af
0 coins
Alina Rosenthal
I had the same issue a few weeks ago when trying to reach EDD about my certification problems. After dozens of failed attempts, I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and finally got through to a rep within 25 minutes. They basically call EDD for you and when they get through, they connect you with an agent. I was super skeptical at first but they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km It saved me from spending days trying to get through on my own. The agent I spoke with fixed my pending payments issue right away.
0 coins
Jasmine Hernandez
•Is this legit? Seems too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point. Did they ask for any personal info before connecting you?
0 coins
Alina Rosenthal
•It's definitely legit - they just need your phone number so they can call you back when they get an EDD agent on the line. You don't give them any of your EDD account info or SSN or anything like that. All the personal stuff you discuss directly with the EDD rep after you're connected.
0 coins
Finnegan Gunn
This is actually a common issue. The correct EDD numbers are: - Regular UI claims: 1-800-300-5616 - Automated self-service: 1-866-333-4606 - Employer services: 1-800-794-3633 If you're calling the correct number but getting redirected, it could be one of these issues: 1. Your phone carrier might have a routing problem 2. You might have accidentally saved a wrong number in your contacts 3. There's malware on your phone redirecting calls 4. You're in an area with poor reception causing misconnections Try using a different phone or calling from a different location. Also, the best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday between 8:00-8:30am or 1:30-2:00pm when call volumes tend to be lower.
0 coins
Jasmine Hernandez
•Thank you for the detailed info! I think it might be a carrier issue because I tried from my roommate's phone just now and got through to the actual EDD recording (though it said call volume too high and to try again later). At least I know I'm not crazy and the number hasn't actually changed to a scam line!
0 coins
Miguel Harvey
I had this happen twice last yr when I was calling about my appeal. It would connect me to some weird promotional thing instead of EDD. Turned out I was accidentally hitting 1-888 instead of 1-800. The numbers are sooo similar and if ur stressed and dialing multiple times it's easy to mess up. Double check ur dialing the right prefix!
0 coins
Mohammad Khaled
this whole thing is why i just go to the edd office in person now. sick of the phone garbage. took a day off work but at least i got my issue fixed same day
0 coins
Jasmine Hernandez
•That's smart. Is there usually a long wait at the office? And do you need an appointment?
0 coins
Mohammad Khaled
•no appointment needed but get there EARLY. like before they open. i got there 30 min before opening and still waited 2 hrs but at least i was seen
0 coins
Ellie Kim
wait i'm confused is this about regular unemployment or disability? cause the numbers are different for each one
0 coins
Jasmine Hernandez
•Regular unemployment (UI). I'm not on disability.
0 coins
Ellie Kim
•ok cool just checking! my sister did disability last year and all the numbers were different. edd is so confusing sometimes!!
0 coins
Luis Johnson
UPDATE: The main EDD UI number (1-800-300-5616) is experiencing technical difficulties according to their Twitter account. They're suggesting people use UI Online for most services until they resolve the phone issues. They didn't mention any permanent number changes though, so it sounds like a temporary problem.
0 coins
Jasmine Hernandez
•Thank you for checking! That explains a lot. Unfortunately I need to talk to a person about my specific issue - UI Online doesn't have a way to resolve it. Guess I'll keep trying or look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned above.
0 coins
Mila Walker
I've been having similar issues with EDD phone lines lately! What's worked for me is calling from a landline instead of my cell phone - sometimes mobile carriers have routing issues that can redirect you to weird places. Also, if you're still having trouble, try calling the 1-866-333-4606 number first (the automated line) and then transfer to speak with a representative from there. The automated system sometimes has better connection stability. Hope this helps and you get through soon!
0 coins
NebulaNomad
•That's a great tip about using a landline! I hadn't thought about carrier routing issues but that makes total sense. I don't have a landline but maybe I can borrow my neighbor's phone or try from work tomorrow. The automated line transfer idea is smart too - I've been trying to go straight to a rep which might be part of the problem. Thanks for the suggestions!
0 coins
Brianna Schmidt
I work at a phone company and can explain what might be happening! Sometimes scammers buy phone numbers that are very similar to legitimate government numbers (like changing one digit) and set up auto-dialers to catch people who misdial. They also sometimes hack into phone routing systems to redirect calls. If you're absolutely sure you're dialing the right number, try these steps: 1) Clear your phone's call history and contacts to make sure you're not auto-dialing a saved wrong number, 2) Try calling from a completely different phone/carrier, 3) Write the number down fresh from the EDD website rather than using saved contacts. Also, EDD usually posts service alerts on their website if there are known phone issues, so check ca.gov/edd for any announcements. Stay safe out there!
0 coins
Natasha Ivanova
•Wow, this is super helpful info from someone who actually works in the industry! The scammer number similarity trick makes so much sense - I bet that's exactly what happened to me. I'm definitely going to follow all your steps, especially clearing my call history since I've been redialing from recent calls. Thanks for taking the time to explain the technical side of this!
0 coins