EDD phone numbers - which one actually works for filing a new unemployment claim?

Here's what you need to know: The EDD definitely prefers that you file your initial claim online through UI Online. It's much faster and you'll avoid all the phone frustration. Go to https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ and click on "File a New Claim." The main UI phone line (1-800-300-5616) is primarily for helping with existing claims or if you run into technical issues during the online application. They're open 8am-8pm Mon-Fri. The 1-833 number is just a general assistance line. If you absolutely need to file by phone, keep trying the 1-800-300-5616 number, but honestly, the online system is your best bet. Make sure you have your employment history for the last 18 months ready, including company names, addresses, and dates worked.

The EDD phone system is totally BROKEN!!! I tried calling over 50 TIMES last month and never got through to a human being. Every time it was either "we're experiencing high call volume" or it would disconnect me after waiting for 45+ minutes. The whole system is designed to PREVENT you from getting help!!! If you must call, you need to dial exactly at 8:00:00 am when they open. Not 8:01, not 7:59. EXACTLY at 8. And even then it's a lottery. The website is buggy too but at least it doesn't hang up on you.

I just went through this whole process in January. Definitely file online if possible - it's easier than you'd think. For the phone numbers: - 1-800-300-5616: This is their main UI claims line (open 8am-8pm weekdays) - 1-866-333-4606: Automated self-service line (24/7) - 1-833-978-2511: General assistance line (not for filing claims) Honestly though, even if you file online, you might still need to talk to someone if you have issues with your claim. When that happened to me, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD agent. They have this system that calls for you and gets you in the queue without you having to keep redialing. Saved me days of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

Online filing is way faster I did it in like 20 min total. The phone thing is a nightmare dont waste ur time unless u absolutely have to. just make sure u have ur ID and past work info ready before u start the application

i had this same prblm back in november... the phone system is useless tbh. i ended up filing online but then had an identity verification issue. when i DID need to call, i found out a trick - call the spanish line even if u dont speak spanish, then press 0 when the recording starts and it will transfer u to an english-speaking rep. worked for me twice!!

I went through this same stressful situation last month after my contract ended. The online system is definitely the way to go for filing your initial claim. Here's what you'll need to have ready: - Your employment history for the last 18 months (ALL jobs, not just the most recent) - The company names, addresses, phone numbers, supervisor names - Your start and end dates for each job - The reason for separation from each employer - Your Social Security Number - Your driver's license or ID card - Your citizenship status/work authorization if you're not a US citizen The online system will walk you through everything step by step. After you file, you'll probably get some paperwork in the mail within 7-10 days, and they might schedule a phone interview if there's anything they need to clarify. Good luck with your claim!

anyone know if they got a app yet? seems crazy they still make u use the website in 2025 lol

Hey Mikayla! I just went through this exact same thing a few months ago when I got laid off. The stress is totally real, but you've got this! Everyone here is giving great advice about filing online - definitely do that first. But I wanted to add one more tip that saved me: if you DO end up needing to call them later (like for issues with your claim), try calling right at 8:00 AM sharp on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Mondays and Fridays are the absolute worst for getting through. Also, once you file online, make sure to set up your EDD debit card ASAP if you get approved. They'll mail you info about it, but you can activate it online before it even arrives. Saved me like a week of waiting for my first payment. You mentioned rent stress - once your claim is approved, benefits are usually backdated to when you first became unemployed, so don't panic! The first couple weeks are always the hardest part of this whole process. Hang in there!

Just wanted to jump in here with some encouragement! I was in your exact shoes about 6 months ago - company downsized, first time filing for unemployment, totally overwhelmed by the whole process. The good news is everyone here has given you solid advice about filing online. One thing I'll add that helped me a lot: before you start the online application, gather ALL your paperwork first and put it in one pile. I'm talking pay stubs, employment letters, anything with your employer info. Having everything organized made the whole process so much smoother. Also, don't stress too much about getting every detail perfect on your first try. The system will let you know if you need to provide additional info, and you can always update things later. The most important thing is just getting that initial claim filed. You've got this! The first step is always the hardest, but once you get through the application process, it gets much easier. And hey, at least you found this community - wish I had known about it when I was going through this!

Hey there! I just went through this whole ordeal a couple months back when my company "restructured" (aka fired half of us). The stress is totally understandable, but honestly the online filing is WAY easier than dealing with their phone system. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you're filling out the online application, take screenshots of each page as you go! I had a browser crash halfway through my application and had to start over because I didn't save my progress. Super frustrating. Also, make sure you're filing in the right week. You want to file your claim during the week you actually became unemployed, not before. I made that mistake initially and it caused some confusion with my claim dates. The whole process took me about 30 minutes online once I had all my info together. Much better than the horror stories I was hearing about people spending entire days trying to get through on the phone. You'll get through this - unemployment benefits are there for exactly this kind of situation!

I feel for you - getting laid off is stressful enough without having to navigate the EDD maze! I went through this exact situation about a year ago. Here's my experience: The online filing is definitely your best bet. I spent 3 days trying to get through on the phone (literally redailing hundreds of times) before I just gave up and did it online. Took me maybe 45 minutes total once I sat down with all my paperwork. Pro tip: Have your bank account info ready too for direct deposit setup. They'll ask for it during the application and it's way faster than waiting for the debit card to arrive in the mail. Also, don't panic if they ask you to verify your identity later - that's super common now. They'll send you instructions by mail if needed. The whole "we're processing your claim" phase feels like forever but they're usually pretty good about the timeline they give you. One more thing - start doing your weekly certifications immediately once your claim is approved, even if you're actively job hunting. You have to certify that you're looking for work to keep getting benefits. Set a phone reminder because it's easy to forget when you're stressed about everything else. Hang in there! The first few weeks are the worst part, but it does get easier once everything is set up.