EDD phone system nightmare - can't file new claim online or by phone for 2 weeks

same thing happnd to me last month... total nightmre. tried for 3 weeks straight and could NEVER get thru. finally i just went to the local EDD office in person and they helped me. not ideal but better than nothing. bring all ur ID and employment docs tho

omg this is EXACTLY why i hate EDD!!! they make it IMPOSSIBLE to get through and then blame US when our claims aren't filed on time. i spent like 3 months trying to get mine fixed last year. the whole system is designed to make people give up!!

There are a few strategies that might help you get through on the phone: 1. Call exactly at 8:01am (not 8:00 - everyone calls then) 2. When the automated system starts, immediately press 1, then 2, then 4 (this routing often works better) 3. If you get the message that they're experiencing high call volumes, hang up and immediately redial 4. Try on Wednesday or Thursday - typically lower volume days 5. Make sure your phone has a full battery and you're in a good service area Alternatively, you can also try contacting your state representative's office. They often have dedicated EDD liaisons who can help escalate your case.

Have you tried Claimyr? It seriously saved me when I was in the same situation. It's a service that basically keeps calling EDD for you until it gets through, then connects you. I was skeptical but after wasting 2 weeks trying to call myself, I tried it and got connected to an EDD agent in about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Their website is claimyr.com. Much better than spending all day hitting redial or waiting for weeks to get help with your claim.

Nobody mentioned this yet but double check that you're calling during the right hours. They changed them recently I think - pretty sure its 8am-5pm weekdays only. Also make sure you have all your info ready when you call: - SSN - Driver's license/ID - Last employer info (address, phone, dates worked) - Reason for separation This will speed things up once you get through.

I work with unemployment cases regularly, and here's what's likely happening: if the online system gave you an "identity verification issues" message, there's probably a mismatch between your application information and what's in their database. This often happens when: 1. You've had a name change 2. Your address doesn't match what they have on file 3. Your employment history shows an overlap 4. Your SSN is triggering a verification flag When you do get through, ask specifically about what's causing the identity verification issue. This will help them resolve it faster. And while you wait, try submitting the identity verification documents through UI Online if that option is available - sometimes this resolves the issue without needing to call.

i had this exact same problem back in october and what I did was i kept hitting 0 repeatedly when the automated system started talking and somehow that got me to a person faster maybe try that too good luck its so stressful i know

BTW has anyone else noticed how they seem to disconnect you right when you're about to reach an agent?? happened to me 3 times in a row once... made me wonder if they do it on purpose when they're too busy

UPDATE: I finally got through today! Used a combination of the tips from this thread - called at 8:01am exactly, used the 1-2-4 prompt sequence, and was on hold for about 45 minutes but finally spoke to someone. The rep confirmed it was indeed a name change issue causing the verification problem. For anyone else with this problem, persistence is key! Thank you everyone for your help!