Exhausted all options trying to reach EDD agent - need alternative contact methods urgently
I'm at my wits end trying to help my daughter reach an actual human at EDD. For the past 3 weeks, she's been desperately trying to resolve an identity verification issue that's holding up her benefits ($2,750 worth now). She's tried: - Calling the main number from 8am-12pm daily (always get the 'too many callers' message) - Sending messages through UI Online (no response after 2 weeks) - Emailing through Contact EDD form (automated reply only) - Calling the technical support line (they can't help with claim issues) - Even tried calling right at 8:00am opening time (still couldn't get through) She's running out of savings and getting really anxious about making April rent. Her claim says "pending - verification needed" but the ID.me process shows completed on her account. Are there any alternative methods to actually speak with someone? Any special phone numbers or tricks that actually work in 2025? I'm trying to help her but we're both completely frustrated with this broken system.
18 comments
Keisha Robinson
I went through something similar in January and finally got through to EDD after trying for weeks. The issue is that their phone system can only handle a certain number of calls at once, so most people get that annoying 'too many callers' message. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call the main number at exactly 8:01am (not 8:00 - everyone tries that) 2. If you get the 'too many callers' message, hang up and immediately redial 3. Keep doing this for about 30-45 minutes straight It took me 37 redials one morning, but I finally got into the queue. Another option is to contact your state assembly member's office - they have EDD liaisons who can help escalate cases.
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Yara Haddad
•Thanks for the tips! I'll tell her to try the 8:01am approach tomorrow. Do you think the assembly member route is faster? Her rent is due in 10 days, and I'm worried about how long that might take.
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Paolo Conti
i had the SAME EXACT PROBLEM last month!!! was going CRAZY trying to reach them. the system is totaly rigged to keep ppl from geting help, its pathetic. my advice is keep calling but use different phones if u can. also try calling the employer line and pretend to be an employer with questions. sometimes they transfer you to regular claims dept.
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Amina Sow
•Using the employer line is a terrible suggestion and could get the claim flagged for fraud investigation. Please don't suggest things that could make the situation worse.
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GalaxyGazer
I've been through this frustrating process multiple times. If the ID.me verification shows as completed but the claim still says "pending - verification needed," it means there's likely a secondary review happening. Here are some options that actually work: 1. Try calling the identity verification direct line: (866) 401-2849 rather than the main line 2. Request a callback through your UI Online account (look under Contact EDD → Schedule Phone Appointment) 3. Try calling on Wednesday afternoons - historically this has been a lower volume time Also, make sure your daughter has her ID.me confirmation email and screenshot saved, as well as her claim number and full identity documentation ready when she does get through.
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Yara Haddad
•Thank you for these specific tips! I didn't know about the direct identity verification line, we'll definitely try that tomorrow. She already tried scheduling a phone appointment, but the earliest available was April 8th - which is after her rent is due. I appreciate the Wednesday afternoon tip though, we'll give that a shot too.
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Oliver Wagner
I had the same issue after my ID.me verification seemed to go through but my claim stayed pending. After struggling to reach EDD for almost 2 weeks, I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a lifesaver. They got me connected to an EDD agent in about 25 minutes after I'd spent days trying on my own. They have this system that keeps calling for you until they get through, then they call you when they have an agent on the line. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent was able to see that my ID verification had a small discrepancy that needed manual review, and they fixed it right there on the call. Got my payment two days later. Worth looking into if you need immediate help.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•is this a legit service? sounds kinda sketchy tbh
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Oliver Wagner
•Yeah, it's legitimate. I was skeptical too, but they just help you get through the phone system. The actual conversation is still between you and the EDD agent directly. I only recommended because it actually worked when nothing else did.
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Javier Mendoza
FYI, the identity verification issues are THE WORST right now. My neighbr went thru this last month and it took her 5 WEEKS to get it resolved!!! The EDD system is completely broken and nobody seems to care!!!
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Amina Sow
I'm an ex-EDD specialist, and I'd suggest your daughter double-check a few things before continuing to call: 1. Log into UI Online and check if there are any "Upload Documents" tasks that are incomplete 2. Verify that her ID.me account is linked properly to her EDD account (sometimes they appear verified but aren't properly connected) 3. Check that her mailing address in UI Online matches exactly what's on her ID About 30% of verification issues can be resolved without ever speaking to a representative. If she's already checked these things, then yes, speaking with a rep is essential. The ID.me verification line mentioned above is indeed your best bet.
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Yara Haddad
•Thank you for this insight! I just texted her to check these specific things. She said the UI Online doesn't show any pending document uploads, but she'll double-check the other two items. Do you know if there's any way to verify that the ID.me account is properly linked? She's not sure how to check that.
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Amina Sow
•She should be able to go to her ID.me account separately (not through EDD) and view connected services. EDD should appear there if properly linked. If not, she might need to go through the verification process again, unfortunately. This is a common issue that causes delays.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
have u tried going to an actual edd office in person?? sometimes thats the only way
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Keisha Robinson
•Most EDD offices don't handle UI claims in person anymore. They primarily handle employment services now, not unemployment claims. This hasn't been a viable option since before the pandemic.
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Yara Haddad
UPDATE: We finally got through to EDD! After trying the ID verification direct line this morning with no luck, we decided to try the Claimyr service mentioned above. Took about 38 minutes, but they got us connected to an actual EDD representative. Turns out there was a mismatch between her legal name in the EDD system (which included her middle name) and her ID.me verification (which didn't). The rep fixed it on the spot and released all pending payments. Should be in her account within 48 hours. Thank you everyone for your suggestions! This community was incredibly helpful when we were at our wits' end.
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GalaxyGazer
•Great to hear! Those name mismatches are frustratingly common but relatively easy to fix once you actually reach someone. Glad your daughter will be getting her payments soon.
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Paolo Conti
•thats awesome!! so glad u got it resolved! EDD is such a mess lol
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