Fastest way to file EDD claim? In-person attempt failed - need alternative methods ASAP

Filing online is definitely the fastest method, but if your internet is unreliable, try using a public library computer. They're free to use and most libraries have decent internet speeds. The EDD website works best early morning (before 8am) or late evening (after 7pm) when fewer people are using it. Alternatively, you can try calling right when they open at 8am. Many people have better luck getting through during the first hour of operation. Just keep your phone charged and be ready with all your employment information handy (last employer details, dates worked, reason for separation, etc.).

The EDD phone system is a NIGHTMARE!!! I tried calling for THREE WEEKS straight last year when I needed to fix an issue with my claim. Always got the stupid "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then it just HANGS UP ON YOU!!! Absolutely ridiculous system. The in-person offices are just as bad - they don't actually PROCESS anything there anymore, just refer you back to phone/online. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!

I ended up using Claimyr to get through to EDD after trying for weeks on my own with no luck. It's a service that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you once they get through to a representative. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Worth every penny for me because I needed to get my claim fixed ASAP for rent. They connected me with an actual EDD rep in about 25 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own.

u can also try filing by mail if ur internet is bad. they have paper applications u can download + print or pickup at some offices. takes longer to process tho like 2-3 weeks sometimes. libraries def ur best bet for using a computer tho, i did my whole claim that way

Ok so I work with a nonprofit that helps people apply for benefits and here's what actually works: 1. Public library computers - they typically give you 1-2 hour sessions which is plenty of time. Bring ID and your work history details. 2. The unemployment phone line is actually better on Wednesdays and Thursdays (fewer people call those days). Avoid Mondays at all costs - highest volume day. Call between 8:00-8:30am or 1:30-2:30pm. 3. If you need to visit an office in person, arrive 30 minutes BEFORE they open and get in line. They hand out limited appointment tickets at opening. The online application should take about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. Make sure you have your employment history for the last 18 months, including accurate start/end dates, employer names/addresses, and reason for separation from each job.

when i filed last time i just used my phone data and filled out the whole thing on my iphone lol. took forever with all the typing but it worked fine. do u have unlimited data maybe?

I've been on unemployment three times in the past five years, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that in-person filing is the SLOWEST method possible. The EDD offices are primarily for information and assistance, not actual claim processing. The fastest methods in order: 1. Online filing (using a reliable computer/internet) 2. Phone filing (if you can actually get through) 3. Mail filing (slow but reliable) 4. In-person (only for special circumstances) If your home internet is unreliable, you should go to the library as others have suggested. Most libraries give you at least an hour on their computers, which is more than enough time to complete an application if you have all your information ready. Also, make sure you're certifying on time once your claim is approved - that's where most people encounter delays in actually receiving payments!

Just checking back - were you able to file your claim yet? The library computer suggestion works for most people. If you're still having trouble, remember that you can also request a callback from EDD instead of waiting on hold. When you call, select the option to file a new claim, then when prompted for a callback, enter your number. It could take a day or two, but they will usually call back.