Found a shortcut for SDI calls - easy number sequence trick that actually works

Thank you for sharing this! The SDI phone system is notorious for being impossible to reach. I'm going to try this tomorrow morning. Did you find that any particular time of day worked better? I've been trying to reach them about my pregnancy disability claim for over a week.

didnt work for me just now. still got the stupid recording saying too many callers. ugh so frustrating

I can confirm this actually works, though it's not a guaranteed method every time. This specific key sequence routes you to the Medical Determination section of the SDI department, which typically has fewer callers than the general queue. Keep in mind that the SDI representatives you reach through this method are specifically trained to handle medical eligibility issues, not payment processing questions. However, they can often transfer you to the right department once you get someone on the line. I previously worked as an EDD contractor, and I'd recommend calling between 8:00-8:30am or 4:30-5:00pm for the best results. The system gets refreshed at certain intervals, and catching it right after a refresh can make a difference.

THIS DOESNT WORK ANYMORE!!!! EDD has blocked this workaround as of last month. My neighbor works for the disability office and told me they specifically changed the phone tree to prevent people from using these shortcuts. So frustrating that we can't even reach them about OUR MONEY that WE PAID INTO through SDI deductions!!!!

For those still struggling with the phone sequence trick, I've found it works about 50% of the time. The problem is that even when you get through, you might end up waiting 1-2 hours on hold. If you need a guaranteed way to reach SDI, check out Claimyr.com. They use an automated system to keep calling EDD for you until they get through, then they call you back when they have an agent on the line. Saved me days of frustration. They have a quick video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

Thanks for sharing this tip! I've been struggling with my disability claim for weeks. My doctor submitted the certification form, but my claim is still showing "pending medical certification" in the online system. I tried your method and got through after 4 attempts. For anyone else trying this: be prepared with your claim information and any case numbers before calling. The representative asked me several verification questions and needed specific dates when my doctor submitted forms. They were able to see that my doctor's certification had been received but was stuck in their processing queue. They expedited it and now my claim is moving forward!

does this work for regular unemployment or just disability??

TRY EARLY MORNING!!! I called at exactly 8:00am using this method and got through on my first try. Waited on hold for 35 mins but finally spoke to someone who fixed my disability payment issue. Don't give up people!

Just tried this method and it worked! Called at 9:45am, used the 240+1 sequence after entering my info, and got through to an agent after about 20 minutes on hold. The rep was super helpful and was able to resolve my issue with missing SDI payments that had been stuck for 3 weeks. One tip: when you get the agent, have your Social Security number, claim confirmation number, and the dates of your disability ready. They asked for all of this right away to pull up my file. Also, if your issue is complex, don't be afraid to ask to speak with a supervisor - the first-level reps can only do so much. Thanks again for sharing this hack! It literally saved me from weeks more of frustration.

This is incredibly helpful! I've been trying to reach SDI for over two weeks about my claim that got stuck after I returned to work part-time. The regular number just gives me the runaround. Quick question - does this work if you have a partial disability claim? My doctor cleared me for limited hours but I'm still having issues with reduced earnings calculations. Also, has anyone had success using this method to reach someone about overpayment notices? I got a letter saying I owe money back but can't figure out why. Going to try this first thing Monday morning. Fingers crossed!

Just wanted to add my experience - I tried this method yesterday afternoon around 2pm and it worked on my second attempt! The 240+1 sequence got me through to someone who was able to help with my SDI claim that had been stuck in "under review" status for almost a month. One thing I noticed is that when you dial 240+1, don't hang up if you hear silence for 10-15 seconds - that's normal while the system routes you. I almost hung up the first time thinking it didn't work, but stayed on the line and eventually got the hold music. The rep told me they've been getting a lot of calls about delayed SDI payments lately due to system upgrades they did in February. If your claim is stuck, ask them to check for any "system flags" that might be holding it up - apparently there are some automatic holds that only supervisors can remove. Thanks Emily for sharing this tip! It's a game changer when you desperately need to reach someone about your disability benefits.

This is exactly what I needed to see! I've been calling the SDI line for my pregnancy disability claim for over a month with no luck. Just tried the 240+1 sequence at 10:30am and got through on my third attempt - currently on hold but at least I'm in the queue! For anyone else trying this, I noticed that having all your paperwork ready is crucial. I have my SDI claim number, doctor's contact info, and all the dates my forms were submitted written down and ready to go. The automated system asks for quite a bit of verification before you even get to try the 240+1 trick. Also wanted to mention that I found calling on Wednesday or Thursday seems to work better than Monday/Tuesday when everyone is catching up from the weekend. Will update once I actually speak to someone - fingers crossed they can explain why my payments stopped after just 2 weeks when my doctor certified me for 12 weeks of leave! Thanks again Emily - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with EDD's impossible phone system!

This is incredibly helpful! I've been dealing with a nightmare situation trying to reach SDI about my workers comp related disability claim. Been calling for 3 weeks straight with no luck getting through the main line. Just attempted your 240+1 method at 11:15am - took 5 tries but I'm finally on hold! Currently at 18 minutes and counting but this is further than I've gotten in weeks. One question for anyone who's used this successfully - when you get to the agent, do they handle all types of SDI issues or only specific ones? My situation is a bit complicated because it involves coordination between workers comp and SDI benefits, and I've been bounced around between different departments in the past. Really appreciate you sharing this hack Emily - even if I'm still on hold, at least I have hope now that I might actually speak to a human being today! Will update once I get through to let others know how it goes.

This is amazing timing! I've been stuck trying to reach SDI for 2 weeks about my claim that's been "pending medical review" even though my doctor submitted all the required paperwork over a month ago. The regular phone line just disconnects me every time. Just tried your 240+1 method and got through on my first attempt at 2:45pm! Currently waiting on hold (been about 12 minutes so far) but this is the furthest I've gotten since this whole ordeal started. Quick question for you or anyone else who's used this - did the rep you spoke to seem knowledgeable about why claims get stuck in medical review limbo? I'm worried there might be some issue with my doctor's paperwork that nobody told me about, and I just want to know what's actually going on with my claim. Thank you so much for sharing this! Even if I end up waiting an hour on hold, at least I know I'm actually in the queue now instead of just getting rejected by the system. This community is seriously a lifesaver when dealing with EDD's broken phone system!

I just tried this method this morning and it actually worked! Called at 8:45am, used the 240+1 sequence, and got through to an agent after about 30 minutes on hold. I was dealing with a really frustrating situation where my SDI payments stopped suddenly after 4 weeks, even though my doctor had certified me for 8 weeks of medical leave. The rep was able to see that there was an issue with how my employer reported my last day worked, which was causing a conflict in their system. She fixed it right on the call and said my payments should resume within 2-3 business days. One thing I learned - make sure you have your employer's information handy too, not just your medical info. They asked for my employer's name, address, and when exactly I stopped working. Thanks so much for sharing this hack Emily! I was literally losing sleep over this financial stress, and now I finally have some relief. This community is amazing for helping each other navigate EDD's impossible system.