How to bypass EDD's 'too busy' message and actually talk to a real person?

same here its crazy! been calling for 2 weeks an nuthin. i think they just dont pick up calls anymore tbh

Unfortunately, there's no "secret" number - they all go through the same call routing system. However, there ARE some strategies that can help: 1. Call exactly at 8:00am when they open (set an alarm for 7:58) 2. If you get the "too many callers" message, hang up and IMMEDIATELY redial 3. Keep doing this for about 20-30 minutes if needed 4. Try on Wednesday or Thursday - slightly lower call volumes in my experience 5. When you do get through, ask for a Tier 2 specialist right away Also, have you checked your UI Online account for any notices or alerts? Sometimes they'll request additional information through your portal rather than calling you.

EDD is LITERALLY the WORST government agency!!! I had to call 76 TIMES in one day before I got through last month. Even then, the first person couldn't help me and transferred me to a "specialist" and I got disconnected. Had to start all over again the next day. The whole system is DESIGNED to make us give up!!!

I was having the same issue trying to reach someone about my eligibility interview reschedule. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that basically keeps dialing for you until they get through, then they call you and connect you with EDD. Saved me days of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through to an actual person, they were able to fix my claim status in about 10 minutes. The weird thing is that there wasn't anything actually wrong with my claim - it just needed someone to manually review it.

Here's another approach that sometimes works: instead of calling the main UI number, try calling the technical support line (1-855-327-7057). They're officially only supposed to help with website issues, but sometimes they can see what's going on with your claim and transfer you directly to a claims specialist, bypassing the main queue. Also, make sure you're calling from the exact phone number listed on your claim. Their system will sometimes prioritize calls from numbers they recognize as belonging to claimants. For your specific situation with transitioning from disability back to UI, you might actually need to talk to the SDI department first to make sure they properly closed your disability claim before UI can process the new one. Those departments don't always communicate well with each other.

i got thru once by pressin different numbers like saying i was an employer lol but then they just transfered me anyway and i got the busy message again so idk if that even helps

Just checking back - any luck getting through to EDD? The disability transition to UI can be tricky because it involves multiple departments, as mentioned above. If you're still having trouble, try contacting your state assembly member's office. They often have dedicated EDD liaisons who can help push claims through.