Impossible to reach EDD by phone - tricks that actually work?
I've been calling EDD for TWO WEEKS now trying to sort out my identity verification issue. I've called over 45 times (not exaggerating) and either get the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message or get disconnected after waiting 1+ hour. I'm at my wits end!!! My rent is due next week and my claim has been stuck in pending for almost a month. I've tried: - Calling right when they open at 8am - Calling during lunch hours - Calling 30 mins before closing - Pressing different number combinations - Having my friend call on another line simultaneously NOTHING works. Has anyone found a reliable trick to actually get through to a human being at EDD? I'm desperate at this point.
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Liam McGuire
Try calling the technical support line instead of the main number. Sometimes they can transfer you to a claim specialist. Their number is 1-855-327-7057. I was able to get through after only 25 mins of waiting last week.
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QuantumQuasar
•THANK YOU! I'll try that number tomorrow morning. Did they ask why you were calling tech support instead of the regular line?
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Amara Eze
you gotta call at EXACTLY 8:01am not 8 not 8:03 but 8:01 thats when i got thru
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Giovanni Greco
•This actually doesn't work consistently. I tried calling at exactly 8:01am three days in a row and still got the "too many callers" message each time. I think it's just luck at this point.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
After months of struggling to reach EDD by phone, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it changed everything. Their service calls EDD for you and when they reach an agent, they connect you directly. Saved me days of endless redials. They have a video demo that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I was skeptical at first, but it worked for me when nothing else did. My identity verification issue got resolved in a single call after I finally spoke with someone.
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QuantumQuasar
•This sounds promising! Did you have to wait long after using their service? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. My ID verification has been stuck for weeks.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•I got connected within about 45 minutes, which was amazing considering I'd spent DAYS trying on my own. The EDD agent was able to see exactly why my ID verification was stalled and fixed it during that call. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind alone.
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Giovanni Greco
NOBODY at EDD cares about us. I spent 3 weeks calling 20+ times daily and when I finally got through, they transferred me twice and then I got disconnected. The whole system is designed to make people give up on getting benefits they deserve. It's absolutely criminal how they treat people who are already struggling!!!!!
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Dylan Wright
•While I understand your frustration, many EDD representatives are overwhelmed with the volume of claims. The system definitely has issues, but individual agents are often trying their best with limited resources. When you do reach someone, try to have all your information ready and be specific about your problem - this usually leads to better outcomes.
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Sofia Torres
I worked for EDD briefly during the pandemic surge and can give you some insider tips: 1. The best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday between 1-3pm when lunch rush is over but before end-of-day volume increases 2. When you get the automated system, choose the option for "employer questions" - these queues are often shorter and many reps can actually help with claimant issues too 3. Have your claim number, last 4 of SSN, and detailed notes on your issue ready 4. If your issue is ID verification specifically, mention "ID.me verification escalation" - there's a special team that handles these 5. Be polite but assertive - ask for a ticket number for your case Hope this helps someone!
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QuantumQuasar
•These are amazing tips, thank you! I never would have thought to try the employer line. I'll definitely use your strategy tomorrow. Quick question - when you say "ID.me verification escalation" is there a specific phrase I should use when I get an agent?
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Sofia Torres
•Just say something like "I'm having an issue with my ID.me verification that's prevented my claim from processing, and I understand there's an ID verification escalation team that might be able to help." Most tier 1 agents know about this team and can transfer you if needed. Make sure you've actually completed the ID.me process first though, otherwise they'll just tell you to do that.
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GalacticGuardian
haha good luck i gave up after 2 months and just got a job at target instead. edd is a joke.
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QuantumQuasar
UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service that someone recommended here and IT WORKED!! Got connected to an agent in about 40 minutes. The agent explained that my ID verification had a mismatch with my driver's license (I got married last year and my name changed). She fixed it right on the call and said my payments should process within 48 hours! For anyone else struggling, I highly recommend trying this route if you're desperate like I was. Worth every penny to finally get this resolved.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•So glad it worked for you! That name mismatch issue is actually really common after marriage or divorce. Glad you got someone who could fix it on the spot!
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Amara Eze
•congrats! hope u get paid soon
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Dylan Wright
For anyone still having trouble reaching EDD, I recommend submitting a request through your state assembly member's office. They have dedicated EDD liaisons who can often resolve issues faster than trying to call. Google "[your county] assembly member" to find yours. I had my issue resolved within 10 days after struggling for over a month on my own. This works particularly well for identity verification issues and claims stuck in pending status. They'll ask you to complete a privacy release form, and then they can advocate on your behalf with EDD.
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QuantumQuasar
•This is really helpful info, thank you! I'm going to keep this as a backup plan. My claim seems to be moving now after I finally spoke to someone, but I'll definitely use this approach if I run into problems again.
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Giovanni Greco
i tried calling yesterday at 2:33pm and actually got through after only 3 attempts! maybe they hired more people finally?? the lady was super nice and fixed my payment issue in like 5 minutes. don't give up!
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