Missed my EDD phone interview - desperate for help reaching an actual agent
I totally messed up and missed my scheduled eligibility interview yesterday. My toddler was sick and I completely lost track of time until 3 hours AFTER they were supposed to call. My heart dropped when I realized what happened. I've been trying to call the EDD non-stop today (like 27 times already!) but keep getting the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message and then it hangs up! My claim has been pending for 5 weeks now and I'm seriously panicking about bills. Has anyone successfully gotten through to reschedule a missed interview? Any special tricks for calling at certain times? I'm desperate here and don't know what to do next.
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Emily Parker
First, take a deep breath. This happens more often than you think! When I missed mine last month, I learned you need to be strategic about WHEN you call. Try calling right when they open at 8:00am (set an alarm for 7:55am and start dialing at 7:59). Also, press 1-2-4 when you get the automated system to reach the claims department faster. Wednesday and Thursday mornings seem to have slightly lower volume in my experience. Keep trying daily - persistence is key with EDD.
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Justin Evans
•Thank you SO MUCH for the tips! I'll definitely try the 1-2-4 option tomorrow morning right when they open. Do you know if they'll automatically disqualify me because I missed the interview or is there still hope if I can explain why I missed it?
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Ezra Collins
omg the EDD phones are IMPOSSIBLE!!! i spent like 2 weeks trying to get thru and would call like 50 times a day no joke. eventually i just gave up and went to the office in person which was a whole other nightmare lol
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Victoria Scott
•Going in person is smart but check their website first! Some offices are appointment-only now and they'll turn you away otherwise. Learned that the hard way lol.
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Benjamin Johnson
The EDD system is DESIGNED to be frustrating!!! I missed my interview back in January because they called from a completely different number than they said they would in the letter. When I finally got through after 3 WEEKS of trying, they had the nerve to tell me I should have answered ANY unknown call during the scheduled window. THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED to deny people benefits!!!
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Emily Parker
•While the system definitely has flaws, they do typically call from their main number or one of their office lines. They should have sent you a notification with a 2-hour window when to expect the call. But you're right that it's best to answer any calls during that window just to be safe.
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Zara Perez
After trying to reach EDD for 2 weeks with no luck, I finally used Claimyr and got through to a rep in about 20 minutes. It costs a bit but was worth it to me since I was about to miss rent. They basically call EDD for you and transfer you once they reach an agent. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. It saved me so much frustration after attempting to call literally hundreds of times myself.
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Justin Evans
•I've never heard of this service before! I'm getting desperate enough to try anything at this point. Did they actually help you reschedule your interview or just connect you to an agent? I'm worried about spending money without knowing if they can solve my specific problem.
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Zara Perez
•They just connect you to an EDD agent - what happens after that depends on the agent you get. In my case, I explained my situation about missing my interview and the agent was able to reschedule me for the following week. They don't guarantee what the agent will do, just that you'll actually reach one instead of getting the hang-up message.
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Daniel Rogers
try calling at exactly 8:01am thats when i got thru! also try the 626 number not the 800 one sometimes it works better
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Ezra Collins
•wait theres a 626 number?? what is it?? ive only been using the main 800 one!!
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Daniel Rogers
•i think its 626-831-6800 but double check on their website just to make sure! good luck!
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Aaliyah Reed
Missing an eligibility interview doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you do need to contact them as soon as possible to explain and reschedule. Here's what you should do: 1. Keep calling persistently using the tips others mentioned (early morning is best) 2. While waiting to connect by phone, also send a message through your UI Online account under "Contact Us" explaining the situation 3. Be prepared to provide documentation if your child was sick (doctor's note if possible) 4. Ask for a "good cause" exception due to the family emergency The key is acting quickly to show you're making a good faith effort to complete the interview process. Most eligibility issues can be resolved as long as you're proactive about it. Good luck!
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Justin Evans
•This is incredibly helpful information, thank you! I didn't realize I could send a message through UI Online about this. I'm going to do that right now while I keep trying to call. I don't have a doctor's note since we didn't go in (just a fever and upset stomach), but hopefully explaining the situation will be enough. Really appreciate the detailed advice!
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Victoria Scott
My sister works for EDD (not telling which office lol) and she says Tuesday and Wednesday are actually the best days to call, not Monday when everyone is trying after the weekend. Also try around 10:30 when the morning rush dies down a bit.
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Benjamin Johnson
•THAT'S exactly the kind of inside info we need!! Thank you! I bet they don't advertise the best times to call ON PURPOSE so fewer people get through. Typical government efficiency at work! 🙄
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Emily Parker
OP, just checking in - were you able to get through using any of these methods? Sometimes it can take several days of persistent calling, but it's important not to give up. The longer a missed interview goes unaddressed, the more complicated it can become to resolve.
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Justin Evans
•Update: I FINALLY got through this morning!!! Called right at 8am sharp using the 1-2-4 method someone suggested. Was on hold for 47 minutes but finally spoke to an agent who was actually really understanding. She rescheduled my interview for next Tuesday and noted in my file why I missed the original one. She said as long as I make this one, there shouldn't be any penalty or further delay. THANK YOU everyone for the advice - especially the specific calling tips. Such a relief!
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Aaliyah Reed
•That's great news! Make sure to be prepared for your interview with any documentation they requested in your original interview notice. Having all that ready will help ensure a smooth process next Tuesday. Glad you got it resolved!
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