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Need current EDD phone number after reopening claim - can't find working number

I just reopened my unemployment claim yesterday through UI Online but now I'm stuck. I need to talk to an actual human at EDD about some issues with my previous claim that might affect this one (had some part-time work that might have been reported wrong). Every phone number I try is either disconnected or has an automated message saying they can't take calls. Does anyone have an ACTUAL working phone number to reach EDD representatives in 2025? The ones on their website just lead to automated systems that don't help with my specific situation.

Cameron Black

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The main EDD customer service number is 1-800-300-5616. They're open 8am-12pm Monday-Friday. But honestly, good luck getting through - I had to call 37 times last week before I didn't get the 'too many callers' message. Make sure you call right at 8am for best chance.

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Victoria Jones

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Thanks! I'll try calling right at 8am. Do you know if there's a different number for reopened claims vs new claims? The automated system kept transferring me around in circles yesterday.

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Jessica Nguyen

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i called that number 20+ times today starting at 8 on the dot!!! still nothing but 'we're experiencing high call volume' then it hangs up. this is RIDICULOUS!!

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Isaiah Thompson

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Same experience here. The system is totally broken. They make it impossible to talk to anyone on purpose so they don't have to pay benefits. I've been trying to reach someone for THREE WEEKS about my disqualification notice. The whole system is designed to frustrate you until you give up.

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Ruby Garcia

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The main number everyone's sharing (1-800-300-5616) is correct, but getting through is nearly impossible these days. After my claim was disqualified because of an employer dispute, I spent two weeks trying to reach someone with no success. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an EDD representative in about 20 minutes. They have a system that basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through the busy signals, then connects you. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I was skeptical at first but it saved me from the endless redial nightmare, especially since I needed to resolve issues with my reopened claim that couldn't be handled through the online portal.

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Victoria Jones

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I've never heard of this before. Does it actually work? I'm getting desperate since I need to explain my work history situation before my first certification is due next week.

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Isaiah Thompson

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I used something similar last year when I had penalty weeks from an overpayment issue. It's annoying we have to use third-party services just to reach a government agency WE fund with our taxes, but it worked when nothing else did. The sad reality of dealing with EDD these days.

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Alexander Evans

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Make sure you're calling the RIGHT number for your specific issue. There are different EDD departments: Regular UI claims: 1-800-300-5616 Employer questions: 1-866-333-4606 SDI/Paid Family Leave: 1-800-480-3287 UI Online technical support: 1-833-978-2511 If you're calling about a reopened claim with work history reporting issues, you definitely need the main UI claims number (first one). And here's a tip: Thursdays and Fridays tend to have slightly lower call volumes than Monday-Wednesday. Also, try calling between 10-11am or 11:30-12pm - those times sometimes have shorter queues than right at opening time when everyone calls.

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Victoria Jones

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This is super helpful, thank you! I'll definitely try the regular UI number during those time slots. Do you know if I need to have my reopened claim number ready or will they be able to look me up with my SSN?

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Alexander Evans

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They can look you up with just your SSN, but having your claim number handy makes the process faster. Also, make sure you have your employment history details (dates, employer names, etc.) ready to go. The more prepared you are, the smoother the call will be once you actually get through.

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Evelyn Martinez

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try calling exactly at 8:01am not 8:00am everyone calls right at 8 lol thats my secret trick

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Benjamin Carter

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omg this actually works tho! i tried for days at 8:00 sharp and kept getting the busy message but tried 8:01 instead and got thru on my 3rd try!!

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Cameron Black

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Just wanted to check back - were you able to get through to EDD? If you're still having trouble, remember that reopening a claim sometimes triggers an automatic review that can take 7-10 days before anything happens. During that time, you might not be able to get specific help about your claim status because it's in a processing queue.

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Victoria Jones

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I finally got through! Called at 8:02am (tried that trick someone mentioned) and only had to redial 6 times. The rep was able to fix the issue with my previous work history reporting and confirmed my reopened claim should process normally now. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

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