Need direct EDD representative phone number - stuck in endless phone loop
I've been trying to reach an actual human at EDD for 3 days straight about my pending claim. Every time I call the main number (1-800-300-5616), I just get stuck in this ridiculous automated loop that eventually disconnects me. I've tried pressing 1, then 2, then 4... tried 1, 6, 4... tried calling at 8:01am exactly... nothing works!!! My rent is due next week and I'm seriously panicking. Does ANYONE have a direct number to reach a real representative? Or some secret code to bypass this automated system? I've already sent messages through UI Online but it's been 5 days with no response. At this point I'd literally pay money just to talk to someone who can fix whatever is wrong with my claim.
16 comments
Join the conversation
Miguel Diaz
Try calling the technical support line at 1-855-327-7057 instead of the regular number. When the automated system asks about your issue, say "payment ID" and it'll sometimes transfer you to a live person who can then transfer you to claims. Worked for me last month when I was stuck in pending for 2 weeks. Good luck!
0 coins
Ava Johnson
•Thank you!! Will definitely try this first thing tomorrow morning. Did you have to wait long once you got through?
0 coins
Zainab Ahmed
The secret is to call RIGHT at 8:00 AM when they open, but not the main number. Try 1-833-978-2511 instead. It's their alternate customer service line. Also, don't just pick random options - when the system asks what you're calling about, say "speak to a specialist" clearly. And make sure you have your claim info ready (SSN, filing date, etc). They'll ask for verification details.
0 coins
Connor Byrne
•I tried that number yesterday and it just put me into another automated loop! ugh this system is the WORST. maybe it works for some people but def didnt for me
0 coins
Yara Abboud
After 7 weeks of trying to reach EDD with no luck, I found a service called Claimyr that actually worked for me. They basically call EDD for you and when they get through to an agent, they call you and connect you. I was skeptical but I was desperate after not being paid for almost 2 months. Check out their demo video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Definitely beats calling 50+ times a day.
0 coins
Ava Johnson
•Omg thank you!! Just watched the video and this looks like exactly what I need. Did you actually get your issue resolved when they connected you? I'm worried I'll pay for the service but then the EDD rep won't be able to help anyway.
0 coins
Yara Abboud
•Yes, they connected me to a Tier 2 specialist who fixed my pending payments on the spot. The whole call took about 30 minutes once I was connected. Just make sure you have all your claim info ready when they call you.
0 coins
PixelPioneer
there is no "direct" number thats the whole point they dont want us reaching them lol. ive been on unemployment 3 times and its always the same BS. you just gotta keep calling over and over like 30-40 times a day until you get lucky
0 coins
Keisha Williams
This is exactly why our tax dollars should be going to improving these systems!!! I had to call 78 times in one day last year before getting through. SEVENTY-EIGHT! And then the rep told me the issue could have been fixed in 5 minutes if I'd been able to reach someone the first week. The system is DESIGNED to make people give up. So frustrating. One tip though - I've had better luck calling on Thursdays for some reason. Mondays are absolutely the worst day to try.
0 coins
Paolo Rizzo
•You're absolutely right about Mondays being terrible for calling. Based on my experience working in a related field, this is because many issues that arise over the weekend result in a flood of calls as soon as offices open on Monday morning. By Thursday, this backlog has typically been somewhat addressed, resulting in reduced call volume and better chances of getting through to a representative. Additionally, it's important to understand that the EDD phone system uses a "maximum capacity" threshold. Once this threshold is reached, no new calls are accepted into the queue, resulting in the automatic disconnection that many claimants experience. This is why repeated calling is sometimes necessary - you're essentially trying to time your call to enter the system during a brief window when the queue has space. For the original poster, I'd recommend trying the Technical Support line (1-855-327-7057) as mentioned above, but specifically between 10:15-11:30am or 2:00-3:30pm when call volumes typically dip slightly.
0 coins
Ava Johnson
Update: I used Claimyr this morning and it actually worked!!! Got connected to an EDD rep in about 45 minutes (way better than the 3 days I was trying on my own). The rep saw that my identity verification had a problem - apparently my driver's license expiration date was entered wrong when I did my ID.me verification. She fixed it right away and said my payments should be processed within 24-48 hours. SUCH a relief!
0 coins
Connor Byrne
•nice!! thx for the update. how much did the service cost? might need to try this myself
0 coins
Amina Sy
I had a similar issue back in January and what worked for me was contacting my state assembly member's office. They have special liaisons who work directly with EDD. I emailed them (found contact info on my district's website), and within 3 days someone from EDD called ME. Might be worth trying if you're still stuck.
0 coins
Nia Thompson
Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - if you have a smartphone, try using the EDD mobile app to send a message through the "Contact Us" feature. I know the original poster mentioned they already tried UI Online, but the mobile app seems to route messages differently. I got a response within 2 days when I explained my situation was urgent due to rent being due. Also, when you do get through to someone (whether by phone or through one of these services), ask them to put notes in your account about the issue being resolved so if something similar happens again, the next rep can see the history. Really glad to hear the Claimyr service worked for you @Ava Johnson - that's awesome that you got it sorted out!
0 coins
Evelyn Martinez
•Great tip about the mobile app! I didn't even know there was a separate Contact Us feature there. I've been struggling with a similar issue for weeks and tried everything else mentioned in this thread. Definitely going to download the app and try messaging through there. Also really smart advice about asking them to put notes in your account - I never would have thought of that but it makes total sense for future reference. Thanks for sharing! @Nia Thompson
0 coins
Malik Davis
Another strategy that helped me when I was in a similar situation - try calling the disability insurance (DI) line at 1-800-480-3287 and explain that you're having trouble reaching someone about your UI claim. Sometimes they can transfer you internally to the right department, and since fewer people know about this number, you're more likely to get through to a human. Also, if you're really desperate, consider reaching out to your local One-Stop Career Center (American Job Centers). They often have direct contacts at EDD and can sometimes make calls on your behalf or escalate urgent cases. I know it's frustrating but don't give up - there are people there who want to help, the system just makes it incredibly hard to reach them!
0 coins