Need to reach EDD rep for UI reapplication - fastest way to get through phone lines?
My benefit year is ending next week and I'll need to reapply for UI. Last time the online process flagged my account for 'further review' and I was stuck in pending hell for almost 2 months! This time I want to talk to an actual human being who can process my reapplication correctly the first time. Has anyone successfully gotten through to a representative recently? What time should I call? Is there a special number or extension that works better? I've tried the 833 number before but always got the dreaded 'we're experiencing high call volume' message. Any tips or tricks would be so appreciated!!
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Emma Morales
Call exactly at 8:01 AM when they open. Have all your info ready - ID, old claim number, work history, etc. I've had the best luck with the 1-800-300-5616 number, not the 833 one. Press 1 immediately, then wait for the next prompt and press 2, then 4. Sometimes they change the menu options though, so listen carefully. You might still have to try 3-4 days in a row, but mornings are definitely better than afternoons.
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Declan Ramirez
•Thank you! I'll set my alarm for 7:55am and try this method. Quick question - if I get through, will they be able to help with the reapplication immediately or will they just put notes on my account?
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Katherine Hunter
HAHAHA good luck with that!!! been calling everyday for 2 weesk. the system is DESIGNED to keep us out. ive tried every trick in the book - different phones, different numbers, calling non-stop from 8am-12pm. Its all a joke. when you do get thru after 2hrs of waiting they transfer you and then DISCONNECT. EDD is literally the worst government agency in existence.
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Lucas Parker
•I know it's frustrating, but being strategic helps. I use Claimyr to get through to EDD agents without hours of redial hell. It got me connected to an agent in about 45 mins when I had to refile. You just put in your info and they call you back when they've got an agent on the line. Saved my sanity! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. Way better than wasting days trying to get through.
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Donna Cline
I had to reapply last month, the trick is to call the disability number (not unemployment) and when they answer just tell them you need to be transferred to unemployment claims. They usually will transfer you right away and bypass the main UI queue. Worked for me twice!
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Harper Collins
•omg that's actually genius! do u have that number? is it the SDI line or something else?
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Kelsey Hawkins
Whichever method you use to contact them, make sure you have ALL your documentation ready when you call. They'll need your ID info, work history for the past 18 months, any separation documentation from employers, and your previous claim details. If you filed W2 employment, they'll verify with employer records, but if you had any 1099 income, make sure you have earnings documentation ready. The rep will likely ask about your work search efforts too, so have your job application log ready. Being prepared will make the whole process faster when you do get through.
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Declan Ramirez
•This is super helpful - thank you! I was laid off from my W2 job but did some freelance work during my benefit year. Should I bring that paperwork too? I reported all earnings on my certifications but wasn't sure if they need documentation for reapplication.
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Dylan Fisher
I spent 3 days trying to get thru and then gave up and went to the actual office in person. had to wait like 2 hrs but finally got help. if ur near a office just go there its way faster then phone
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Emma Morales
•This is actually good advice. Not everyone realizes the EDD offices are open again for in-person help. Just remember to bring ID (Real ID or passport works best) and arrive early. Some offices now have appointment systems too, so check the EDD website first to see if your local office requires appointments.
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Harper Collins
wait r u saying we have to reapply after our benefit year?? i thought it just keeps going until we use up all the weeks????
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Kelsey Hawkins
•Yes, when your benefit year ends (which is 12 months after you first applied), you need to file a new application even if you still have weeks remaining on your claim. The system is designed for annual reapplication. Your benefit amount might change based on any work you've done during the past year. The weeks remaining on your old claim don't automatically transfer to a new benefit year.
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Lucas Parker
Try the Claimyr service - it's been a game changer for me. When I needed to reapply after my benefit year ended, I couldn't get through for days. Claimyr connected me to an EDD rep in about 40 minutes. They basically keep calling for you and then connect you when they get through. Their website is claimyr.com and there's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The rep was able to process my reapplication immediately, and I avoided the 'pending purgatory' entirely.
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Katherine Hunter
•they ACTUALLY got you through?? didn't know services like this existed but at this point I'd try ANYTHING. better than the EDD phone system which is clearly designed to make people give up
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Declan Ramirez
Update: I tried calling at 8:01am sharp today and got the 'too many callers' message right away. Tried the disability number trick but that department opened at 8:30am so no luck there either. I might try the in-person office tomorrow or look into the Claimyr service. Feeling pretty stressed since my last payment is next week and I know there will be a gap if I don't get this sorted. Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far!
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Donna Cline
•Try the disability number after 8:30! That's when it worked for me. Just be super polite when they answer and explain you need a transfer to UI for reapplication. The SDI reps are usually more helpful than the recorded unemployment system.
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Emma Morales
One more thing to try: call the employer line instead of the claimant line. The number is 1-866-333-4606. When they answer, politely explain you're trying to reach a representative about your reapplication. Sometimes they'll transfer you directly to a UI specialist. The wait is usually shorter on the employer line. If they ask why you're calling that number, just say you were given this number by an EDD representative at the office.
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Declan Ramirez
•I would never have thought of that! Will definitely try this tomorrow if my other attempts don't work. I really appreciate everyone's help and will update when I get through!
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