Need working EDD phone number to reach actual human agent - stuck in automation loop

I had the same issue last month! Try calling 1-833-978-2511 instead of the main number. It still took me about 8 attempts, but I finally got through to someone who could help. The best time I found was right when they open at 8:00 AM. Have all your info ready (SSN, claim ID, etc.) so you don't waste time when you finally reach someone. Good luck!

The phone lines are completely overwhelmed right now. I've been helping my mother with her claim and found that if you call the main number, then immediately press 1, then wait for the next prompt and press 2, then 4 - it sometimes bypasses the main queue. However, this only works some of the time and you still might wait an hour. Also make sure you're calling during their business hours (8am-5pm weekdays). If you're calling during their lunch hour (12-1), you'll almost never get through.

calling them is IMPOSSIBLE!!! i tried for 3 WEEKS straight and never got to talk to anyone!!! the system is designed to make us give up i swear

I had the same frustrating experience until I discovered Claimyr. It's a service that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you when they get through to a representative. Saved me days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km They helped me get through to resolve my eligibility issue after I'd been trying for over a week on my own. Worth checking out if you're desperate.

I've used it. It works but there's a fee. Whether it's worth it depends on how desperate u are. After trying for 2 weeks on my own I just paid for the service and got connected in about 2 hrs. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the money.

One more thing I forgot to mention - when you do get through, ask for a direct extension or contact info for the representative helping you. I've had success calling back directly when I need follow-up help. Not all reps will give you this info, but it doesn't hurt to ask!

my cousin works for edd (not in claims dept tho) and she says they're still super understaffed after covid. apparently they hired a bunch of temp workers who are gone now but claims are still high. thats why its so hard to get thru

Here's what I learned from being on both sides of the EDD system (former state employee): 1. Call volumes are highest on Mondays and Fridays - avoid these days if possible 2. The sweet spot for calling is Tuesday-Thursday between 8:05-8:20am or 4:30-4:45pm 3. Have a clear, concise explanation of your issue ready (30 seconds or less) 4. If you have a specific technical question about your claim, ask for a Tier 2 specialist immediately 5. Be polite but persistent - remember that representatives are tracking call metrics Don't give up! The system is frustrating by design, but with persistence, you'll get through.

DONT BOTHER WITH PHONE!!! go to ur local EDD office in person!! i wasted 3 weeks on phone hell then went in person and got it fixed same day!!

Update: I finally got through! For anyone else struggling, I followed the advice here and called 1-833-978-2511 at exactly 8:01am (I actually set an alarm for it). Was on hold for about 45 minutes but finally spoke to a real person who was able to fix the pending issue on my claim. They said payments should process within 48 hours. Such a relief! Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions!

Yes! Turns out there was an identity verification flag on my account even though I had completed the ID.me process. The representative said sometimes there's a disconnect between the ID.me system and the EDD database. She was able to manually verify my identity and remove the flag. She also suggested I check my spam folder regularly because apparently they had sent me an email about this that I never saw!