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Tricks to Get Through to California Unemployment

If you have a reason to contact California's Unemployment offices, you probably know this is no simple task.
Fortunately, there are other lesser known, and LESS BUSY phone lines available to anyone that knows them and knows how to use them.

This site will walk you through everything you need to know to get through to EDD today!

Better EDD Phone Number to Get Through for Unemployment When the Line is Busy

3/9/2013

Thanks again to all who have left comments regarding your experience trying to get through to California EDD. It seems their normal English line will always be busy, so it becomes necessary to find other means of getting through. One of the comments on the List Your Tricks page seems to be another valid method provided by Jeff H for getting through to EDD, using a different phone number than the one in my original post. For this reason, I have decided to post it here and wish success to all who try it.

Here's the trick that has worked for several others on this site:

What I did do that worked:

1. Dial 1-800-547-2058.
2. STAY ON THE LINE, PRESS NO BUTTONS!!!!!!!
3. After some hold music, a live operator will address you in Vietnamese, Just say "Hello, EDD office?" And they will switch to english. The lady I got today was very friendly and helpful, and spoke fairly good english.

4. My total call time: 8 minutes and change.

Thanks to Jeff H for providing this new trick!

146 Comments

Jeannie

3/11/2013 12:09:18 pm

I got on this and someone answered, got my social, my name, my address, my dob and hung up. hopefully, this isnt a form of ID theft.

Jeff link

5/24/2013 10:18:27 am

Some indian sounding lady did that to me too

benny

8/2/2013 12:22:16 pm

Me too

Sylvia

8/6/2013 11:57:53 am

me too... :(

Ben Powell

2/28/2014 11:09:40 am

02-28-2014. Total and complete BS. This is the second 800 gibberish line I've called. After hearing some monkey speak I was disconnected. DOES NOT WORK! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!

anil

4/23/2014 12:53:20 am

Daniel

3/11/2013 03:56:35 pm

I tried both the Vietnamese Line (1-800-547-2058) and the Canotnese Line (1-800-547-3506). Both times I got someone to answer and say they were going to transfer me to someone who spoke English... But, both times I was hung up on, having never spoken to anyone who could help me in English. It sure seems funny though... Foreign Languages are treated better than our own National English Language!!!!

mel

4/9/2013 12:22:09 pm

Don't have them transfer you they spoke perfectly good English when i called twice she even told me the second time there is no reason to be transfered and answered my questions

cand

5/22/2013 12:08:39 pm

I called today through this number after being super frustrated because I could not get through on the main line. The operator that answered must have been bilingual because she spoke perfect English. I was only transferred because I needed to speak to a specialist. The operator was more that willing to help me.

jay

5/23/2013 10:52:33 am

vary true

Derek

8/5/2013 11:46:21 am

it's because there is less of them not because they are treated better.......

David

9/10/2013 09:12:14 am

Yeah what ever nip lover

Alex

3/14/2013 01:34:59 pm

I just did this, and it worked great! Total call time was about 10 minutes, I gave her some updated info and got my claim reactivated. Great stuff.

james

3/20/2013 02:51:04 pm

Wow this works for me soo much easier, i got through in a breeze and the Vietnamese lady transfered me

3/21/2013 08:06:25 am

The phone number is correct. Check the EDD site http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Telephone_Numbers.htm

3/21/2013 08:11:16 am

Called at 8am and got thru to an operator in 5 mins. Thanks for the tip!

lakesha

3/21/2013 08:26:19 am

It works it took less than 4 min i called at around 8 am

Tini

3/22/2013 09:15:56 am

My brother was qualified for the benefit extension for 2013, after he reapplied at the beginning of January, he has not able to reach anyone for an update since yesterday. He would call every other and leave messages for a call back or status update but never receive a return call.....
I told him to try this trick and he got thru right away! Caller had broken english but was able to help. My brother will be paid his benefits in 5 days including all his back pay. He said from the time he called to the conversation ending, it took about 5 mintues. I will update everyone on the actual days it took to receive his benefits.

It's ashame that we had to resort to finding tricks on how to get thru to EDD. It's a benefit everyone paid for and they treat us as though we are looking for a hand out. SHAME ON YOU EED!!!!

Busted

5/3/2013 04:52:31 pm

EED? HAHA

1/16/2014 11:48:28 am

Unemployment is paid by the employer, not by employees, therefore "everyone" does not pay for it. Maybe if they treated the system as Disabilty is handled with the taxes being withheld from employee checks rather than employers having to pay things may be different.

jessica

1/27/2014 01:28:16 pm

no dumbass your employer pays for ui not you

confidential

6/3/2015 01:54:18 pm

Um... both the employee and employee pay into the SDI system dumb asses!

Tony

3/25/2013 11:25:02 am

This totally worked! I waited on the line for about two minutes then a vietnamese man who spoke english answered.He was super nice and I was does with everything in less then 10 min…!

Kathleen Murphy

7/29/2014 12:54:22 pm

It worked for me too! The man I spoke to was wonderful!

Maria

3/25/2013 02:27:51 pm

I tried this and the Vietnamese bitch hung up on me!

kevin

1/22/2014 10:08:45 am

They hung up on me to this shit don't work

Andrew

3/26/2013 01:33:07 pm

It's legit and a much faster way to get your things done and get back to the job search. It's unfortunate we have to go through these sorts of channels to get things done. No wonder so many people are still unemployed. They spend hours of their day dialing and redialing the number when they could be out looking for work. I called around 1pm and was all done by 130pm.

Christina

3/28/2013 09:17:31 am

This TOTALLY worked!!!! I've been calling all week and nothing. Desperate, I googled ways to get through to EDD and came across this trick. It took less than 5 mins (it's 9am), and the woman spoke enough english to tell me the problem. GREAT TRICK!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

4/1/2013 10:03:41 am

didn't work for me. I just get hung up on after message is over

ceecee

6/6/2013 02:27:18 pm

this shit doesnt work it did the exact same thing too me they talk and clicked its like a answering machine !

shennica

6/28/2013 11:37:55 am

You just have to call back. I had the same problem but it worked the second time

Kristina

9/25/2013 11:12:08 am

I just tried this and after several recordings in vietnamese I got hung up on.this sucks! Haven't been paid fora month

perry

4/10/2013 10:20:18 am

THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!!
I have been calling for like a week now and today for about a hour and a half straight. I tried your method and got directly transferred to who I needed to talk to!

Erick

4/10/2013 09:28:37 pm

This totally worked! I was so surprised! I gave her all my information and they fixed everything right up for me!

Adam

4/11/2013 11:26:40 am

I tried this and there is no hold music. Just a vietnamese recording. No live person at all. I dont know why I get a different result than everyone else....

Esmie

5/31/2013 09:47:37 am

When you hear the recording... Press 6-7-3 after they start speaking enter your social... When they start speaking again enter 1 (I assume to verify social) then you'll hear music and someone will answer.

jay

10/11/2013 10:35:58 am

This worked!!!!!! Finally after 2 months of not getting through. Thanks a Bunch

Steph

11/12/2013 08:55:15 am

Totally worked! Thank you Esmie!

Kate

5/28/2014 12:08:02 pm

I did this (6-7-3, soc, then 1) and got through to a Vietnamese call center. The lady spoke english, took my name, and helped me understand what was going on. 2 minute call.

Jessica

4/11/2013 03:43:28 pm

I tried this in January and it worked like a charm the first time I tried and was on the phone for 8 minutes total. Today I had to call 7 times for it to work. The first 6 times I would get a hold music and then the line would go dead but it wasn't hanging up on me and it sounded like there was a technical problem. THe 7th time I got through by pressing NO numbers and someone answered in Vietnamese. She was fluent in English and helped me, Once I got through the call only took 8 minutes. Good luck everyone! The EDD is just overwhelmed and totally swamped.

Ray

4/15/2013 10:58:33 am

Okay it worked!! Not the first time but the second time. The gentlemen on the the line was very helpful. 15 minutes total. I had marked down the wrong info so he was helpful in getting the right info for me. The first call was 2 min and it hung up on me. Thanks Jeff for posting this trick. I would have never gotten thru this week or perhaps never.

Andy

4/16/2013 11:01:49 am

OMG it worked!!!
Tried for an hour on the English line, tried this and go trough the first time! Thanks :)

George G Cisneros

9/19/2016 06:19:52 pm

My call was answered by a Vietnamese lady and she was so helpful. Thank you for the tip.

Gpeazy

4/17/2013 03:42:37 pm

After a week of the busy hang up seen this tried it 15 minutes ago and it worked!!!

LaRay

4/18/2013 02:17:54 pm

Wow!! After 4days of non stop calling from 2 cell phones 135 calls total.. I found this info!! And now we have gotten this taken care of!! Thanks everyone!! Total life saver!!!

EDD GUY

4/23/2013 09:09:07 am

I called right at 8am and spoke to a really friendly guy. He answered looked me up and answered all my questons and got off the phone within 6 minutes. Great advice!

Susan

4/23/2013 10:12:08 am

Yep, just worked great!!! The first guy that answered in Vietnamese, after I said, "Hello, is this EDD?" didn't say a word, just transferred me to someone within a few seconds a woman (of course with attitude) who I think was ESL (but not judging) was able to assist me and give me the information I needed...7 minutes and change! After 6 months of NEVER getting a human on the line, it was great!!! Thanks for the tip! Now, if actually getting a decent job was as easy at this last call, my life would be great!

Liz

4/23/2013 02:45:35 pm

Wow. That actually worked after three or four attempts and being disconnected. Thank you so much for the advice! It's a real shame that it's so hard to get through to them.

Lara

4/25/2013 11:04:51 am

It didn't work for me! I didn't respond and they eventually hung up on me. I'll keep trying ...

samanta

4/25/2013 11:50:02 am

it totally worked just did it right now and was able to get through!

gd4nthg

4/25/2013 12:03:39 pm

WOW, less then 5 minutes!

4/25/2013 03:36:35 pm

AMAZING! Literally took 3 minutes for someone to answer the phone.. The problem was though was it was a woman who 3/4ths spoke some form of asian and 1/4 english.. So I literally COULD NOT understand her! Super frustrating and I think I got my problem solved...? But we will see how well she understood me. :( BUT an AMAZING alternative to the other no answer line! THANK YOU <3

RS link

4/26/2013 10:40:45 am

This tip worked worked for me! I was on and off the phone in less than 6 minutes! Thanks so much:)

4/26/2013 12:35:56 pm

This worked wonders. I called several times within the last 3 days on the English line and could not get through. I called using the instructions listed and it worked the first time. This was a life saver. All of my qts were answered and the lady was very helpful. She spoke great English.

Melissa

4/26/2013 01:40:06 pm

This worked out for us! After we pressed 000671, 3 min hold and we have a lady on the line now. Whewww thank you! Sad we have to try to find ways to get around our system! :|

grateful

7/24/2013 11:49:17 am

This just worked for me. THANK YOU!!!

Andi

4/29/2013 12:03:57 pm

dialed 1-800-547-2058. listened a few minutes of recording then pressed 000671, and got connected to a live person. she put me on hold for a minute then took care of my issue. thanks!!!

JAD

4/30/2013 10:53:38 am

I called the Spanish phone number and was able to talk to somebody in about 3 mins (fortunately I also speak Spanish). The person who answered was not friendly at all and did not speak the language well. But he was able to reopen my case, solve the issue I had and answer some of my questions. Hopefully he knows what he's doing...

Veronica

5/2/2013 04:13:32 pm

This worked awesome!!! After calling the main number numerous times and not getting through, I called this one time and it worked within 5 minutes! Thank you for posting!!!

Neel

5/6/2013 12:51:56 pm

YES YES YES !!!! Thank you this worked for me in the 2nd attempt. Reached out to a very helpful lady who gave me all the help I needed.

For all those who read this I want you to know that I missed my interview as I did not receive my mail from EDD scheduling my interview. I was paranoid but after reaching them they told me that the interview was for some clarifications and my claim has been approved. Its a big relief. Thank you for this trick to get thru to EDD.

Bob

5/6/2013 03:08:55 pm

Vietnamese lady will hang up on you!

Monse

5/8/2013 09:27:42 am

Totally worked!!!!!

Nikki

5/8/2013 09:45:18 am

This worked like a charm!! thank u so much! i could not get through many times over before reading this!!!

nadine

5/13/2013 09:53:59 am

I used this number and heard a recording in Vietnamese that went on over and over so I pushed "0". A live person came on the line and I asked if it was the EDD office. She said yes but it is the Vietnamese line and I said "oh, I'm sorry." She asked if i'd like to be transferred to the English line, i said yes and was transferred to an english speaking operator who took care of my issue. THANK YOU!!! i'd been trying for over a week to get through the regular way!!

Lindsey

5/14/2013 09:47:14 am

It totally worked for me! This is a HUGE life saver. Thank you to all involved in this amazing trick. My advice is to call early in the morning, around 8am when they open. Everyone is fresh and ready for the day vs. at the end of the day when all the employees want to go home!

terri

5/16/2013 05:01:37 pm

tried this and it worked like a charm. lady who answered was helpful but rude.... pressed no buttons at all

hgfrtuk

5/16/2013 05:46:20 pm

Worked like a charm.

Pat

5/24/2013 09:38:24 am

Worked for me! Thanks.

Michelle

5/28/2013 11:57:11 am

Just called in today, 05/28/13, and it worked!!
I called the Vietnamese 800#, and then pressed 0.
(I tried calling the first time and pressed nothing, but it sounded like the message was just repeating itself, so I just pressed 0 the second time I called in)
I heard the hold music and waited for about 6/7minutes.
Got a live person who spoke Vietnamese, I told her what I needed, and she put me on hold and transferred me to an English speaking rep.(I was on hold for only 2 minutes).
Once I got a live English speaking rep, he helped me get to the department I needed!!

Julie

5/31/2013 10:57:38 am

Not working for me at all!

nancy

6/4/2013 12:54:24 pm

I think they caught on..... smh

9/10/2013 09:55:33 am

Got through.... the girl was pissed and hung up on me.

9/10/2013 09:58:42 am

She said, "This is the Vietnamese line. You know the other number is working" then hung up. Really, because I have literally called 70 times this week..... I haven't received my money in over a week.

Jay

6/17/2013 10:35:06 am

This worked perfectly today. I was done in 20 minutes!

6/17/2013 11:03:30 am

This worked like a charm thank you

Ria

6/19/2013 12:08:40 pm

Tried this and it worked - Thank you! The rep that answered gave me a lecture & said not to call here b/c it is not fair for the Vietnamese people who cannot speak English. Which I understand but its faster for them to get assistance and my call was less than 2 minutes. I thanked her for helping but I don't think they understand how desperate some of us become when we are living pay check to pay check. If only we could do quick online chat w/EDD.

Deborah H

6/24/2013 11:23:47 am

This worked after trying a few times, the person who answered spoke perfect English!

Ericamos link

7/2/2013 09:50:37 am

I just tried this, and sat through all the menus without pushing any buttons. Unfortunately, after 2 minutes, the system hung up on me before I could get to on-hold music or an operator.

Diane

7/10/2013 11:03:17 am

I just got off the phone with EDD and it worked total call time was 20 mins I had a phone interview that was schedule for the 20 moved it to the 11th and got much need info thank you for this tip!

Matt

7/18/2013 10:07:02 am

Worked! I sat on hold for about 3 minutes without touching any buttons (the pre-recorded messages were in Vietnamese). I was then transferred directly to an English speaking agent who answered the phone in English. She was helpful and took care of my problems!

itworked

7/24/2013 11:48:13 am

Thanks to all that replied to this. I just dialed the number and pressed 000671 and spoke to someone in 2 mins.

jessica

7/24/2013 01:20:56 pm

Thank You so much!
The first 3 or 4 times I called it didn't work out for me...but then I heard the music and was on hold for about 3 minutes and got the help I needed...lady was really nice actually.
I dialed the number provided above.
GoodLuck guys!

Trish

8/2/2013 12:20:21 pm

This worked!! I have been trying for a week to get thru and tried this number today and actually got to talk to someone. She helped me, but she didn't sound like she was too happy about it. Now I just hope she does what she said she would do!!

Guillermo

8/2/2013 03:04:27 pm

OMG! Thank you sooooo much, after a week of trying to get them on the phone all it took was one call and "BANG" it worked.
The lady who helped me spoke perfect English and she was super helpful.. Thanks again!

girly EDD

11/14/2013 05:33:52 pm

I Called the 213-477-1405 num today @ 3:45 I was surprised they answerd thanks!

Jmxprod

9/11/2013 11:53:59 am

Nothing works at all! Cant get thru! Its been 3 days! I am going crazy! Its 9/2013. Have they changed? HELP!!!!!

michelle

9/11/2013 12:42:38 pm

hey jmxprod:

just tried this 213.477.1405 and it worked -- had to call once, and hit 0 to stay on hold about 6 times but eventually got an operator who transferred me to someone who was able to assist with my claim within 2 minutes.

I was informed that there has been a delay in everyone's claim for the past two weeks because EDD has switched over to a new system that distributes claim forms. If you haven't received yours for the past two weeks, they mailed it yesterday, 9/10/13 and you should be receiving it soon.

good luck!

Jessica

9/12/2013 12:51:23 pm

None of these tricks have worked for me today. Believe me I've tried. But the info you just shared is a bit comforting, so thank you!

Jennie

2/8/2016 10:16:31 pm

I just called this number 213-477-1405 @ 2:13 pm 2 min a women answered the phone then switched me to another lady and she then switched me to a man he helped me right away. great help michelle

Jaime Scholnick

9/12/2013 09:17:42 am

It DOES NOT Work!! I have tried anand

Julia

9/13/2013 12:19:33 pm

Didn't work. I've tried everything every day this week and am unsuccessful. Idk what to do anymore about contacting someone.

jmxprod

9/13/2013 12:54:54 pm

YES, IT IS BEYOND HORRIBLE. THE SYSTEM BREEDS ILLEGAL ACTIVITY. ITS FUNNY IF YOU HAVE NO INCOME TO DECLARE, TELE-CERT WORKS VERY WELL AND THE MONEY IS AUTO DEPOSITED. WHEN I DID FINALLY GET SOMEONE, SHE TOLD ME I HAD TO CALL THE 1-800 300-5616 # (WHICH IS JUST AN AUTOMATED BS #) AND WHEN I SAID I HAD AND WRITTEN 5 EMAILS, SHE SAID, NASTILY, WELL, YOU HAVE TO WAIT AND HUNG UP. THIS IS OUR MONEY! WE PAY INTO THIS SYSTEM AND TO BE TREATED THIS WAY IS JUST DISGUSTING. THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO...

Bobby

9/16/2013 01:36:04 pm

Okay this is what I did to get through to EDD. I called 213.477.1405 and told the operator that I received a 3 day pay or quit notice from my landlord and that I had not been payed by EDD in 4 weeks. The operator said sorry you have to call the regular EDD line as this is for interviews. I hung up and called 213.477.1405 and got a different person and told them that I received a 3 day pay or quit notice from my landlord and that I had not been payed by EDD in 4 weeks and she asked my my SS # and then transferred me to someone who transferred me to someone immediately released the funds electronically. She said I was caught in the labor day computer upgrade error. All she had to do was press a few buttons and I was paid. What would have happened if I had not called 213.477.1405? I DOUBT I WOULD HAVE BEEN PAID anytime soon and I would be on the streets. Despite what EDD is saying about the error, I think they are lying. IF YOU DO NOT CALL THEM in my opinion about the labor day computer glitch error you certification for the period ending 8/31/2013 is not likley going to get paid before you need the funds in a major way. Call the 213.477.1405 and if the person that answers won't help you hang up and call right back! Be persistent. If you are like me, being persistent is the difference between keeping my apartment or being on the street. OH ALSO BY THE WAY 213.477.1405 number worked for me after Noon well after the other EDD number does not work. Good luck. God bless you. Be persistent. I also had called my Assembly man in the morning and they said they were going to contact EDD for me, but I did not wait to see if that would have resolved things. Somehow i bet that would have taken days too. But call the 213.477.1405 and your state assembly mans office and do what ever you have to do. You paid into the EDD system and you deserve help when you need it. Godbless you all I am praying for you and rooting for you!

Jan Ash

9/25/2013 10:46:24 am

Just to let you know, this 213 office is in the LA area. I found out that San Diego handles my claims, so there was nothing they could do to help me. And they won't give me that number either.

I spoke with Millie, the supervisor at this 213 number, and she went on and on how they are not a call center. That people are using this 213 number in desperation to talk to a human, and it's really screwing up her operations because they are not a call center - blah, blah, blah, poor her and damn the unemployed people. I could not believe this woman! I told her I had a 3 day quit notice. She said when you get an actual eviction notice, take that eviction notice down to the local Work Source office and they will try to help me. But they won't do anything unless it's an actual eviction notice. A 3 day quit doesn't mean squat to them now.

I've been trying to call the 800 number since 9/10. I haven't been paid since August. I've done 2 email forms, and no response. I've re-applied for benefits, and no response. I can't get any info on the 4606 number either. It's like screaming into a howling wind.

I'm amazed that we all don't start a freakin riot in the streets over this. I haven't been able to look for a job because I spend every morning re-dialing till noon, then the rest of the day I fight becoming homeless, trying to hang onto my car, my phone, my internet.... They keep me so tide up in their labyrinth of incompetent bureaucracy that I’m circling the drain.

Carson

10/30/2013 12:13:21 pm

(619)525-4995, picked that number up somewhere

SeDiva link

9/18/2013 01:25:01 pm

I called today (9/18/13) at 8:02 am and it took me three minutes to get through using this formula:
1- 800-547-2058
wait for message to pause, then press 6
wait for message to start, then press 7
wait for message to start ... then press 3
wait for message to start...enter SSN
wait for message to start...press 1
will hear music while waiting to speak to a rep

It is a Vietnamese line, although I don't speak Vietnamese, the Rep who answered was already speaking English. I've also read from another user of this method,that when someone picked up they didn't speak English, so just say "Hello" and go right into your issue and they will switch over to English.
The odds are better that you will get through on this line so keep trying.
GOD BLESS and Good Luck!

Edie

9/25/2013 10:09:54 am

Today is the deadline for my benefits to be suspended because "my claim form was incomplete or incorrect." I tried this trick, and while it worked to get me through to the correct line, it still dumped my call after what I assume was "due to the number of callers, no agents are able to assist you. Please call back later" thing you get from the regular EDD line.

I've also tried the "direct" line and the "employer" line with the same results.

Maria

1/8/2014 10:43:38 am

Thank you. This way does work

SeDiva link

9/18/2013 02:06:59 pm

*** F.Y.I*** I was informed that all monies have already been paid by EDD to current status about 5 days ago but they are caught up in the in between process of the "new system" transition. So the frustration of EDD's changes and Bank of America's EDD card is a waste of energy at this moment. Persistence and Prayer got me this far with information. A WHOOOOLE LOT of Patience is what I'm working on now!!

Jan Ash

9/25/2013 10:49:02 am

So what does this mean? That even if we reach a human, there is nothing they can do about our payments? That our payments are lost in limbo till they get off their bureaucratic butts and figure out how to map BofA back into EDD????

Cheri marshall

9/20/2013 11:02:29 am

I can't even find a way to send them an email. I'm about to go postal!! I have tried every tip and trick! Where do you find an email address?

Edie

9/25/2013 10:12:15 am

I don't think there is an email address, only the form through the website. I've been TOLD that it works like a charm and someone gets to you in a few days. However, I have never been able to get ahold of someone using the form.

Well, I did once. But that was two months after I'd emailed them, so I don't count it.

If anyone has a good email address, I'd be appreciative, too.

Jonathan

9/25/2013 10:54:04 am

Today I called the Chinese line 1-800-547-3506
I pressed 6,7,3 then my ssn then 1. I got thru. total wait time 3 minutes. Good luck people.

April

10/9/2013 11:14:41 am

Thanks Jonathan! I've been calling for a week straight & this actually worked! They just transferred me to an English speaking rep & I was bounced around a couple times since my claim is a multi-state claim, but I got it all taken care of today. Yay! Feel like I won the lottery :)

Mary

9/27/2013 10:23:34 am

Hello to all!
Thank you to whoever made this website!
I started this past Monday trying to get through to EDD. You know, being HONEST, pressing buttons and being told, "Due to the number of callers..." blah blah blah and hung up on. I started at 7:58 am with a game plan and Jesus told me that I would get though to an operator today. Here's what happens when you call 1-800-300-5616:
"Thank you...": too busy, hang up
"Welcome...": press 1 and some guy talks forever
After long talk, "For more information...": immediately press 6-7-1
Give SS# and press 1 to verify
At this point you will either hear:
"Due to the number of callers...": too busy, hang up OR
"Your estimated wait time is...": HOLD! somebody gonna talk to ya!
At 8:53 am, I was told that I had a 4 minute wait time! May have waited 3 minutes and got the help with the claim that I needed! Joy!!!
God Bless you all!

10/3/2013 11:15:10 am

Mary I hope I get blessed like you did. I've been trying for two weeks. Pray that I get through. It's really stressful. Today was the first day I tried the tricks. I called Vietnam line and got through but the rude lady hung up after asking if I spoke vietnamese. What does it matter? I'm still a customer that need help. Anyway, pray for me please.

10/3/2013 12:18:27 pm

I got through! 45 minutes after posting my above comment to Mary. I did the 18003005616---6, 7, 1 Give SS# and press 1.
I tried the chinese line, vietnam line, the spanish line, the employer line, the 213 number the 916 number, I actually went to a local edd office and stood in line for 3 hours to get on the list to use their phones. I've been doing this non stop for two weeks.

I read Mary's reply and was like if Jesus can tell her that, He can tell me that also and I got through! Praise God. It's like loads of weight coming off now. I wish you all well and success also.

Ivoree link

10/31/2013 08:47:21 am

Thank you Mary and TK :0)
Yesterday, I was reading your comments and......
I finally got thru after back to back calls to the edd this morning. I had to wait a lil bit to speak to someone but, it was worth it. The person that I spoke to was really nice. Now, I just have to do my phone interview.....
Stay persistent and don't give up.........
Good Luck everyone and have a blessed day.

dee

10/7/2013 10:31:44 am

Calling 800-547-2058 worked thank God.. I didn't press ANY buttons!! (I initially did & it hung up but 2nd time I presed NO buttons & it worked). The music played for about 10 mins.then its silent (DONT HANG UP) & some lady answered after a few minutes of silence. The lady answered in English saying "EDD" & I told her my issue. Problem solved! :)
Its utterly ridiculous we all have to trick them into helping us.. They really need to do something about this because I'm sure more people have done more than me to try to get their problems solved (I've sent 2 "Ask EDD" online questions within a week& today I started calling the 800-300-5616 at 7:58 am for over 30 minutes using my house phone & cell phone at the same time) but after all that I found this site & this trick worked. Thank u

Jon

10/18/2013 11:46:18 am

Dial 1-800-547-2058 Problem solved! :)
STAY ON THE LINE, PRESS NO BUTTONS!!!!!!!
After some hold music, a live operator will address you in Vietnamese, Just say "Hello, EDD office?" And they will switch to english. The lady I got today was very friendly and helpful, and spoke good English.
My total call time: October 18, 2013 | 10:00 AM PDT | 12 minutes 50 seconds
It’s very sad... Foreign Language lines are more helpful than our own National English Language!!!!

Eric

10/7/2013 12:06:49 pm

None of these worked for me. Vietnamese line keeps hanging up on me. Other numbers just say try calling again.

Claudia

10/9/2013 01:44:32 pm

I tried the steps recommended by Mary and I also had success getting through after about 1 hr and 20 mnts. I had been trying for over 2 months and was never able to reach someone. Thank you Mary, God Bless you all.

Here's what happens when you call 1-800-300-5616:
"Thank you...": too busy, hang up
"Welcome...": press 1 and some guy talks forever
After long talk, "For more information...": immediately press 6-7-1
Give SS# and press 1 to verify
At this point you will either hear:
"Due to the number of callers...": too busy, hang up OR
"Your estimated wait time is...": HOLD! somebody gonna talk to ya!

Lisa

10/16/2013 09:56:21 am

Thanks Claudia...I got thru doing this after just 10 minutes of calling and getting hung up on after dialing 1. When I got thru to the second phase I dialed the 671...and ss #..then 10 min hold and was on the phone with them for about a half hour. At the beginning she told me I had filled out my claim for incorrectly...they had sent it back TWICE for this. At the end of the hold she told me, as I knew, that I HAD filled it out correctly and she was sorry and payment would be sent to my account and the next set of claim forms from September would be mailed. I'm afraid to hope...hoping I get that payment tomorrow..or at least this week! Thanks for the tip...I also called the Vietnamese number while I was trying this but that number just hung up on me too. Anyway, thanks for all the tips on this forum. Good luck to us all!

margaret link

4/26/2016 06:04:23 pm

It works... Fantastic !!!Wonderful
Finally , got through in less than 10 minutes
all questions answered

Steve

10/29/2013 12:14:27 pm

I got through the Vietnamese line but the lady I spoke to wasn't too happy. She told me that this line is designed for Viet people don't know English. The lady on the phone also told me that she is fed up with all these calls and she will report it to her supervisor and upper management to put a stop to it,

She did help me out but with a real bad attitude. I called this line tons of times before getting through. I guess too many people has caught on and it becomes like the English line (all clogged up).

Carson

10/9/2013 12:18:56 pm

Used 213-477-1405. Pressed 0 was on hold for like 10 mins, told the lady I haven't received a claim form in four weeks. Gave her my SSN, and she transferred me to the EDD. Keep pressing 0 to hold for a Rep. Took like 15 mins to speak to a Rep. DON'T HANG UP. Keep pressing 0 until a Rep picks up. If the Rep you get is an ass like I did as to speak to a supervisor. She sending my claim form out
Hopefully I get it tomorrow or Friday. I have to FAX her my claim form and she will manually. Then my 3rd extension can start. Let's see if I get the claim form. They told me it was mailed 9/27 but I never got it. I doubt they mailed it on the 27th though. Will let you know if I received it. But that's how to get through

jon

10/9/2013 02:44:59 pm

Been trying to get through that 800 # since 9/30. Been trying to email as well. All fruitless. Used 213-477-1405 and was able to get to a rep after being transferred once and put on hold for almost 10 minutes. Explained to rep that I have not yet received my continued claim form for the 2 weeks ending 9/28. She was very helpful and said she would have it mailed. Took almost 5 minutes to get issue resolved. Of course, I was respectful and professional in my dealings with her. Will post result as soon forms are received.
And Carson, thanks for the info.

Star

10/11/2013 01:36:21 pm

Ok I did this too. It took an hour of being on hold and continually hitting 0 to stay on the line but i finally got music and then a LIVE PERSON, who told me that I needed a different office (i'm im not a 213) but that she would transfer me as a courtesy JUST THIS ONCE. She did. I got more music and then another person and eventually got it all sorted out. It took in total over 90 minutes but it's done. So, I'd give the 213 477 1405 number a shot. You just gotta BE PATIENT and keep hitting 0

carson

10/30/2013 08:37:14 am

No problem

Darren

10/15/2013 11:59:44 am

It worked for me. I've literally been calling the 5616 number for six weeks and it has NEVER WORKED. I tried this Vietnamese thing this morning and got through after about 15 minutes. The lady didn't even need to transfer me, she just asked me a few questions and fixed my problem. Whoever figured this out is a GENIUS! Thanks so much!!

Ed U. Cated

10/18/2013 12:20:33 pm

The Vietnamese line still works. I used it today after trying the 1800 number and the 671 code unsuccessfully. I also tried the 213 number and dialing 0 a ton of times to no avail.

Just call the Vietnamese line and don't say or press anything. You will be put on hold and then an operator will answer. They will speak in Vietnamese when they answer. Just say " I'm calling the Edd about......" They will change over to English and help you. The lady was very nice and reopened my claim for me.

Shelley Mack

10/22/2013 01:21:20 pm

Just called the 213-477-1405 number repeatedly until 12pm when someone picked up! Finally! They said another office was working on my claim form as we speak and they will keep an eye on it until processed and will call if there are any further issues. Took me 6 weeks of trying until I saw this site! Thanks so much!

Flip

10/24/2013 12:27:11 pm

Shelly use this number 1-800-547-2058, once a live person answers, ask if they speak English. The person I spoke to was very helpful.

jon

10/22/2013 04:53:14 pm

follow-up to my post of 10/9. received forms on 10/16. mailed forms on 10/17. got paid for weeks 9/15-10/5.

Flip

10/24/2013 12:22:09 pm

I called and stayed on line for about 3 minutes. Then at first some one answered in a different language. I took the risk and asked if she spoke English. Right away she asked for all my info and was very helpful. Not sure if this will work all the time but for my first time it went well.

Thanks everyone for this tip....

Greg Palinsky

10/28/2013 11:27:05 am

This worked. I live in San Francisco, I dialed (213) 477-1405 which is an LA office. I was connected, I gave her my social, my name and then immediately said "Please help me, I'm desperate". She said "This is not your office". I said "Please help me I'm about to be homeless". She said "Hold on", and transferred me to the SF office where I was on hold again, but finally got through to someone. She asked if I was claiming hardship, I said yes and I was being evicted (I wasn't). I then was put though to someone who could help me. It took about 30 minutes in total but it worked.

Carson

10/30/2013 12:31:12 pm

Here are numbers that i came acroos during my quest to get through, (213) 744-2137, (213) 477-1405, (213) 744-2100. Keep pressing "0" until you get someone. Most times they will transfer you to the EDD, sometimes they send you right to the 800 number and you get the call back message. You may even get a rep thats an ass and transfer you to the message we all dread to hear. Hell do like I did and call back. It might hang up once they transferred you, but call back again. You have to be persistant. I need a one week extentsion, before they can start my 3rd extentsion. Haven't gotten a claim form in almost going on 8 weeks for that one week. I kept calling they asses. Once you do get an EDD rep, if they are not helpful enough ask to speak to a supervisor. Spoke to a supervisor today and explained to her the situation, and found out what the problem was. I should be able to do it online tomorrow to get paid for that one week, if not then I have to contact her back tomorrow and it will get fixed. Hell you can even bug they asses at a direct line number too......(916) 683-4400. If your story isn't messed up make it messed up until they get you an EDD rep. It sucks you have to go through all this BS to talk to someone to get help on things that they messing up on. All I can say is good luck and keep trying. Someone will transfer you to an agent sooner or later calling these numbers. It's faster than the dam 800 number

Dude

11/12/2013 09:36:12 am

EDD apparently put their resources into resolving the glitches that allow the successful use of these tricks; Sadly EDD has not put forth the same effort and resources into resolving the actual communication issues with their customers. Ironically, anyone else with such poor work performance would be on unemployment by now...unless this is why they can't answer the phones.

E R

11/12/2013 11:42:38 am

I tried the Vietnamese phone numer and it worked for me dial the number don't press any numbers wait for the music and someone will aswer it took like 5 or 6 minutes but it was worth it...

david

11/14/2013 11:47:51 am

ER, what was the message like? because when I call the Vietnamese line a man just speaks on a prerecorded message and then it hangs up every time after about two minutes, I have never been able to get to the hold music, Are you doing anything other than calling the number at all? any button sequence?

Bobby

11/19/2013 08:52:21 am

This worked great for me:)

Susan

11/20/2013 08:57:20 am

I am calling this 213# as we speak. I have been hitting the 0 button for 10 times now going on 11. I am hoping and praying I get someone even if they have an attitude. What I need to understand is that, how come I only got paid for 1 week if I my benefit amount is still high? I am not on my waiting period at all. I am in the middle of my Tier 1. Can someone who has some type of experience with this help to explain to me? Thank you!

Twc

12/18/2013 09:46:53 am

Worked and they were very helpful. Can't believe this is the only way to reach the office.

Joe

1/15/2014 06:58:50 pm

FIRE ALL THE RUDE EDD STAFF AND GIVE US THEIR JOBS!

We would do a better job of taking care of each other than they do.

And if they call in to claim benefits and they used to work for the EDD, we can let them see what it is like to be treated nicely. Maybe they will learn something from us.

Sebastian

2/13/2014 09:37:24 am

I had a complication because I worked a part of the recent 18-months in Arizona. So, filing a new application on the internet was not an option. It said I need to call the phone line to file.

I went through the same path using the Vietnamese number.
Got through to a very pleasant young lady who checked things out for me and filed the new application for me. She went over the two options I had : to file first with Arizona (which would give a lower weekly benefit), and second to file first with California (which had a higher weekly benefit, because of the time/earnings I had here).

She filed the new application for me for CA in a few minutes. She even backdated it to the previous week, since that was the first time I started calling the phone line at EDD.

Thanks for the helpful info from all.

Stefanie

2/28/2014 10:14:01 am

I just tried it and it worked! The only problem is my unemployment was supposed to be until September of this year and he said they were paid up until Feb 4th. this year and I no longer will receive benefits. Does anyone have suggestions on what to do to get income? I am able to work full time and have been on the hunt every day!

Ronnie

3/11/2014 10:25:33 am

It worked for me! I just got off the phone. Called the 800 number and pressed 0. Vietnamese agent came on and transferred me to an English speaking Asian person. I got my questioned answered. Where the hell is my payment?

Langley

4/22/2014 10:55:57 am

This does work! I had to call in 2 times but it does work. I called a little after 9am, so I wasn't sure if I would get through because I wasn't calling right at 8am when they open the phone lines. But it worked!! One thing is that when I called the 1st time, since it's in a language that I can't understand, I think they disconnected call from their system but on my end it kept on the line because I was the one calling in. If you do not hear music in the back ground any longer, then they have disconnected and you will need to call back. The lady did answer in another language but quickly switched to English and then asked me to hold on a few seconds, which was actually almost 2 minutes, but I could hear her typing so I knew she was still on the line. I didn't want to say anything to pressure her because I wanted her to help me. She answered all my questions, which was awesome! For those of you inquiring about unemployment extensions after the 6 months ends, you are able to get paid for the months after the 6 months ends. You have to wait until after the year mark of when you initially filed the claim, but your pay depends on how much you earned in the 6 months between when your compensation ends and the year mark after the claim. So, I filed a claim in Sept. 2013 and my unemployment insurance was paid to me through March 2014 (6 months). I start my job in May, but have the whole month of April 2014 with no pay. In Sept 2014, when the claim I filed in Sept. 2013 ends, I can refile a claim for the month (April 2104) that I didn't get paid. So I won't get get paid for April 2014 until my claim ends in Sept 2014, when I'm able to open up a new claim. I might have to wait, but at least I will still be able to get the money. The amount paid to you depends how much you make in between the period of when your 6 months of money ends and the next 6 months when your claim ends.Every claim lasts a year, but usually the compensation runs out in 6 months. I hope I was able to explain this in a way that is clear enough to understand. Good luck

Jen

6/17/2014 09:50:54 am

God bless whomever posted this. It totally worked on my third try and I got a really nice woman to help me.

tina

11/4/2014 02:11:21 pm

the number to get through is 916-654-0453

patiently waiting

11/6/2014 10:53:36 am

OK EVERYONE LISTEN UP/ I READ THE REVIEWS AND TRYED 2 OPTIONS THAT WERE AVAILABLE. AND I AM A VERY INPATIENT PERSON SO I THEN CALLED THE 1/213/477/1405 NUMBER AND A VERY NICE LADY ANSWERED AND TOLD ME AT LEAST THAT I WAS AWARDED BENIFITS BUT I HAD TO FURTHER TALK TO SOMEONE IN MY AREA. SHE THEN TRANSFERED ME TO THIS GENTLEMEN WHO ANSWERED QUIKLY AND OMG/ MY STUFF WAS ON HOLD BECAUSE I WAS TO HAVE A SECOND PHONE INTERIVEW WHICH WAS NOT REQUIRED AND THEY HAD THE WRONG ADDRESS WHICH HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE I RECIEVED MAIL FROM THEM. BUT ANY WAY HE FIXED EVERYTHING, VOIDED OUT THE SECOND PHONE INTERVIEW AND BASICALLY MY STUFF WAS JUST SITTING THEIR. SO BY TOMMORROW I CAN SUBMIT MY CLAIM ONLINE TO BE PAID AND BY NEXT WEEK I SHOULD HAVE MY MONEY. I DID NOT GET YELLED AT FOR USING THE NUMBER I DID SO THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE FOR EVERYONES INPUT CUZZZZZ I WAS GOING CRAZY I GOT 9 CATS TO FEED. HAHA

Jorge link

9/15/2015 06:35:36 pm

i called and waited for about 8 minutes and when they answered they asked for my personal info. and i'm a happy customer they helped me out with my claim

Jane Q Public

1/29/2016 06:57:24 pm

This still works.

jes

2/24/2016 08:09:52 pm

totally worked for me. was trying to get a hold of anybody on the english line all morning and never succeeded.for at least 30 mins, but this took about 10.

Out of work film editor

4/20/2016 07:32:04 pm

Just got through no problem with the Vietnamese line. I called and didn't press any buttons. It spoke in Vietnamese for about 2-3 straight minutes, with some hold music in-between. Then finally a person answered in Vietnamese and I said "is this EDD office?" and she said yes and proceeded to help me in very good english and was very friendly. What a killer trick!!! Thanks so much for saving me all that time!!!!

Raymond

7/11/2016 08:12:17 pm

This absolutely worked for all the slow ppl who didn't follow direction your ah complete. Idiot and the racists comments aren't necessary👎 but this tricked works and my ask and dob and name was taken and my benefits restored the call took all of five minutes thanks for the.smart,fast,helpful tip!☺

Better EDD Phone Number to Get Through for Unemployment When the Line is Busy

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Tricks to Get Through to California Unemployment

If you have a reason to contact California's Unemployment offices, you probably know this is no simple task. Fortunately, there are other lesser known, and LESS BUSY phone lines available to anyone that knows them and knows how to use them.

This site will walk you through everything you need to know to get through to EDD today!

Better EDD Phone Number to Get Through for Unemployment When the Line is Busy

Leave a Reply.

Top Methods for Getting Through:

Archives

Categories

EDD CA

Tricks to Speak with a Live Person

CA EDD Office Locations

If you have a reason to contact California's Unemployment offices, you probably know this is no simple task.
Fortunately, there are other lesser known, and LESS BUSY phone lines available to anyone that knows them and knows how to use them.