Home » Tricks to Get Through to California Unemployment

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!

Latest Trick to Get Through to EDD

2/12/2013

Thank you to all who have left comments regarding your experience trying to get through to California EDD. The comments section has clearly proven that Anna's method for getting through is also an effective way to get a live person. As a result, I think it deserves its own post on this website.

Here's the trick that has worked for many...

HERE'S WHAT WORKS EVERY TIME: hit 5 (as if you're an employer), then hit 1 when prompted, then hit 1 again when prompted, then hit 0 (to speak to a live person) - they will tell your wait time and then a nice person comes on - LIVE!!! This works better than anything out there - and I've tried them all!!!

Thanks to Anna for providing this effective trick!

Was Anna's trick effective in getting you through to California EDD?

*Poll added to post on May 28, 2013.

387 Comments

Trista

2/13/2013 12:50:39 am

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU for the tip!! After DAYS of calling and listening to recordings just to be told "due to the volume of callers, we are unable to assist you at this time, please try back later", I FINALLY was able to get through and talk to a real person! What a relief. I am truly grateful for the post.

KARRIE

3/6/2013 04:01:49 am

OMG IT WORKED! GOT THRU 1ST TRY! THANKYOU!

Frances Lizardo

4/29/2013 04:15:38 am

HELP !HELP!! I can't get still can't get through to the unemployment ofjce

Dana

9/20/2013 04:39:51 am

After 3 1/2 hours of trying to get through, I tried this trick. It did not work for me, BUT when I combined Anna and Allisa's tricks, I finally got through. After listening to the lengthy recording, I QUICKLY dialed 5-1-1-0 and after listening to their terrible music for about 8 minutes, I actually got to speak to a real live person. Thank you so much!

KIM

9/24/2013 02:28:31 am

Trying this right now when they transfer me it say due to number of callers already waiting i have to try later,do i keep trying or move to another technique? HEEELLPPP

the one

4/11/2013 02:37:19 am

thank yu soooo much this totally worked

Vena

4/12/2013 03:50:39 am

This worked I got thru to ms. Joyce and she helped me while her employer only line was not busy she was professional and very helpful and fixed my error on claim form as well as sent ok to release my money to my card! I never would have thought to do this w/o ur comment thanks!!

Vera

5/8/2013 06:02:03 am

Dear Frances,
Dial 1-800-300-5616.
When they start promting to press 1,2, ..., press 5 (like employer), then pres "1", and again "1", and right after that press "0".
They will tell you your waiting time, probably 1 min., and you'll get a LIVE person to answer your question.
Good Luck!
I cannot thank enough the one who invented this trick!
It is the MOST HELPFUL thing I've ever found!

charrish

9/3/2013 03:57:17 am

yes, yes yes. this works. I waited 1 full minute and got a live body on the other line!! And they answered all my questions. On the phone total maybe 5 minutes...

Matt link

5/1/2013 01:45:56 am

Thank you so much!!!
A very helpful & nice guy named Matt assisted me.

Karen

8/5/2013 01:59:22 am

Got through first try!!!! 1 minute wait

Jennifer

9/10/2013 01:57:59 am

5-1-1-0.....works EVERY time!!!!!!!

Jessr

9/20/2013 02:15:19 am

They must have caught on, I have tried since 8:00 this morning and the recording states that they have more calls then they van handle then hangs up. I have tried for three days. They sent me a questionnaire asking if I was still disabled I filled it out and sent them the Dr. note which stated I couldn't go back to work until this December yet the edd office stopped paying me.

rusty

5/13/2013 02:28:20 am

doesnt work

stephanie

7/23/2013 08:54:57 am

Yes, this worked on my first try! My husband has been trying to get through for days. I took the advice and pressed 5 when prompted then 1, 1 ,and 0 for a live operator, and it took less tham a minute for a very nice person to answer and file my husbands claim. Thank you so much!!!

sparks

8/7/2013 01:53:38 am

It worked for me! On the line right with them!

Jaclyn

5/20/2013 01:19:46 am

This worked on the first try!! Was not even on hold for 5 seconds before I spoke to a very nice person. This will come in handy since the government had cut the phone rep hours. Better than calling the vitenmesse line.

Holley

5/21/2013 04:09:00 am

Wow!!!!!! Yes it worked!! I had been calling and like many other say "due to the high volume of calls, they can't take my call." Now they are cutting back their hours!! So frustrating..I am so glad I decided to look this up! I got a rep on the line and rectified my problem! (hopefully) Not going to get my hopes up too much..because we all are familiar with they way edd works. Thanks!!!! What a relief.

Dawn

10/5/2016 11:36:40 am

Yes it Did work Right now. Thank you for sharing

Kathy

5/29/2013 02:35:24 am

Wow this worked first time and the gal was so nice. Thank you

Connie

6/11/2013 03:56:05 am

I got through in less than one minute.

Marlee

7/17/2013 03:10:30 am

THANK YOU. This worked immediately. I guess you're not supposed to use commas in your address filing. They sent my stuff to the wrong address... fucking EDD.

edd

12/17/2014 02:52:30 am

EDD and Governor Moonbeam can lick the shit off my giant shaft

Scottie link

7/17/2013 05:48:14 am

Holy Cow!!! it really worked!!! Thank You Anna!!!

Norma

7/22/2013 02:38:06 am

I am glad it worked for you, Trista! I just tried it this morning, 7/22/13 and it does not give you the option to press 0 to speak with an operator. However I decided to dial the Spanish line and after you follow the prompts it gives you the option to press 0 to speak with a live person, and I got thru to a LIVE PERSON!!!! I guess they are on to this already, but they haven't updated the Spanish line to block the 0 option yet as they are slow as molasses! LOL

Elizabeth

11/22/2013 12:15:15 am

what is the Spanish line number? I speak Spanish so it perfect anyways!!

cate

8/7/2013 03:43:19 am

This worked perfect! Got through right away and the lady who answered sounded like she wanted to help and didn't hate her life. THANK YOU!

susan

8/26/2013 02:51:49 am

TOTALLY works!! Just do what is prompted 5, 1, 1, 0 took less than a minute.

John

10/2/2013 04:16:05 am

Thank you for the operator number. It took about an hour with two phones calling back to back, and finally got the operator, who then transferred me to the office who directly sends out my payment. Come to find out, eventhough online it showed I submitted my claim, their computer system shows that I did not submit a claim. So, claims are also getting lost, also.

Jess

10/4/2013 05:29:15 am

John - what number did you use? I tried for more than 2 hours today and was never able to get anywhere. Thanks!

Valerie

10/17/2013 11:46:51 am

John:
Do you mean newly filed claims submitted online with APPLY EU are getting lost as well as continued claim forms filed online? I filed a brand new claim using the APPLY EU system online Oct 1 and no response as in no Notice of Award Letter or EDD Brochure, let alone a claim form. What number did you use? I will try to call tomorrow.

Gay

10/23/2013 04:57:31 am

10/22/2013 This did not work for me. "We are currently receiving more calls than we can answer."

STAR

1/21/2014 06:05:17 am

WHAT IS YOUR TRIK FOR ME DID NOT WORK

www.flipfromthewest.com

4/23/2021 10:35:22 am

THATS BECAUSE IT DOSENT WORK,,,, YOU GET THROUGHT TO THE TAX DEPARTMENT AND THEN THEY MAD AND TRANSFER RIGHT BACK TO THE SAME QUE,,,,IT MAY HAVE WORKED FOR A LITTLE W,,,,BBUT IT DOSENT NOW.....

4/30/2014 01:32:24 am

OH MY GOD!!!!! IT REALLY WORKS!!! I have been trying for over a week to get a real person on the phone. I even called at exactly 8am and thew lines were STILL to busy! I can not say thank you enough for that trick. I will worship you as a Goddess.

Angela

6/30/2014 03:57:39 am

Awesome! Thx for the tip! It works, im on hold right now.

Barbara

7/11/2014 01:30:43 am

Anna's method worked for me. I still needed to be tenacious to get through where I needed to be - but only ordinarily tenacious - not impossible tenacious as EDD regularly requires. I was fearful that the people at the end of the business line would be rude and unhelpful as I was calling the wrong line but they were unfailingly polite and helpful. Why do we as taxpayers accept such horrendous service?

anon

2/23/2015 02:21:57 am

900# worked perfectly.. No waiting

Andre

4/2/2015 01:29:56 am

Presto! Just wanted to add a comment on how useful this trick was. Dialed the 1-800-300-5616 number. The first time I called, it answered with a recording of a males voice informing you of how they're experiencing a high call volume. Then it hangs up on you, seems like without notice. Called back a second time, and instead of waiting, I immediately dialed "5". Waited for the prompt to ask me if I were an employer, then pressed "5" again. Then finally " 1-1-0" and presto! it worked. Thank you Anna's Trick! F.Y.I- this was submitted on 4/2/2015.

Binh

6/3/2015 03:18:30 am

It worked perfectly, but after you called 800, press 1 for English first. Then press 5-1-1-0 together. If you hear the music then wait for it. It connected me to the live person in 4 minutes.

Amanda

6/23/2015 03:13:55 am

I have been trying and trying to get through, no luck. Then, I called the 800 number and then pressed 5-1-1-0 and now I am currently on hold for 5 mins! I cannot believe it is actually going to work now! :) Good luck fellow unemployed folks!

7/27/2015 01:31:00 am

As of 07/27/2015, this trick still works :) less than 5 minutes. Thank you Anna !!!!!

Michel

7/14/2016 11:21:04 am

As of 7-14-2016 this tip from Anna still works! Thank you!
After spending 2 hours not getting thru to EDD I found this tip and called and within 3 minutes I had a person on line to help me.
You are an Angel for posting this information thanks!

7/27/2015 04:09:13 am

Really, someone take the CA edd and put them out to pasture! This is a joke trying to get a hold of these people! What's even the point of that 800 number, it does nothing but frustrate and piss people off. Not good, when you're in constant pain from a broken heel/foot! This state is amongst the highest on taxes, yet it's like there's only 2 people handling every call in the state! Some of these tricks work kinda, but send you to other depts. half the time or endless phone prompts to nowhere! The Vietnamese trick eventually brought me to an unemployment agent, but they couldn't do anything for disabilities. The CA edd is nothing but a miserable loop that gets you nowhere, the true definition of inefficiency and wasted, overinflated nonsense bureaucracy!! Take it out and start a new! Good Luck!!

8/31/2015 02:04:33 am

Somebody said the real true, calling the EDD is so frustrating, I wasted long time trying to talk to someone. I am not sure if the form i submitted a week and half, is the right one, no one has called me. I called many times to see the status of application, but no answer. To make things worst EDD doesnt have an office for unemployment in San Diego feel like crying.
My employer cut my hours drastically without notice, I've worked only one week in this month, I am a full time/hourly employee for 11 years, and i have to call my boss every day, in morning and afternoon to see if he has work for me, i don't even have money to pay my bills for next month.

Stephanie

10/19/2015 10:16:31 am

Yayy! I got through! After pressing 5-1-1-0 I was able to get through to an operator in less than 5 mins! Thank you thank you!!

KAY

1/22/2016 08:30:40 am

1/22/2016 IT WORKS. HIT 1 FOR ENGLISH FIRST THEN 5-1-1-0

dee

6/23/2016 09:30:17 am

totally worked! thank you

Kelly link

12/2/2016 12:31:57 pm

Please realize when I called I was told that this office is only open M - F from 8am to 12 noon.

jan

2/22/2018 01:00:29 pm

remember they close at 12 noon pacific time.

Lucas Stephens

5/27/2020 11:11:15 am

When I try to dial a number it hangs up

anthony aubry

1/15/2021 08:05:33 am

Please call

4/12/2021 11:32:15 am

This one does not work now :( I got someone but they are now handling tax payers only. She directed me to call 1 833 978 2511 and still gets disconnected after choosing the prompts.

Brian

4/21/2021 09:57:10 am

It worked! Thank you!

David Beaver

6/21/2021 01:29:46 pm

It don't work is 2 if your an employer not 5 unless you have a different phone num 18003005616 I know there's another number but on this number it doesn't work

Charisse

2/13/2013 01:25:02 am

Thank you so much!!!! Very cool of you!!!

Ted

2/13/2013 02:27:07 am

AWESOME!!!! I just did it. It took a few tries (3 or 4 maybe) but once it worked it was less than one minute wait time and the lady was very nice. Solved my problem in less than 5 minutes. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

2/15/2013 02:34:05 am

call the state employee line, they actually answer the phone for their own

A.E.G.

2/15/2013 07:03:32 am

THANK GOD!
Yes after weeks and weeks of calling and trying different alternate number sequences, this way was the one that got me to a rep and actually spoke with a person who explained me everything and assisted me. THANK YOU!

2/15/2013 08:16:13 am

worked perfect. Spoke to a representative within 1 min. She was helpful and transfered me to the right dept. Glad I found this as I would of not been paid if I hadn't spoken to someone "live." They admitted to be understaffed & backlogged.

Julie

2/15/2013 08:55:33 am

What number do you call for this method to work? I have been calling (800) 547-2058 and I still get the mssg that the maximum number of callers has been reached. Thanks for any help!!

Trista

2/15/2013 12:12:29 pm

From what my paperwork says you have been calling the Vietnamese line...the # I used is 800-300-5616 ..that's the only number I was able to find that said English.... although I did think about calling that one myself after days of frustration. Hope it works for you. Good luck!

Sarah

2/16/2013 08:30:36 am

What number should we call to use this method? Been calling 18003005616 but it always says call later, pressing 5 doesn't do anything. Thanks!

Trista

2/16/2013 09:16:06 am

That's the # I used but you my have to call back a few times in a row to get the right recording. They have two that run. I called back immediately after getting the one you were referring to. There is one recording that goes through some info about legistalture that was just passed. That's the one you want. You have to listen through that whole message until it gives you options. It says if you're an employer, press 5. That's what got me through after numerous days and tries. Then when prompted I selected 1, 1, 0 and it said my wait time was 1 minute. I was able to actually talk to a person. Hope it helps. Good luck!

Erik

9/13/2013 02:00:21 am

Not working. Recording coming on saying we are receiving more calls than we can answer. Then a long message and goodbye. Any other ideas.

Ahna

2/19/2013 04:21:15 am

Thank you SO very much for submitting this info!! After 6 weeks of trying to get though, I was finally able to speak to a rep!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. :)

Brittney

2/20/2013 01:54:01 am

THANK YOU! POSING AS AN EMPLOYER WORKED AFTER A FEW TIMES! MY WAIT TIME WAS UNDER 2 MINUTES!

kim

2/21/2013 01:31:23 am

This was so helpful, it worked and the lady was so sweet..I got the info I was hoping and praying for!! Thank you!!

nichole

2/21/2013 06:06:25 am

THANK YOU! we filed in dec 2012 and it is feb 2013 and still can not get through nor have we heard about our claim! they need to be seriously hiring right now! thanks for the post b/c of it my husband is actually talking to someone right now!! fyi if you e-mail them it takes 2weeks for them to reply and it's just a " oh we will process your claim asap" umm yeah and that was another month ago!

Jakk

3/1/2013 04:06:08 am

Same here. I was fired on my birthday in dec 2012, and filed that day... I never got my claim forms, and been calling edd for.months. I tried this today, got thru immediately and was able to reopen my case. It was closed due to it not having any correspondence..... Cause i gouldnt get thru! Finally progress is made!

Suse

2/21/2013 07:46:16 am

I was literally hitting "redial" for seven hours straight when I found this! It worked instantly. THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!!!!!!!

travis

2/22/2013 01:19:49 am

Worked like a charm...thanks Anna!!!

Kenyetta

2/22/2013 07:48:17 am

Thanks so much!! It worked, instead of sitting on the phone for hours, it worked on the first try. So grateful!

Jamie

2/25/2013 12:36:48 am

That ish worked like a charm.....I do admit I tried it 3 times before it actually worked.. there are 2 different messages I Listen to the message hit 5, 1, 1 0..and next thing u know..ur wait time is 1minute....im like OMG...and a guy pick up fast ...my issues were solved in less than 10mins..
Call EDD....check.... im done..thought that was gonna be an all day task....

Alicia J

2/25/2013 04:27:11 am

AWESOME!!! I can't tell you how grateful I am!

Renee

2/25/2013 04:56:51 am

This worked...thank you so much. I had tried 47 times to get through the "right" way this morning, then saw this. Got through the first try with a hold time of under one minute. The gentleman that answered was kind and helpful.

Nicole

2/25/2013 08:46:41 am

THANK YOU!!!! I could NEVER get through to EDD last time I was on unemployment and now had a question regarding my training benefits and was having the same issue 8 months later! this tip worked like a charm!! I tried several times today using the regular options, but FINALLY got through using 5-1-1-0 and got through THE FIRST TIME WITH 1 MINUTE WAITING!!! It might be "wrong" to use the employer line, but it's wrong in my opinion to keep hanging up on callers. If I wanted to wait on hold for 45 minutes, give me that option dangit, don't hang up on me! I will use this option from now on!

nick

5/17/2013 01:29:17 am

holy crap this worked thank u thank u so much

Mike

2/26/2013 04:22:36 am

Worked like a charm...

Elena

2/26/2013 06:40:31 am

Wow! This worked!! I'm simply amazed and want to thank you SO much!

Trisha

2/27/2013 12:44:43 am

Thank you thank you thank you!!! This worked perfectly and had no wait time what so ever after calling the regular line 50 times a day for the last week whew!!

Teresa

2/27/2013 01:07:26 am

I just got straight thru and this woman is an angel. is fixing the problem as I write and has givin me some great ideas and tips and explained somethings I didnt know about. Also discoverd that if you register for web cert you can log online and actually see were your claim stands. THANK YOU. Will pass this on to the many people I know are going thru this

Jenelle

2/28/2013 05:58:26 am

Thank you so so so so much! Have been calling for weeks and finally came across this post and got through immediately!

Skyler Young link

3/4/2013 02:50:08 am

I used this method this morning at 8:01am got right through 1 minute wait time was more like 10 seconds. I was calling to see what i needed to do because my claim expired. The rep filled out all the info for me and processed my new claim for me, my call lasted 35 minutes. This is the easiest and best way to get through. I highly recommend..

Finally Got Thru!!!!

3/4/2013 08:02:16 am

Wow, thanks so much for this trick! I got thru after a few minutes after repeated attempts at getting thru on the English line an then the Vietnamese line.

Thanks for sharing!!!

Dave

3/5/2013 08:50:06 am

Thank you. I spent 2 days trying to get through. Used the trick and was in in under 3 minutes on the first try.

Jane

3/6/2013 02:22:19 am

Thank you so much !!!!!! Brilliant !!!!!!!

ungoy

3/12/2013 08:06:31 am

It works. After the prompt a rep answered almost immediately.

My case may be a case of changed addresses. My mailing address was different than my residence (just moved so I entered my prior address not to confuse information) and my mailing address may have been TOO LONG. The VERY friendly rep told me things were mailed out over a week ago so we spent about 10mins trying to find the best way to abbreviate my address. No questions regarding why I was on the employer line; just took my call as if it were normal even when I explained I couldn't get thru by the usual means.

So also check your address. She told me the system allows so many characters. She could have been fibbing... I mean I told her I didn't have internet access... just FYI. Good luck.

aroe831

3/12/2013 08:34:13 am

This does indeed work. Will never sit through those ridiculous menus again to be told it's too busy.

Cesar

3/13/2013 07:19:24 am

OMG Praise the Lord! This really worked! Thank you so much! One minute later I was actually speaking to a live person.

Shelly

3/13/2013 08:39:30 am

Yippeee!!!! It worked!!!!!

Chadster link

3/18/2013 12:59:55 pm

Thanks Bro!!!!! That's the shiznitz

Allison

3/20/2013 08:12:04 am

This totally worked. I called SO many times and spent 5 minutes through the messages each time only to be politely told by the generic message guy that they were too busy and promptly hung up on. I got disconnected several times when they tried to transfer me once I finally did get a live person and was almost fed up enough to stop calling back. Fortunately, I finally got an excellent rep named David on the line. He helped me through the whole process even going so far as to not put me on hold so I wouldn't get disconnected again. Thanks so much for this info!

PS They totally know that people "cheat" to get through to someone live because my rep asked if I was "one of those people". And apparently it isn't a big deal. So, if you had to smarts to look this up and follow through with it, GO YOU! :-)

patricia

3/21/2013 03:20:55 am

This worked. Ive been trying to call for 4 months. Finally got through.

sandy

3/21/2013 12:29:53 pm

this works wooow i thought it wouldnt i got straight through i thought the lady was gonna say this line is for employers only but she was nice and helped me...got through on the first try>;)))))

TAMMY PATTERSON

3/25/2013 01:18:21 am

OMG! it worked, unbelievable. I spent 25 days trying to get thru!
THANK YOU!

jaime s.

3/28/2013 01:30:41 am

Thank you! I really lucked out with this. After calling right at 8am and being disconnected 10x in a row, using the trick you listed put me through to someone in 1 minute. On top of that, he just happened to be the kindest EDD person I ever spoke with. I hope other people can replicate my experience.

4/2/2013 02:38:01 am

Worked like a charm!

Dday

4/3/2013 03:40:30 am

Awesome this totally worked god bless you!!

Jesse

5/10/2013 07:49:08 am

What worked to get through EDD?? Please do tell

Britt

4/4/2013 07:44:01 am

It worked!!!! Thank you thank you!

Dave u

4/5/2013 05:01:19 am

It worked first time!Good thinking Ann.., maybe if enough people try this options it'll shake them to be responsible and take calls and not just mislead people into believing that the call volume is too high to assist.. they just dont want to shell out the money. THATS B.S. ..thanks a again

Shawn

4/8/2013 08:30:35 am

I just wanted to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the tip on getting through to a live person. You rock!

Peter

4/10/2013 01:27:20 am

Holy Crap it totally worked.. That was awesome. I have been trying for 10 days. WOOOO HOOOOOO

4/11/2013 03:00:57 am

It worked beautifully!!! You are awesome - thank you!!!

Adam

4/11/2013 03:32:23 am

WOW! WORKED BEAUTIFULLY!!!

Lucia

4/12/2013 03:42:16 am

OMG!!!!!!! Thank you sooo nuch. It worked like a charm.

Doug

4/12/2013 05:48:17 am

Didn't work for me. The 'lady' representative was rude and refused to provide any help other than to call back on the correct number and "be persistent". Like 10 times a day for 6 weeks is not persistent ...

Doug

4/12/2013 06:17:51 am

The third time it worked. I used her advice to "be persistent" - problem (finally) solved.

Rob

4/15/2013 01:27:33 am

This worked. I needed to cancel my in-house eligibility appointment and was able to get through.

sam

4/15/2013 08:49:12 am

it works but the ady thst got on the phone this time was very rude ugh no need for that!

Shay

4/16/2013 04:45:34 am

OMG thanks so much,.. first try and I was in ! You are appreciated !

mbl

4/16/2013 05:39:45 am

IT TOTALLY WORKS!!

Terry

4/17/2013 03:12:57 am

YAY I got thru:) Tak yo u!!!

Nick

4/17/2013 04:44:57 am

AWESOME! First try and got through! THANK YOU!!

Alyssa

4/17/2013 06:37:53 am

Used this tip on April 17, 2013. It worked the very first time but unfortunately due to a cell phone error I was disconnected. I called back immediately and I was told there were too many callers. I waited about 2 minutes and retried the tip. I got through within 2 minutes. The woman was very helpful and was able to take care of me. Thank you for posting this tip!

Henry

4/19/2013 02:57:52 am

This was the only thing that worked. Thank you!

Lori

4/19/2013 07:33:39 am

I have tired calling the Vietnamese line didn't work tired this tip. First time call was answered in less than 10 SECONDS!!! Not even joking! Was on the phone for less than 2 minutes(easy question)! Thank you so much for posting this!!!!

Gus

4/19/2013 09:24:13 am

this totally worked. got a very lovely woman on the phone. After about two weeks of trying that other ridiculous number too. thanks!

Nikki

4/19/2013 09:35:32 am

You are a life saver! After days of calling over and over, waiting through 20 minutes of announcements each time and getting hung up on, I used your trick and got through on the first try!!! Thank you soooo much

Kim

4/23/2013 04:25:37 am

This worked and fast! Thank you!

John

4/25/2013 03:06:00 am

Worked great! I hit 1 for English, then 5 as an employer, then 1 again when prompted, 1 again when prompted, the 0 immediately. The lady asked if I was a claimant,took my info, answered my questions...and that was it! Ive tried for 2 weeks on the regular line to be told theres too many callers. Total time on the phone today 4 1/2 minutes!!!

Zaheed Ali

4/25/2013 03:14:25 am

It does work!!!!!!! I have been trying all week and I finally got through and the lady was SOOOOOO helpful. Thanks for the tip!!!!!!!

mike

4/25/2013 04:19:34 am

worked like a charm

John

4/25/2013 07:18:53 am

Worked well. I tried for weeks to get through for a question. Thanks.

Jon

4/26/2013 08:57:13 am

worked great just try back if they are rude this method will work, just be polite and they should be able to help resolve any questions you have...

Alicia

4/29/2013 03:01:01 am

Its the end of April 2013 and I just tried it and it worked like a dream...better than trying the Vietnamese line! Thank-you for posting this!

Mimi

4/29/2013 07:09:43 am

This is so far, by far, the most helpful tip ever! Thank you1

Mimi

4/29/2013 07:15:11 am

(correcting typo ) Thank you " ! "

Kathryn

4/30/2013 02:43:24 am

Genuis! Worked instantly. Thanks so much.

Tayler

5/1/2013 04:06:07 am

This was the only trick that worked for me after trying multiple of the other ones! Thanks for the help!!!

Donna

5/1/2013 04:46:27 am

Holy Cow! It worked!

Tony link

5/1/2013 05:18:04 am

I gave up and decided to take action by creating a petition to make it illegal to leave you on hold that long OR hang up on you.

Can't reach anyone while trying to contact a government agency? Did a robot hang up on you? Do you hate phone trees? Make them answer the phone or make them call you back: Criminalize the full automation of any government agency telephone line.

http://wh.gov/zaBf or

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/criminalize-full-automation-any-government-agency-telephone-line/ysbVP7r5

Nicole

5/1/2013 05:45:48 am

Worked great! Thank you very much.

mackenzie

5/1/2013 07:45:59 am

so it worked... then the lady on the phone said she couldnt help me or couldnt transfer me to another department. I was calling to ask why i havent received payment in over a month. she said her department didnt deal with that and she couldnt help me.

Don Virgen

5/1/2013 08:17:05 pm

Shiit !! Worked! success with 5-1-1-0
The Vietnamese one did not work for me.
EDD need improve their telphone services after trying forever on numerous calls. Glad I found this post.

Don

5/1/2013 08:31:16 pm

Agree with Tony copy and paste link sign petition.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/criminalize-full-automation-any-government-agency-telephone-line/ysbVP7r5

Deb

5/2/2013 09:15:50 am

FANTASTIC! Got thru and got my issue solved in 5 mins. NONE of the recordings would have helped so why they don't make it just a little bit easier to talk to a person is beyond me. Guess they laid off too many folks!!

Lisa

5/2/2013 10:13:30 am

This was absolutely great I talked to the best person they gave me all the info I need I could kiss whoever came up with this idea.

Therese

5/3/2013 04:48:15 am

it works like a charm!

Liz

5/3/2013 06:35:07 am

I tried this and it worked but once I sat on hold for a minute or so was disconnected. Called back and too many people on hold and was disconnected. Am now on my 5th try and it's still saying the same thing. Guess they are busy. Not working at all for me. :-(

Robert link

5/6/2013 05:43:42 am

Worked great! The person I got was incredibly helpful, and total time invested less than 10 minutes! Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Erin

5/6/2013 06:59:23 am

I can't get through :-( so frustrating! On call#18

Vera

5/8/2013 05:57:09 am

Dial 1-800-300-5616.
When they start promting to press 1,2, ..., press 5 (like employer), then pres "1", and again "1", and right after that press "0".
They will tell you your waiting time, probably 1 min., and you'll get a LIVE person to answer your question.
Good Luck!
I cannot thank enough the one who invented this trick!
It is the MOST HELPFUL thing I've ever found!

cindy bidwell

12/3/2013 03:13:59 am

Hi Vera, I keep trying this method and they keep telling me due to too many calls, try again later. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Jay

5/6/2013 07:02:39 am

OMG It worked, total time from initial call was only 5 min. MANY THANKS!

maria

5/7/2013 01:54:24 am

IT WORKS!!

Maria

5/7/2013 01:55:04 am

Thank you

Melissa link

5/7/2013 02:49:26 am

Omg the 5-1-1-0 REALLY WORKED!! had been trying to get through for weeks and then saw this trick and my wait time was 1 MINUTE!!! THANK U THANK U!!

jamie

5/7/2013 02:54:04 am

After a month if trying to contact them and hours of redialing every day I got through in five minutes!!!! Now I hope they didn't stop my claim!

La Reina

5/7/2013 03:43:35 pm

Thank you!! If only I had known about this months ago. I've been trying to fix an issue through the e-mail communication and ended up screwing up the situation worse. Finally went to an office to try and call a rep and got the usual advice of hitting numbers as a claimant. I sat through it 5-6 times while being told volume was too high before Googling "how long to get through to EDD" on my iPhone. Your page came up on a Yelp forum thread and first time I got through. Almost felt sorry for the other people there dialing and redialing while I was talking with the rep and getting (finally) the answers I needed.

La Reina

5/21/2013 11:01:45 am

Thank you again! I had a follow up issue and thanks to how screwy it's been trying to communicate with EDD via e-mail, I was dreading another round of phone calls with the hours cut from 8a-12p. This time I called them from home and after 2 dropped calls was able to get through to a live person. Fingers crossed, but he was able to get several issues addressed and I should (knock wood) be okay. I definitely have learned that it's better trying this method first to talk with EDD versus the online form.

tony

5/8/2013 06:50:27 am

Totally worked for me after a few weeks of trying the other way and

Sabrina

5/10/2013 09:55:49 am

Worked the first try. Less than a minute wait. Thank you!

Natalie

5/13/2013 04:58:38 am

This worked! I tried calling through other language and using random options, with nothing to show for it. I was trying to follow up on my claim, since EDD stopped responding by email. Finally got to talk to a live person, with only a 4 minute wait!

jackie perez

5/14/2013 03:41:51 am

It worked thank God after so many attempts I got right through to someone

mino

5/15/2013 02:26:13 am

It works! They must be getting wise to this practice because the women was a little annoyed about my using the employer's line. But after a brief lecture about that I got helped! Oh, I've very sorry I must have dialed this number by mistake. Thanks!

randy

5/15/2013 07:15:27 am

Another satisfied customer. Spent the whole day listeing to the we are busy call back later
got through in five minutes. Claim was taken care of

Bill

5/16/2013 05:57:34 am

Yes!! Thank you for this information! I was able to get through and was on hold for 5-10 minutes, and talked to Nicole once I did get through. She told me my payment had not yet been processed and she would take care of it and to expect payment in the next few days. I am feeling better now that I finally talked to a live person who was able to assist me. I will feel even more better once I get my payment.

Kristy

5/22/2013 03:18:02 am

Worked the first time in seconds!!!! :-) :-) :-)

La Reina

5/22/2013 10:23:22 am

Damn I'm 3 for 3 this month! Another option for people to try, but I checked again today for the automated system to see if they had processed my money for latest claim (I have direct deposit via the Visa card). After sitting on the line and hearing that I had no active claim, the option came up to speak to a rep so I figured What the Hell and selected that option. And after a 3 minute wait, I got somebody who explained that my claim was being processed and would be deposited (knock wood). So checking for your claim and then selecting the option to talk to somebody can be another route, because they will ask for your SS#, name, & address and bring up your account.

Jay

5/28/2013 03:16:31 am

My father told me that this would probably be an all day issue when I was unemployed back in 2002. I prepared myself for that misadventure and proceeded in calling nonstop from 8:00 A.M to i don't even know what time they wound up answering and providing me some assistance. Anyway, I really wish I knew this trick back then so I didn't have to waste time sittin on the phone all morning. THANK YOU FOR WHOMEVER POSTED THIS TRICK! Not wastin time with the EDD is a God send!

Jorge

5/29/2013 05:18:49 am

It worked!!!! 1st try too.

Crystal

6/3/2013 04:15:21 am

It worked! OMG!!!!! The rep was also nice enough to share another trick with me. Call ANY of the other languages (except Spanish) phone #'s and just wait. Do not push any prompts. This will translate as a "rotary phone" and get you right through. Thanks for the help everyone!

Bradford

6/4/2013 01:45:17 am

This was the best thing to do. I spoke with a wonderful person who actaully opened and processed my claim on the phone. The trick to get through is you have to call the main number several times until you get the prompt for english. If you don't get the press 1 for english prompt you have to keep calling. Once you are able to press 1 for english, a new voice comes on the line. It is a human voice, not the monotone recording we all hear everytime we call. Once the human sounding voice starts going through prompts, that is when you press 5 (like employer), then pres "1", and again "1", and right after that press "0"

Best of luck.

Allie

6/4/2013 02:25:12 am

On the phone with EDD right now using the 5-1-1-0 trick!!!!! It works!!!! Very nice rep answered helped me then transferred me to the correct depart!!! Thank you and peace and blessings to you!!

nick

6/4/2013 03:26:46 am

worked for me. I just had to call like 5 times. thanks

linus

6/5/2013 02:14:49 am

WOW!..day 2 of my hunger streak with EDD's tele comp system... after trying countless times to get a live person this worked on the 1st try!..

Jessi

6/5/2013 03:25:49 am

Omg! Worked the first time. My wait was 1 minute! Thank you thank you! I had been calling every 10 minutes for 3 days before I googled and found this.

kadybug

6/6/2013 02:37:17 am

Thank you so much!!!!!!!! This worked like a charm!!!!!! I was frustrated and ready to give up and loose my benefits before I stumbled upon this site!!!!!!!

katherine

6/7/2013 02:06:45 am

The number to call is 800-300-5616

Trudi

6/10/2013 02:42:47 am

Huzzah!!! Pressing 5 for employer WORKED! I am so relieved I am shaking!!! Thank You!!

Jeff

6/12/2013 03:35:30 am

This worked the first time and I got a live person in seconds! I got a flag removed from my account by correcting an address that had been partially cut off! Who hoo!

Anne

6/12/2013 03:50:42 am

WORKED!! When i called and pressed these prompts the time was 10:31am. When i got to a live person, the time was still 10:31am!!!
I said i was filing a new claim, he said OK - and went from there!!

Kristin

6/14/2013 03:05:21 am

I haven't been so happy for a long time! This trick is AMAZING. I spent 2 hours re-dialing and not getting anywhere. Then I found this and got thru immediately. No waiting whatsoever.

Thank you so much!

Ivy

6/14/2013 08:06:54 am

THANK YOU !!! After a so many calls and emails I finally spoke to a live person and resolved my problem!!! In less than 5 mins!!!

6/18/2013 01:46:04 am

It worked the first time--no wait time at all! Should have tried this earlier!

Theresa

6/18/2013 09:38:14 am

YESSSSS!!!! After trying (and failing) other "tricks" I gave this one a shot. I was taken off guard when a real person answered. Lupe was super polite and helpful.
This definitely beats hearing the dreaded "due to the volume of callers..." message over and over and over and over........

James Butler

6/20/2013 01:30:32 am

OMG! Got a live person in 30 secs on the FIRST try!

Kris

6/20/2013 03:39:43 am

Works like a charm. Thank you so much, I have been trying to get a hold of EDD for three weeks and countless hours on the phone. This took only one time and the rep was so friendly!

Jeff link

6/20/2013 04:03:56 pm

I'm glad to see this method continues to be such an effective way to get through! Thanks everyone for continuing to provide your feedback!

Trever1T

6/21/2013 02:16:49 am

Thanks, this worked!

6/21/2013 04:25:25 am

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I live outside CA & have been trying unsuccessfully to get through for 45 days. Thank you again!

Melissa

6/21/2013 06:13:11 am

Thank you- never got through before, and website advised that phone call was required to open interstate claim. Finally, because NONE of the other tricks worked.

Maggie link

6/25/2013 03:55:02 am

THANK YOU soooooooo MUCH! If I had to listen to "due to the number of callers..." prompt ONE more time, I would have exploded! Work on first try; only took a few seconds to speak to a LIVE person!

Thanks again!

jeff

6/28/2013 02:33:36 am

Just tried this method and it worked very well! Got through right away on first try! The longest part was waiting through the recorded messages between prompts durning 1-5-1-1-0. Rep was VERY, VERY helpful and friendlyish (probably not fully friendly because overworked n stressed). THANK YOU TO THE PERSON THAT FOUND THIS TRICK AND TO THOSE WHO CONTINUED TO POST THAT IT STILL WORKS!!!

thomas link

7/1/2013 04:22:17 am

I have gotten through as of july 1, 2013 using this method, I was on hold for maybe 30 seconds. Told them I want to file a claim when they answered the phone and they helped me without a hitch.

RDog

7/2/2013 04:47:19 am

The best trick..well appreciated and thank you for your due diligence .

Jessica

7/2/2013 05:13:05 am

Wow, a real weight off my shoulders! This worked and i was finally able to talk to a real person, who gladly helped me! I won an appeal last month and have been just waiting to get payed, when i called the lady processed my payment over the phone and said that i should be payed with in the next 24 hours! I am so happy! THANK YOU :)

Ricardo CabrerA link

7/3/2013 02:04:42 am

worked perfectly. was able to get through in exactly one minute

kristin

7/3/2013 11:35:23 am

Thank you for posting this. I tried the other tricks, but this was the only one that worked. It was really easy, I got through to a rep within a couple of minutes. I think they've caught on to the 213 number trick - tried that and got transferred immediately to the 800 number. But this suggestion actually worked - yay!

Lisa

7/8/2013 03:36:20 am

Yes, it worked on my 3rd try. On and off the call within five minutes. Thank you!

Suzie

7/9/2013 03:20:30 am

IT TOTALLY WORKED! THANK YOU THANK YOU. GOT THROUGH AND PUT ON HOLD RIGHT AWAY, WAITED LESS THAN ONE MINUTE FOR A REPRESENTATIVE. UNBELIEVABLE! WHAT A GREAT TIP!

Gary Z

7/9/2013 04:28:12 am

NOT A SCAM! WORKED VERY FIRST TIME FOR ME. AGENT WAS GREAT AND THEY JUST ASK FOR YOUR SS# AND YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY! THANK YOU!

John

7/10/2013 03:54:36 am

This loophole has been fixed. No longer works.

John

7/10/2013 04:45:53 am

Please disregard my previous post. This option still works perfectly! Make sure you call (800) 300-5616 and not (866) 333-4606. It works perfectly with the (800) 300-5616 number. Got in touch with probably the nicest EDD rep ever. He spent at least 30 minutes on the phone with me straightening out my claim which was all screwed up. All good now. The trick is to be really nice no matter what the demeanor of the rep you talk to. Kill 'em with kindness. :)

Frank M

7/11/2013 01:39:45 am

Tip of the hat to Anna for this tip. It worked perfectly. Total hold time was less than a minute before Mark picked up and was very helpful and personable in resolving my situation.

Carolina

7/11/2013 03:09:36 am

It worked first try, the guy was understanding (I fibbed and told them my previous employer suggested calling this way since I needed to talk to someone) an he quickly gave me answers and advice. Thanks for saving my sanity!

Mary

7/12/2013 11:35:18 am

This works!!!! You have to get in on the Welcome message that allows for the English press 1 prompt. If you get the Thank you for calling that never allows for a prompt, hang up and call again. Sometimes it takes me 3x to call in and get the right intro message. But, after that, it's a breeze with the 5-1-1-0 sequence. Each time, my wait time was 1 minute for a live person. Amazing!! Thank you for this tip!!

7/17/2013 02:29:25 am

Totally works! My payment amounts have been screwed up for the past 3 weeks, and I was never able to get anyone on the line during that time. Tried this simple trick and the helpful representative was able to correct the issue in less than 7 minutes! Can you say "back pay"? Major props to Anna for sharing this trick!

Noah Cook

7/17/2013 03:57:11 am

IT WORKED! didnt even have a wait time. Spoke to Rose who was super cool and helped me fix the problem.

jax

7/17/2013 04:01:21 am

oh yea!!!!

Theresa

7/23/2013 10:45:56 am

I've used this trick at least a half dozen times, including today. Works like a charm!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Ria

7/26/2013 02:32:48 am

I got through on the very first try!! Thank you!!!

Briant A

7/26/2013 03:40:46 am

OMG after 2hrs i googled a trick to get me in and bam!
it works man im telling you!!!

r.hill

7/30/2013 04:15:15 am

the first 5 times, i was disconnected automatically saying they didn't have anyone to take my call, the 6th time the message played out and I dialed 5110, worked in 1 minute!

ang

7/30/2013 04:49:39 am

thank you so much. I have been going around in circles for almost 2 hours. Even tried the Vietnamese number but did not work.
This worked!!!! TY

Valerie

8/1/2013 01:59:50 am

The cting as an employer trick worked perfectly as of Aug 1, 2013 08/01/2013 thank you
WTF california edd?!

8/2/2013 01:28:14 am

As of 8/2/2013 8:26am I was able to get through to a live person!

josh

8/2/2013 01:38:20 am

This really works! thank you sooo much

Izzy

8/2/2013 02:24:12 am

Just got through on the 213 number. Like other callers, it took 8-10 minutes of pressing "0". All the operator asks for is social security number. She said she would transfer me to the correct department handling my claim (which I presume is Northern California)... 5 more minutes of pressing "0" and a different operator asked for my social security number. Once she had my file up, I was able to ask for what I needed.

Advice: Have a one quick sentence explanation of the problem you need to resolve. As others have stated, these people are overworked and don't have time for your life story.

The operator transferred me to an adjuster. The adjuster who comes on next is the one you can talk to. Be kind. Be understanding. Don't complain about how long it took to get there or how hard it has been without your EDD check. They know. They're trying.

And whatever you do - don't tell them how you got around the system! This site already shows up in the top 10 google hits for EDD so there is a good chance it will not last.

Gary

8/2/2013 05:10:46 am

After the 2nd recording of the guy talking about Obama and extensions blah blah blah, just hit 5-1-1-0.
Also, I do realize these reps are a bit overworked, but yesterday I was dropped two times and it wasn't an accident. One guy I could not understand his accent put me on hold and dropped me. Another lady who was Asian would not shut up from the moment she answered. When I tried to explain my problem, she again blabbed away, put me on hold and dropped me. The old "put-em-on-hold-and- drop-em" thing is so lowlife.
No excuse for that. Hey at least they have a job.

8/5/2013 04:00:28 am

Yay!!!. It worked. I was trying for the past 4 days. This was great. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Alicia

8/5/2013 04:50:06 am

So it did work like a charm! However, I was asked by the representative whether or not I was asked to enter my ssn. He explained that they have been receiving phone calls that should not have gone through or something like that. Anyway, just a heads up that they are suspicious.

HOWEVER I GOT THROUGH AND MY SIMPLE YET SO IMPORTANT QUESTION WAS ANSWERED. THANK YOU!!!!!

V. Gutierrez

8/6/2013 03:24:19 am

Wow! I am so grateful for this tip! It got me right through to a representative and relieved so much stress. I can't thank you enough!!!

Stefanie

8/7/2013 02:06:33 am

Total lifesaver!!!!! My husband was about to break something!!!!

Brian R

8/16/2013 01:43:14 am

After countless attempts to try and get through to no avail this trick worked! I was talking to a live person in less than 30 seconds. She helped me fix an error that had occurred and now everything is back on track. Thank you so much for this trick!

8/20/2013 01:33:25 am

I did the 5-1-1-0....worked first time...no waiting....thanks.

Sin

8/22/2013 01:15:23 am

I LOVE ANNA!! Thank you soooo much :) It took less than a minute to get through to someone. Plus, these people seem to be nicer.

Chelsea

8/23/2013 01:23:59 am

After trying for days upon days and getting automatically hung up on, I called this combo at 8:15am on a Friday morning and a live person picked up in less than one minute. I was so shocked I almost didn't know what to say!. Thanks!!

Tanya

8/26/2013 03:17:01 am

After trying for two weeks, this worked. It is a shame that you have to resort to tricks to get help! Thank you for the tip.

Elizabeth

8/27/2013 02:25:03 am

671 worked like a charm ... got through in 1 minute! Unfortunately for me I needed SDI not unemployment. But for those needed to reach unemployment, know it works!

Jeff link

8/27/2013 11:43:47 pm

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Hopefully you won't need any tricks to get through to someone at California SDI.
If you do run into similar difficulties getting through, feel free to let me know here and I'll research solutions and post a new page if I find anything helpful.

nikki

9/11/2013 03:05:20 am

Elizabeth
It WORKED thank you so so so so so MUCH.

Angela

8/27/2013 05:15:02 am

Totally worked!

Eric link

8/28/2013 01:25:20 am

Hey it worked for me. It sent me straight thru. Not even a waiting period!

Traci

8/30/2013 02:10:03 am

Thank you! I spoke to the most helpful lady :)

Kate

9/5/2013 04:12:14 am

Totally worked for me too!

Greg V

9/6/2013 02:55:08 am

Great Tip, due to federal budget cuts EDD staffing and phone hours have been drastically cut back, called for days and never got through. Tried this one time and I was connected and cheerfully assisted within 45 seconds of calling no wait time at all.

MAXINE DEFELICE

9/9/2013 02:03:25 pm

I just called today and waited 2 min then the nicest lady answered , she was having problems looking at my claim then said she would call me back ! I thought oh ya right .... low an behold she called me back a few hours later. I was in shock! Thank you I have been calling for 2 weeks and haven't been able to get through until today..Thanks Again

leann

9/10/2013 03:27:17 am

I suppose they got wise to this - now the employer option dumps you out if its busy as well.

9/10/2013 04:40:22 am

Not working anymore

: (

9/10/2013 05:50:40 am

It's not working anymore as of 9/10/13. This is ridiculous! Government Bureaucracy at it's worst!

Sar

9/11/2013 02:06:25 am

I don't get any options to press anything....and when I do press 5, regardless whether I do it at the start of the call, while the recroding is speaking or immediatly after it finishes, it discconnects me. Each and every time. :(

MRS.MOLLY

9/13/2013 02:14:13 am

CALL 909-383-4663 OR 916-683-4400 IT REALLY WORKS

Gary

9/13/2013 03:37:52 am

I don't know if it's because so many people now know the 5-1-1-0, but I wouldn't say that's not working. It does loop you through but they're getting more calls, apparently.

As for the 909-383-4663 OR 916-683-4400 numbers? They REALLY don't work.

trae

9/16/2013 02:10:01 am

Tried numerous times using 5110. To no avail. They have caught on. It now tells you there is a high volume of calls.

trae

9/16/2013 02:19:25 am

Also the alternate #909-383-4663 or 916-683-4400 all they do is transfer you back to the EDD 800 number. So those numbers dont work either.

Kimberly

9/16/2013 02:57:24 am

This totally worked! And the lady that helped me was so sweet and went out of her way to help me! Thank you for this!!

lost

9/16/2013 03:43:22 am

ive been calling for a month and i cant get thru ... im gonna have to take legal matters against edd since i didn't get the benefits i was promised and ended up losing my home. this is complete unacceptable and injustice why even mislead people. Luckily i have a lawyer friend who is taking up my case pro bono to hopefully end some of these cycles.

trae

9/16/2013 08:27:07 am

Update: After trying for 2 days I finally got through using the 909 # and the 51 10 worked after hours of calling back to back.

Felicia

9/17/2013 02:07:56 am

Thank you so much, this worked for me! I had no luck with using the alternate language lines. I literally called the 1-800 number 27 times, don't give up, keep calling until you get the recorded response prompting you. This worked the first time I could got the prompt line. The operators expect everyone to be using different tricks to get through, so they help you or transfer you to an appropriate representative (they have a separate cue). I was able to call this number and file my claim. Good luck!

Steveo

9/20/2013 01:38:29 am

Will not work, been trying one week,tried this number got the recorded response put in the 5110, said there was a high volume of calls then hung up. 47 times this morning so far.

Bill link

9/20/2013 05:18:50 am

9/20/2013 Tried the Viet number.the first try was disconnected but the second try connected and my problems were solved within minutes.

I really did not believe that this would work, but today was a good day to be asian

Daniel

9/23/2013 04:02:06 am

I think they are catching on to all these trick, none are working for me. But i shall not give up lol. Good luck everyone!

robin

9/24/2013 01:44:31 am

Daniel I think youre right. I've been sitting here trying all these tricks..yes they get you to the point of speaking to someone faster, BUT the dang recording still comes on and says theres too many people already waiting. I've been trying to get through for a few weeks. I havent got any more forms to submit back since I got my first one for beginning of August. Nows its almost beginning of Oct. :(

KIM

9/24/2013 02:36:48 am

They are definitely catching on, these tricks get you further than the 800 number would once you're put through there is an issue due to the number of people trying to speak to a representative.

Natalie

9/24/2013 02:41:55 am

Yes! It worked for me. I have been calling since last week and finally got through today with those numbers...everything that I pushed before didn't work but this did...thank you.

Amanda

9/24/2013 03:54:33 am

It's nice to see this worked for someone today, but I've been trying since 8am and still get disconnected right after they say I'm going to be put on hold. And now it's saying that they're closed, but it's not even 11am yet, is it a holiday today?

Gary Z

9/24/2013 04:55:09 am

The 5-1-1-0 still works. I started calling around 7:57 am today and got the "Welcome" (not the Thank you for calling. . .") at 8:01. The recording said the office is currently closed and I said out loud "no, it's not" LOL
I immediately hit the 51-1-0 and only waited about a minute and was assisted by a live rep. As I have said, they aren't "wise" to this loophole shortcut, there's just thousands of other people competing with you at this number.

Gary Z

9/24/2013 04:55:22 am

Mel

9/25/2013 04:18:04 am

This works! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

This is what I recommend with the 5-1-1-0 formula:
Call the 1-800300-5616 number > if you hear "Thank you for calling..." hang up and dial again until you hear "Welcome to the Employment Development Department" > press 1 - 5 - 1 - 1 - 0 > then if hear a message that they have too many calls and you need to try again later start all over again. Rinse and repeat!

I did this about 10 times today at 11am and it worked! The rep asked me if I was an employer, and I said I am an employee and he was totally helpful and solved my problem in less than 5 mins. I thanked him for his hard work and apologized for dialing the employer line, he said "its ok, whatever you need to do to get through". Be nice to these people - they seem to be super overworked.

Best of luck to everyone else! Thanks again for this MARVELOUS tip!

Susan

10/18/2013 04:51:39 am

It worked, it worked!!!!!! I got in and am now waiting to speak to a rep. I called the number about 10 times. Do exactly as Mel stated. Thanks sooooo much. Now let's see if someone answers after hearing this music. Ugh!!

STAR

1/21/2014 06:03:33 am

I BEEN CALLIN FOR THE LAST TOW WEEKS AND I DID TRY YOUR TRIK, SORRY TO SAY THAT BUT IT DID NOT WORK THANKS ANYWAY.

ash

9/27/2013 04:21:33 am

Doesn't work for me

Cheree Hort

10/4/2013 02:33:57 am

From Sacramento/Roseville area: I finally got through after weeks of anguish after the upgrade. Here is what I did. I tried calling the 800 300 5616 number until I got the Welcome message, then 1511. I kept getting the message that all the lines were full, even a one minute after they opened. So next I started going through all the numbers in this list but the number I called that started working was San Jose, 415 351 7200. I was on hold about 40 minutes. Then someone came on and asked for my social and quickly transferred me to a 909 number. I googled it and kept thinking this ain't gonna work. 909 is southern California. I was wrong. Another 10 minutes and two transfers later...Oh! The 909 number is 909 383 4663. The kicker was they had just deposited my funds. Good luck and the deal is just go through and call all the numbers. I would start with the 909 number. AND NEVER GIVE UP JUST LIKE THEY SAY.

Jenny

10/17/2013 02:53:07 am

I just tried the 909 number and it worked! A woman answered and transferred me to a nice guy who helped with my question. Took maybe 5 minutes!

Zap

10/21/2013 04:11:33 am

This worked GREAT! G.R.E.A.T. Thank you so much, Cheree! Someone answered right away and put me on hold for about 20 min. That person came back on and transferred me to someone else. That next lady was super polite and very informative. Gaining a new respect for UI employees for the simple fact that every time I do get through to someone they are helpful and sympathetic. Anyway, I was told my extension had just been processed and was going out in the mail today. She said if web cert wasn't showing it then I might have to mail in the first form which would hopefully be in my mailbox no later than Friday. So, seems like they are catching up and back on track. Thanks again for the 909 tip!

unriddler link

10/14/2013 02:24:38 am

THIS IS HOW YOU GET THROUGH!

CALL (800) 547-2058

YOU WILL HEAR VIETNAMESE.

PRESS 5 wait 4 secs

PRESS 0 wait 4 secs

PRESS 1 at this point you should hear music.

A person will answer in a few minutes in english and voilla!!!

This worked today October 14, 2013 good luck all.

Captain Betty White

10/15/2013 07:12:33 am

If you live in northern CA you can call 916.683.4400 to talk directly to a human.

Susan

10/17/2013 02:56:41 am

This really does work, after 4 weeks of trying to get through to see what happened to my 3rd Federal Extension... I used Mel's info above...reposting - thanks all

This works! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

This is what I recommend with the 5-1-1-0 formula:
Call the 1-800300-5616 number > if you hear "Thank you for calling..." hang up and dial again until you hear "Welcome to the Employment Development Department" > press 1 - 5 - 1 - 1 - 0 > then if hear a message that they have too many calls and you need to try again later start all over again. Rinse and repeat!

I did this about 10 times today at 11am and it worked! The rep asked me if I was an employer, and I said I am an employee and he was totally helpful and solved my problem in less than 5 mins. I thanked him for his hard work and apologized for dialing the employer line, he said "its ok, whatever you need to do to get through". Be nice to these people - they seem to be super overworked.

Best of luck to everyone else! Thanks again for this MARVELOUS tip!
Reply

Ian

10/21/2013 03:26:24 am

Tried it. doesn't work, they just tell you due to call volume they are unable to take calls, try again later..

Pamela link

10/23/2013 05:03:27 am

have been trying for 10 days and yes, even if I was able to get through per the above by the time it gets to the very last and puts me through it is then that too many people are holding....

Jade

10/21/2013 03:52:47 am

Thanks a million! Been TRYING to call for weeks. After numerous tips and tricks I was ready to give up. Then I came across your helpful tip, and a miracle happened! I finally got thru after my 3rd redial. Awesome! I had made a mistake on my claim form, causing my $ to stop. Haven't been paid in a month because I was instructed to call EDD. I just couldn't get thru. Finally with your help, I've corrected the issue and I should have my $ within 3 business days. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Pamela link

10/22/2013 01:39:13 am

I, of course did not get through. By the time I got to 0, it was the same as always. "too many people on hold, call back later" You all are very lucky

Pamela link

10/22/2013 01:42:36 am

Unriddler, I tried your way as well and I am pretty certain it said too many people on hold, b/c nobody came on the line and than I was disconnected

monica

10/29/2013 01:11:17 am

calling the 18003005616 and pressing 1,5,1,1,0 works you should just call right at 8 am . Did that this morning and after a few hang ups after hearing " thank you for calling edd" I finally got the " welcome to edd" and got through on the first try :)

Dale

11/4/2013 07:02:18 am

Tried the 213 number and it worked!!! On hold now for the San Diego office!!!!!

Jannell

11/22/2013 02:45:32 am

Did you every get the number for the San Diego Office because I just spoke to a rude man that just hung up on me

john

11/22/2013 02:57:20 am

What is the 213 number??

heather

1/16/2014 08:33:55 am

213-477-1405. I tried calling early in the morning and kept pressing 0 to hold until I got dropped. I tried around 11:45 a.m. before they closed and I got through and had all my questions answered.

1/17/2014 01:57:24 am

Tried 300 times each day this week, no joke; 3+ hours straight each time. I am unable to file online or mail. They will allow phone only. Unfortunately, tried the trick 10 times so far and no luck...guess I'll keep at it.

Paul Jackson

1/21/2014 12:13:58 am

Wow! One minute on hold after three weeks of trying to get through! One extra trick: Since I speak English, I did not wait for the entire opening message to finish. I immediately pushed 1 (for English) then 5-1-1-0. It was great!! Thanks!!

Jenny

11/8/2013 01:00:46 am

5110 has not worked for me. Been trying ALL WEEK - on the phone for a couple hours each morning. 90% of the calls went straight to the message about too many callers. 1 in maybe 20 calls I would get through to be able to hit 5110, but always was connected to the message about too many callers in the end.

We pay into unemployment insurance - it should not be this hard to use a service we PAY FOR.

Daddy

11/15/2013 01:32:07 am

I FUCKING HATE UNEMPLOYMENT , I FINALLY GOT THROUGH THOUGH USING THE 5-1-1-0 METHOD. JESUS FUCKING LORD ABOUT FUCKING TIME GOD DAMNIT FUCK UNEMPLOYMENT I HATE THEIR BITCH ASSES

Kitty Lane

11/20/2013 03:04:33 am

I just called 909-383-4663, a lady answered but said to file a claim I have to call the 800 number before 10.

Susie

11/22/2013 02:41:49 am

I had to reschedule a job interview so I could spend the entire morning not getting through to EDD. I've used all the tips above and nothing works. Haven't been paid in a month because I supposedly filled out my form wrong TWICE, which is BS. I desperately need the money. I have made over 300 attempts since 8 AM this morning.

Susie

11/22/2013 03:35:43 am

I used Unriddler's suggestion and FINALLY spoke with a human being who got my claim form up to date.

Turns out, I did nothing wrong. Unfortunately, I claim residuals, and although I've been claiming them as income correctly for years, the new system doesn't get it all of a sudden. So goody, this will probably keep happening!

THIS IS HOW YOU GET THROUGH!

CALL (800) 547-2058

YOU WILL HEAR VIETNAMESE.

PRESS 5 wait 4 secs

PRESS 0 wait 4 secs

PRESS 1 at this point you should hear music.

Charlene

2/20/2014 02:13:31 am

It worked! Thank you :)

11/26/2013 01:08:58 am

The 5-1-1-0 worked for me this morning at 8:30am (it's a Tuesday today). I've tried the Vietnamese line and it has never worked for me. The 5-1-1-0 is the only way I've been able to get through to the CA EDD since they changed their hours to short days. The first trick is the moment you hear them start the greeting with, "Thank you" you've got to hang up and redial. The only way you can get to the 5-1-1-0 is if you get the greeting that begins with "Welcome." I had to redial for about 8 minutes (constant hang up, redial, hang up redial) until I got it to say "Welcome."

Carolina

12/16/2013 01:00:54 am

Finally got in with this!! But you have to first Dial "1" for English, then 5 - 1 - 1 - 0. Most exciting thing ever to hear "your wait time is 3 minutes". This system is a complete fail, but there's nothing we can do about it...

phil

12/3/2013 01:45:38 am

none of these methods work at all now if they are too busy they will just hang up on you and you have to start from square 1

cindy bidwell

12/3/2013 02:54:34 am

None of these are working for me at all. I haven't had any money for over a month, what else can I do? Thanks.

Susie

12/3/2013 05:52:13 am

It's like the entire system has shut down. I finally got paid on my claim from a month ago, they sent me one payment. The next claim form I sent in definitely had NO mistakes and I didn't even claim residuals (the last reason the computer rejected my claim--the new system didn't recognize it). Now it's been over a week since I should have received payment. Here we go again.

This is an absolute disaster.

Susie

12/3/2013 05:52:22 am

Susie

12/3/2013 05:52:28 am

Kim

12/11/2013 02:53:42 am

This is absolutely ridiculous. I have been trying for days to get ahold of someone--using all of the above methods--to no avail. This is shameful-and so very frustrating! The fact that we are just expected to accept this, especially during a stressful time of unemployment, is NOT acceptable. We are at their mercy...

Susie

12/11/2013 06:33:42 am

8 days since I last posted and no money, even though I have 3 claims outstanding. They even sent me another new claim form for the last two weeks of November (that's how behind they are. Even that still hasn't brought my claim up to date.

I mean, they keep sending me forms as if everything's fine, but there's still no money coming in. AND I can't get through no matter what I do. Is there any way left to get through?

James William

1/9/2014 02:35:01 am

hello Susie, did you finally get paid? Many people, including my brother have not been paid in almost a month. I was able to get through right away using the tips in this forum, and should be receiving my claim forms next week. Are you saying that you sent in your claim forms and still did not receive your benefits? The people I know who have not been paid is because they are not diligent enough to get through, why are your claims outstanding?

Susie

1/16/2014 09:07:50 am

Yes, I did get paid, James. It took forever, btw. I typed up a letter and enclosed it in the envelope with my claim form. I made copies of it and put it in each time. My claim forms were turned in on time and filled out perfectly. I reported every dime I received as income, even if it was $2.00. The one time I was able to speak to someone she explained that the new system doesn't understand when actors report their residuals as income.

The letter essentially said that I completely understand that they're overworked and understaffed, but due to a computer error, my claim keeps getting kicked back. I would think that the EDD staff hates the new system as much as we do.

I tried to be funny about it, but pretty much said, "please have mercy on me, take a look and process this claim so that we don't continue to waste each other's precious time."

Every claim (about 6 weeks) went through after that. Of course now, the extension program is over so the money has stopped for me. Good luck to you.

Paul

12/18/2013 01:42:46 am

Dial (800) 300-5616. Then dial 1,6,7,3 to speak with a rep. 1 represents the selection of english. If you hear the words "thank you" as soon as you call, hang up. It means they are receiving more calls than can even be answered by their automated prompt system. But if you hear "welcome", it means you have gotten through to the prompt system. This still doesn't guarantee you'll get though to a live person, as after you've entered your social, then confirmed by pressing 1, they may still tell you they can't answer your call at this time due to the number of people already in the que. As soon as you hear this, hang up, and call again.

Andre

12/31/2013 12:58:19 am

I was able to use this trick and got through in 3 minutes. My case was further complicated by the fact that the claim forms I received were misprints and held up my payments. Spoke to a lady named Ricada. (she rocks) She was very professional and helpful. I hope I don't have to call back but, I was very lucky to get her on the line.

James William

1/9/2014 02:26:02 am

My wife and I started calling edd at 7:59. It took about an hour to get through by following the prompts for employers. Thank you to all who provided this great tip! The representative was a white guy who spoke English! He was very helpful and re-opened my claim in less than five minutes. I attempted to file a claim online, however, this requires a ton of information (as if you are filing a new claim) and if you make one mistake on the website then you are screwed! If you depend on receiving your benefits asap then you have to file over the phone. I am thankful for this forum so I wanted to share my experience..hope this helps! The prompts to input are: 1, 5, 1, 1, 0.

Cee

1/22/2014 01:58:36 am

Just Informing everyone the employer works.
Dial 1-800-300-5616.
When they say "welcome..." start promting to press 1(english), 2(spanish), ..., press 5 (like employer), then pres "1", and again "1", and right after that press "0".
They will tell you your waiting time, i waited 3 min., and you'll get a LIVE person to answer your question. She was so helpful.
Goodluck!

California

1/27/2014 02:04:45 am

Worked for me. Rep was very helpful. You have to wait until you hear the gretting "welcome" before you can enter promts. If you hear "thank you" hang up and redial.

DA Arnold

2/6/2014 02:36:56 am

I got through on the main line 800-300-5616 1-6-7-3 SS# then 1. Only to bet put on hold and then dropped. No call back.

Back to the gauntlet again...

CVelasco

2/13/2014 01:36:52 am

This worked 15110

Frank link

2/19/2014 03:08:47 am

The. 916-683-4400 worked first try had to wait 10 min. But the guy got me my answers in 5 try it.

Mike

1/14/2015 01:56:57 am

Tried this today and was able to get through in 15min, thanks so much!

Delaina Lyons

2/25/2014 02:52:26 am

3 minutes! woot! worked for me today..

3/8/2014 06:01:03 am

I have a question that I am hoping someone would be able to answer. I just received a Continued Claim for 1st week 2/23/14-3/1/14 and for 2nd week ending on 3/8/14. I began working on 2/28/14, but was release via telephone call 6/14. I have completed the form with the amounts earned for each week. Will I be able go to Web-Cert to input that information, or do I have to call EDD? Please assist, as one can no longer ask EDD any questions due to shortness of personnel>

Help!

3/14/2014 10:16:30 am

Yesss! Finally!! This 5-1-1-0 trick really works. What a shame EDD provides no similar path for us Commoners to get through to a live person other than pretend we are an employer :( The wait time was less than 1 minute :) I'm surprised EDD has not caught on to this trick by now and at least ask why we pretended to be an employer, but oh well, at least I got through when otherwise it was impossible. Thank You, Anna, for this Great Tip !!!

Cliff

3/18/2014 02:53:28 am

Awesome Tip!!! Was able to get through right away and all my business was quickly resolved by an extremely cordial and professional customer service gentleman.

Mike

4/14/2014 01:39:45 am

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Worked first time. My wife had been attempting to contact EDD daily, and kept running into a roadblock on the EDD "Help" line (now, there's a misnomer) and was only able to get to the point where the message stating that everyone was busy with other callers, to try to call back later, and then disconnect the call.
Again, thank you so much for this post.

Sarah

4/16/2014 03:31:11 am

It worked! The first time I called I got through on the 2nd try, but today it took me about 20. I just called over and over and finally ws able to speak to someone. Don't give up!! :)

Brandon link

4/16/2014 03:39:04 am

Took a few trys but finally got thru after months of trying the other way thankyou so much

TPV link

5/12/2014 04:42:16 am

Great tip! I got through on the second try! I didn't get the answer I wanted, but at least I GOT an answer.

Nate Crown

5/30/2014 02:05:24 am

thank you so so so much!! this worked for me and i really am truly grateful..
turns out do to an error on EDDs part i was denied. I had already submitted my appeal form when i decided to call. But now my claim is all worked out!! thank god for this post i cannot begin to describe how frustrating it is to call the EDD just to get hung up on!!

Cathy

6/2/2014 05:27:28 am

OMG this worked for me after the first try. I waited about 2 minutes & actually got to talk to a person who was most helpful. It turned out there was confusion of the name of my employer because it did not match what was on my W2 form because they changed their outsourcing of who sends out the checks. Since my pay stub says a different name than my W2 it was confusing to me on the forms which name they wanted despite having clearly stated on both forms the employer ID number. This was rectified & confirmed by the person I spoke with compared to the numerous dials to the EDD for the last two weeks with unnecessary prompts only to be told they can't except my phone call. Now I just have to wait for the letter of rectification and hopefully my first unemployment check. Thanks again, this made my day & thank goodness I found this post!

Big Jim

6/17/2014 04:23:15 am

This worked for me. It took 3 attempts, and I was finally on hold. An agent answered after 2 minutes, asked for my vitals, and my issue was resolved. Easy. Thank you!

I dialed 1-800-300-5616, 1 (for English) then 5-1-1-0. I pressed the numbers in one second intervals.

trish

7/8/2014 01:23:47 am

Yes!! it works

Robert

7/9/2014 01:26:37 am

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. After calling for 4 days straight I was finally able to hear those words "Please continue to hold". I called at 7:40- "Sorry our office is closed" again 7:58 "Sorry our office is closed". Exactly at 8:00 A.M. "Due to the high volume of calls we cannot accept calls at this time. Please call again later". Can you explain this one to me? Yes I am speaking to a live operator now. Again, THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU !!! THANK YOU!!!

Erin

7/17/2014 04:43:37 am

Worked on my first try! I couldn't even get on hold trying to call the normal way I just got hung up on. With this 5-1-1-0 method I was put on hold and 15 minutes later was on the phone with a person! Thank you! While I was on hold the music stopped for awhile, don't let this confuse you! You are still on hold (I thought maybe it didn't work but I stayed on and eventually the hold music started again haha)

Robert

7/17/2014 05:38:14 am

Isn't it amazing the feeling you felt when you just realized "I GOT THROUGH!!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!!

sherri

7/21/2014 02:11:40 am

I tried for over an hour to get through to a live person on 800-300-5616 and couldn't get through. I tried this trick and it only took 2 calls and a 3 minute wait! THANK YOU!!!!!!

viviane

7/21/2014 02:14:49 am

It worked in my second attempt! Thanks a lot.

Rob

8/13/2014 02:44:55 am

Did not work. I was given a number for disability and never got through.

Eric

9/29/2014 03:41:22 am

After trying for 2 hours this morning the regular way and being hung up on repeatedly due to the high number of calls I tried the employer method, 5,1,1,0 and after 3 attempts I got through, waiting 3mins and the gentleman helped me resolve my issues. Thanks a lot for posting this, it sure helped calm my panic.

nick

10/7/2014 06:37:38 am

Worked the lady came on in 1 minute and helped with my claim
thanks

TD Pittsford

10/30/2014 04:33:52 am

At first I tried to file my claim online but got to a section asking me for information EDD already had and I did not, I tried to call them in order to avoid any possibility of delaying my claim. After what seemed like an eternity pushing buttons and listening to endless confusing menus and then being on hold with all the other numbers (the regular 800 number is a cruel joke) I found this trick on this website and not only did I get through but the agent was good enough to file the claim for me. I will nominate Mitch for some kind of congressional commendation...although congress doesn't normally reward anyone for helpfulness and efficiency. I want to thank the authors of this website, they saved me tons of time and aggravation!

marilyn

11/3/2014 04:01:15 am

It worked like a champ! Talked to a nice, professional and HELPFUL EDD person within 2 minutes (and I called just before lunchtime).

Norman

12/10/2014 01:20:15 am

YES! It worked, but she forgot the 1 for English that comes before the 5 for Employer. So, the sequence is: 1-5-1-1-0 and then if you get a message about waiting press 3 to continue waiting.

Amy

1/29/2015 12:58:10 am

This worked! Thank you!

screw_edd

12/17/2014 01:35:56 am

1 for english - then 3 - (for this next one you have to wait until recording finishes or else it won't recognize your entry!) press 5 - now 7 - then it will put you in line for the next rep, and you enter your social.

So, 1 - 3 - wait - 5 - 7 - social BOOM!

and no one complaining that I was in the wrong area, which has happened with other tricks.

The one listed here hangs up when it's too busy, which is always.

Adrian

12/22/2014 02:37:14 am

I'm having a very difficult time trying to get on. Can anybody go through the process again?

Gabriela

12/31/2014 12:53:17 am

I had found a 714 number that directly helped my issue when filing in early November. I think I lost that number or maybe it was caught on because when I called that number again I got a rude lady who said I had to call the 800 number, that this was the appeal number. Then hung up.

I'm tried this method at 8:30 am, was told to hold for 4min... But really 10 min. A lady then asked for my name and social was super nice! This method worked!

Normally, I get a letter the week of saying if I will be paid out or not. My direct deposit (if I get one cause I sometimes work part time) is then received by Wednesday morning. But because the holidays... We'll see.

mia

1/23/2015 03:00:08 am

IT WORKS!!!!!

Nick

1/26/2015 02:04:57 am

Worked great, definitely use this instead of saying you're a claimant. Experienced no problems whatsoever with the EDD rep. after trying this, worked the first time.

Carlos

4/16/2015 03:07:49 am

Genius, and I could not have gotten a more helpful rep. Thank You!!

It works !!Thanks

6/22/2015 02:08:26 am

It works !!Thanks

Cindy

7/13/2015 04:52:14 am

How to get through edd disability?
I filed online it keeps saying my physical address
Is invalid and my po box also

Danny

8/11/2015 10:28:23 am

I am wondering the same thing. I need EDD Disability. I've tried everything listed on the site with no success. I will continue to try different variations of methods but does anyone have anything different to contribute?

jina

9/29/2015 08:33:27 am

Did p you ever figure out how to get through for disability?

Julie D

7/27/2015 04:15:25 am

I got through! I used this method and got almost all the way through but because it didn't offer a way to enter a social security number, it hung up.
bUT WHEN YOU DO CALL BACK, they will answer and ask you for it. Yay

Pat

8/11/2015 02:16:05 pm

Thank you to everyone. I was able to reach EDD because of the tips posted here. For all who read this site, pay attention because these people know what they're talking about. I was frustrated day-after-day trying to contact EDD via the "conventional" method. I dialed 619-525-4995 and got through right away - even in the afternoon when they don't accept calls. The nice young man transferred me to someone else who asked me to call back in an hour. I was afraid the call would go to voice mail, but sure enough, in an hour, she was there to help me. Thanks everyone. Try 619-525-4995.

Grateful for people helping people!!

8/26/2015 01:11:47 am

WORKED ! Like a charm. The first time with only a hold time of 2 minutes! Thank you thank you thank you!

Linda.C

12/8/2015 02:56:37 pm

I needed to reach the EDD because I needed to re-open my claim. I had filed online and following the online instructions for re-opening the claim didn't work. ("Log in and click the Reopen Claim button" Only problem: no such button.)

I came here,saw Pat's post of 8/11/2015 and called that number. Unlike the main 800 number published by the EDD, it allowed me to remain on hold, and then ultimately put me through to voicemail. That number goes directly to an individual's voicemail. I left a message and got no call back. No surprise.

Then, I went to www.gethuman.com. Make a note of that website. It's devoted to techniques for reaching an actual human being at many companies and government agencies, and sure enough, there was a listing for California EDD:
https://gethuman.com/phone-number/California-Employment-Development-Department-EDD
(916) 683-4400

I called, was allowed to remain on hold, and finally an extremely nice woman came on the line and said she would put me through to a claim filer. I spent about 15 minutes on hold, when she returned and apologized for such a long hold time and offered to take a message.

I called again today, was allowed to remain on hold, and a different woman answered the phone saying, "You can't reopen a claim here! You have to do it online." I explained that I was having trouble doing it online, that I had called the day before and was waiting for a callback. She was puzzled and said that there was no note in my file about a callback, but that she could put me through to the office handling my claim.

An extremely enthusiastic young woman answered the phone, tried to help me with the online problem and eventually offered to help me herself. Claim re-opened, boom! Total time of call from beginning to end: 14 minutes.

I hope this is useful to someone. And thank goodness for all of you for sharing your experiences and paying it forward.

mike

12/15/2015 10:51:41 am

December 2015 worked like a charm thank you

derek link

1/29/2016 11:25:24 am

Hello there I've been hell hard time calling thru edd etc but keep recording not great idea to keep people angry for trying calling them edd dept how excuse they ate ajd they must always answer all any call periods relay service cajt keep waiting longer t9 reach ya edd dept etc please will they call us at 1 831 325 0299 thanks very much for delay waste calling since 3 week what no answer what heck is it and get they work fix right now ajd get all calling the now never neglect any calls !!! Thanks ya so much please email or call then peace tkc

Marilyn

3/14/2016 04:44:01 pm

I have been on hold for over 1/2 hour. I tried several times using the code and from different phones an still on hold. I did get a live person on the first call but she put me on hold and then hung up.
Finally after an hour a live person answered and gave me the information I wanted right away. She didn't have to put me on hold.

Rick

5/31/2016 09:11:36 am

Worked first time ;-)

daniel sudduth

6/2/2016 09:49:16 am

worked !!!

Carlos Garcia link

6/28/2016 08:53:42 am

Thank you! It work like a charm. A very nice woman - Gloria answered my call and was super helpful....

Sam

7/1/2016 03:37:53 pm

This method worked for me on July 1st! Got a very nice rep named John who handled all questions efficiently.

Zackk

9/30/2016 01:16:21 pm

Called on busy Friday morning and worked! A polite woman assisted me with re-scheduling a phone interview which I needed to make a call, not online. Whole process took approximately fifteen minutes but practically no waiting / hold time. Thank you so much!

Seamus

10/24/2016 11:01:52 am

Call 800-300-5616, then press 1 for English, 6 for UI IOnline, 7 for help, 3 for all other questions, then it will ask for your 9 digit social, press 1 to confirm if SSN is correct, then press 3 to hold and wait... got me to a HUMAN, which is what I needed as their system did not have the answer to what I needed to know.

Aria

3/1/2017 11:20:17 am

This worked beautifully, got right through after calling repeatedly and being told they were too busy and then disconnected. Total wait time was 6 minutes. The rep that helped me was awesome! Thank you!!!

james

3/14/2017 11:05:59 am

OMG , Thanks so much

Kay

1/10/2018 08:18:29 am

Omg!! Thank you so much!! I was able to speak to a representative in 1 minute!! Thank you so much!!!

Merrilee

1/30/2018 04:48:26 pm

Kay, whose directions did you follow? Thanks for telling us in year 2018 that there is still a good way to get through!

Vincent Shepherd

6/12/2018 10:40:12 am

Thanks! Great info. it worked, first try

Bus Back Panel Advertising agency in Chennai link

11/27/2019 01:16:50 am

We are one of the No.1 bus advertising agency in Chennai metropolitan. Eumaxindia is reputed Bus Branding Agency offering services in Chennai, tamilnadu. We do interior/exterior branding on CMBT Bus, Volvo Bus & Government Buses.

Vigen

12/3/2019 09:50:40 am

I uses the method a few lines up. The 5-1-1-0 and numerous other combinations I tried repeatedly resulted in “maximum number of callers reached,” which I bet is set at 0. If you want get through to a person, call 800-300-5616, press 1 for English, Press 6 - 7 - 3, enter your 9 digit social, press 1 to confirm social, then press 3 to hold and wait. After holding 30 minutes a live person answered! Hazzah, the one and only employed EDD worker!

But then learned this is the number for disability, and the person initially said I needed to call a different number for family leave. After explaining how impossible it is to speak to someone, he kindly looked up what information he could see and was able to resolve my issue with non-payment from CA. So helpful.

Cant say how frustrating it is that the thousands we each pay in CA tax each year is funding a broken and non-existent system. Unbelievable. This is not an automated system, it is an impossible maze of menus to waste your time and make it nearly impossible to get your claim issue resolved. Good luck and hope this helps others.

K for J

1/22/2020 12:02:17 pm

Thanks so much! This worked like a charm. We had just about given up on talking to a human. 1/2020

Gov Moonshine

2/7/2020 11:34:02 am

Vigen's trick doesn't seem to work anymore.

AJ2020

4/9/2020 11:53:44 am

Tried all the tricks today and nothing worked. The 5, 1, 1, 0 will get ultimately get you to the message system says "due to the large volume..." and hangs up. Tried the 213 number but I got a message that the number is disconnected. Tried the 714 number but couldn't get through. Tried the 1-671 method, nothing. I guess i'll try again tomorrow. I did send an email to the labor dept and governor Newsom's office to complain. Maybe if we send enough letters to complain about this BS, something will change...doubtful, however. If anyone has any new tricks, please share! If I discover anything, I will too!

Leah L.

4/18/2020 03:34:22 pm

This didn't work for me unfortunately, I tried every trick suggested on this website without success :-( I also tried contacting EDD through Umployment Online, but I never got a response back to any of my emails in 2 weeks.
Here's what finally did work for me, and *bonus* it was easy and fast! I called my local EDD office at 2:30 pm Friday (took 5 mins, got 2 busy signals, hung up, got a live person on the third try).
I explained my situation, and even though it was after noon call center cutoff hours, they were able to immediately transfer me over to a live representative at the central office who was friendly & resolved the issue for me (wages missing, causing 4/5/20 claim to be denied) all within 15 minutes total.
*** This may be the key, I live in a rural area of California. If you are unable to get a hold of a human at your local EDD office, try calling a rural office instead.
Sincerely hope this helps sometime else, good luck everyone!

Leah L.

4/20/2020 05:52:48 pm

[Updated]

This is how I finally got through to a live human after unsuccessfully trying to call and email them for 2 weeks *bonus* it was easy and fast!

I tried every hack & trick posted online without luck, this time I called my local EDD office at 3 pm Friday. It only took 5 mins - 2 busy signals, hung up, got a live person on 3rd try.

I explained my problem and even though it was after noon, when the state call center closes, they were able to immediately transfer me over to a live rep at the state office who was friendly & resolved the issue for me (wages missing, causing my claim to be denied) all within 15 minutes total.

*** TL;DR
I called at an off-peak time AND I live in a low population, rural county in California.
If you're unable to reach a human through the state Unemployment phone numbers, or your local EDD office, try calling a rural office instead.

To find a rural county office, search EDD on Google Maps. It will show a list & map of offices with numbers.

Sincerely hope this helps someone else, good luck everyone!

Autumn

4/22/2020 12:53:27 am

Hi, can you tell me how you found your local EDD office, i keep looking online and i'm not finding the addresses or numbers, but i live in murrieta ca! any help would be awesome. thank you!

Leah L.

4/24/2020 01:16:12 pm

[Update 2]

* Call later in the day (Got through 4 pm yesterday when I had to call again)

** Sample list of Northern California Employment Development Department low population county/city office phone numbers:

[ For local or more results, search Google or Google maps for EDD near me and/or
America Job Centers of California (EDD office finder) - https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx ]

1. Del Norte County, Crescent City:
707-464-8347

2. Trinity County, Weaverville: 530-623-5538

3. Siskiyou Co., Weed: 530-938-3231

4. Tehama Co., Red Bluff: 530-529-7000

5. Modoc Co., Alturas: 530- 233-4161

6. Glenn Co., Orland: 530-865-6165

7. Colusa Co., Colusa: 530-458-0326

8. Plumas Co., Quincy: 530-283-1606

9. Lake Co., Lakeport: 707-263-0630

10. Lassen Co., Susanville: 530-257-5057

Ruth

4/24/2020 05:44:31 am

Hi I was wondering if you could guide me to the office that you have called I have too been searching online and I cannot seem to find one and I hav elegy various emails through ui online and it has not gotten me anywhere unfortunately

Leah L.

4/24/2020 10:46:43 am

Search here for local offices, set distance within 100 miles (call the small town locations), phone numbers are listed:
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/find-american-job-centers.aspx

Leah L.

4/24/2020 01:18:30 pm

Hi Ruth, I posted a second update above your comment with some specific numbers to try. Good luck!

Katie

4/28/2020 11:38:23 am

This trick wont work with the current virus issue LOL

Ben

4/30/2020 07:41:08 am

YES! It worked.
After making hundreds or even thousands of calls, I called one of the rural offices and they transferred me right through.

Rodney Peterson link

5/4/2020 09:13:33 am

It is impossible to fill out the online form as there is no work type drop down menu therefore you can not proceed. Note that I attempted this both on April 4 and today as follows:

Sorry, I have posted in replies and thank you in advance. In California and having issue with the drop down menu for "work type" (Section 3) and how you fixed it.

I have been stuck there for hours/days and I can not move on until that is done but there is NO drop down menu or arrow to pick anything! (and you can not fill in even with the correct type).

Please share if you had this issue and how you fixed it. (I have used 3 browsers).

Thanks in advance I really appreciate it.

This seems to be by design!

Rodney Peterson link

5/4/2020 10:24:30 am

Here's how to get around the no drop down menu for the above issue. Type in a general type of work you do - such as sales, then hit the search bar. A sub menu will then pop up listing the options of your choice, select one and continue. You must actually type something in the blank space and then hit search before you can continue.

Andria

5/8/2020 07:28:21 pm

Is there anyone having a problem with the EDD phone number ( the 883#) not taking calls? I've been trying all day today and I still am, and all it does is asks me to select 1 to hear their message in English, then it's says due to the high volume of call they cannot take my call at this time and to please try again later. This is the same message over and over again. Does anyone have a solution?

Lynna Kamura

5/11/2020 10:57:40 pm

I tried Anna’s 5-1-1-0 method this morning at 8am and it worked!!!! I was on hold for 45 mins but who cares? I got through and the guy was super helpful. I have 5 weeks of unemployment coming!

AOL

5/14/2020 09:41:26 am

Worked as magic! Call this number 8664012849 press 1 for English then keep pressing 2 until they ask to put a valid entry ,then you press 0 . You'll be on hold for 45 min to 1.5 hr. They're super nice !

6/22/2020 02:41:21 pm

Really? I was put on hold for three hours and then the music stopped.

Broke

10/10/2020 07:34:45 pm

And the music is a pernicious earworm.

Timmi

7/21/2020 06:24:44 pm

I've tried all the #'s including the one they mailed to me saying, call us by 7/15/20 or you'll be cut off. . . tried all the tricks I found . . . nothing works. Please let me know if someone has any new ideas!

Chris link

8/3/2020 02:33:56 am

Tricks dont work at all for me.

Broke

10/10/2020 07:30:16 pm

Have tried all the number tricks, called at different times, no luck.
Twice I got so far as to be put on hold, but both times, was disconnected after twenty minutes. Calling back again got the apologetic message of "too many calls". I believe their thinking is: if I can't reach them by phone, and they don't respond to my emails, they don't have to pay me. And that strategy has worked well for them so far!
Better odds playing the lottery, I think. Oh wait, I have no money to do that.

Curtains wholesaler link

10/29/2020 05:04:16 am

Home Curtain, Blinds wholesaler showroom in Chennai. We deals with all kind of Motorised Curtain in Chennai.

Broke

11/19/2020 05:34:20 pm

Are you lost?

James link

1/25/2021 05:53:09 pm

*updated Jan 24 2021*
Call 1 (800) 300-5616, Press 2 for Employers, 4 for General Information. Automated message said the wait would be 12 minutes. Ended up taking 1hr 8m but ultimately got through to someone who merely asked, "EDD, how can I help you." I identified myself and off we went.

Bryn Del Mano

5/24/2021 11:50:59 am

Are you an employer, or just a person trying to get assistance?

RD Sharma Class 8 Solutions link

2/10/2021 11:24:13 am

All your tricks are awesome

Briquette suppliers in tamilnadu link

3/12/2021 04:11:30 am

Maxwell eco Industries is offering a good quality of Biomass Briquettes also we are Briquettes Manufacturer, Exporter & Suppliers from Tamilnadu, India

Habiba

3/17/2021 05:42:12 pm

I want to make an appointment

flipp

4/23/2021 10:37:45 am

IT DOSENT WORK,,,, YOU GET THROUGHT TO THE TAX DEPARTMENT AND THEN THEY GET MAD AND TRANSFER RIGHT BACK TO THE SAME QUE,,,,IT MAY HAVE WORKED FOR A LITTLE While,,,,BUT IT DOSENT NOW.....

Jose

5/3/2021 08:15:30 pm

Tried the trick of pressing 4 for employers. Message said 26 minute hold. Mind you I’ve been trying for two weeks to contact a person there. 26 minute wait was a 1 hour and 44 minute wait. But spoke to a rep!!! He was very nice and took care of my issue in about 10 minutes. I’ve had weeks “pending” since April 17th. Kudos to the person who put to do that option!

Kristina Eisenhut

5/17/2021 09:01:49 am

Tried the options Employers and Pressed 4 , is is also sending the message of they are too busy.. still trying all options. :( #Paythepanding!

Sasha Bernard

6/17/2021 04:54:57 pm

You get a real person but they don’t have any contact w the unemployment side. She was nice but completely unhelpful. This may have worked at one time but not anymore.

Does not matter

7/22/2021 03:50:44 pm

THIS EDD AT THIS PHONE DOES NOT HELP WITH CHECK ISSUES, CAL TRAN, OR ANY OTHER CHECK ISSSUES., YOU HAVE TO CALL THE 800 300 5656

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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!

Latest Trick to Get Through to EDD

Leave a Reply.

Top Methods for Getting Through:

Archives

Categories

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.