CALIFORNIA – The Employment Development Department (EDD) in California is facing increasing criticism as a multitude of complaints pour in from citizens who have yet to receive their unemployment benefits. The system, which was not prepared for the massive influx of claims due to the pandemic, has left thousands without their rightful support.

Desperate citizens repeatedly encounter dead-ends when trying to contact EDD for assistance. Patricia Tierney, a former office manager, struggled with her claim for unemployment disappearing off the EDD website multiple times. Similarly, Ima Holcomb, a previous worker at a Napa Valley wineries trade association, voiced her frustrations with reaching only automated messages and untrained employees unable to assist. The unavailability of live customer service has increased the desperation and confusion of these individuals, who fear falling further into financial crisis due to this administrative disorder.

The EDD reports that, since March 14, it has processed a total of 8.2 million claims, with approximately 4.2 million individuals receiving their benefits over the past weeks. However, the department has not provided figures for the number of claims that have been rejected or are still pending, resulting in further uncertainty amongst those relying on these benefits. The EDD has so far failed to provide a satisfactory solution or efficient communication to help the large numbers of jobless workers awaiting their unemployment claims.

For those who are finding it increasingly difficult to contact EDD, resources such as eddcaller.com might prove helpful. This can facilitate better communication with the department, making it easy to reach out to EDD customer service. Using such resources may provide a more streamlined way to address your concerns and get through to a live person at EDD who can help with your claim.