The Employment Development Department (EDD) is the state agency that provides a variety of services to California citizens, including unemployment and disability benefits, payroll tax collection and administration, and labor market information services. The department is committed to providing the best customer service possible and makes multiple methods of contact available for those seeking assistance.

Initially, the EDD website is the fastest and most convenient way to access information and services. The website features a wealth of resources, including guides to filing for unemployment and disability benefits, a searchable database of labor market information and resources for job seekers and employers. Moreover, for customer’s inquiries and requests requiring the assistance of an EDD representative, the department offers several customer service hotlines.

However, if an individual requires more personalized service, they may find it advantageous to reach out to EDD directly via phone. To contact EDD, you can call the customer service phone number that is specific to your needs. For example, if you need to apply for unemployment benefits, you can call the unemployment insurance hotline. Alternatively, if your concern relates to disability benefits, there’s a separate number for State Disability Insurance (SDI).

When calling EDD, be prepared with all necessary information such as your Social Security number and the details of your unemployment or disability claim. EDD representatives can provide information and assistance about your claim status, processing times, and any necessary paperwork. It’s worth noting that wait times can be long due to the high call volumes, especially in the aftermath of widespread layoffs such as those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. To avoid the busiest times, consider calling early in the morning or later in the evening.

Should you need to get through to EDD, a useful online platform that can assist is eddcaller.com. This service can help California citizens navigate the challenge of getting in touch with a live person at EDD. Additionally, eddcaller.com offers up-to-date phone queue times and suggests the fastest way to get through to EDD representatives.