With an unprecedented number of claims due to the pandemic, getting in touch with California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) can often be a daunting task. Getting through to EDD has been a huge struggle. Here are some handy tips on how to contact EDD and the fastest way to get through to EDD.

First and foremost, you could attempt to contact EDD through its official website. Online transactions will often be processed quicker. It’s also possible to file a claim, certify for benefits, check your claim and payment status, and much more.

Possibly the most direct method would be to call the EDD phone number at 1-800-300-5616, which is available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 12 noon PST. Having said that, note that the line can get busy during peak hours, and it might take several attempts before you get through.

If you have a specific disability issue you need to discuss, you can also learn how to talk to someone at EDD disability. To do this, consider calling the Disability Insurance toll-free number at 1-800-480-3287.

Resolving an issue about Paid Family Leave (PFL) or State Disability Insurance (SDI) requires contacting those specific departments. You can get a hold of PFL by dialing 1-877-238-4373 or contact SDI through 1-800-480-3287. If speaking directly to a representative poses challenges, you could opt to leave a voicemail or to send an email.

To inquire about your EDD payment status, if it says outstanding , you may use the EDD’s automated phone system at 1-866-333-4606. This is a 24/7 service, where you can also request a replacement debit card or check the status of your mailed payment.

Sometimes, talking to a live person might be the more efficient route on how to contact EDD about certain issues. Learning how to contact a live person at EDD California would entail calling the aforementioned numbers and following their prompts until you reach a human.

Remember to be patient when trying to contact any of these departments, as they are handling an enormous volume of calls daily. By putting these tips to use, you should be able to find out how to get a hold of EDD, how to contact SDI, or how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave.