The rapid rise in unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an overwhelming volume of inquiries made to the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Many are finding it hard to contact EDD and get their questions answered. To keep up with the demand, EDD has extended its phone service hours from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. To contact EDD, callers should dial 1-800-300-5616 between these hours.

It’s also possible to use EDD Tele-Cert to certify for unemployment insurance benefits. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unemployed individuals can use this automated self-service system to quickly certify for ongoing benefits, offering a convenient alternative to certifying online.

For those struggling to get through to EDD, the department recommends calling early in the morning or later in the evening, when call volumes are usually lower. Callers may have to wait on hold for a period of time before speaking with a representative.

When contacting EDD, individuals should prepare for the call by having all necessary information at hand, including their social security number, the last employer’s information, and relevant dates. Those who have applied for unemployment in the past should also have their EDD Customer Account Number available.

In addition to telephone services, EDD provides online resources and services. The UI Online portal gives individuals the ability to manage their claim at any time. Services available through UI Online include certifying for benefits, reporting work and wages, and updating contact information.

One way to speed up the process and get through to EDD may be through a new platform available at eddcaller.com. This service works as a call-back system, allowing unemployed individuals to avoid waiting hours on hold. By entering their phone number on the website, they will be contacted by an EDD representative when it’s their turn.

In addition, eddcaller.com can aid in reducing hold times and streamlining the contact process for those looking to get updates on their unemployment claims, rectify issues, and get answers to queries relating to their accounts. This user-friendly platform offers much-needed support, especially during these challenging times when unemployment rates are at an all-time high and contacting EDD has become vitally important.