The California Employment Development Department (EDD) is a state-run agency providing comprehensive employment and job training services, along with various unemployment insurance benefits, disability insurance, and paid family leave. These services are in place to support Californians during times of job loss, injury, and during the period they need to take care of a family member or bond with a new child.

The benefits that EDD provides include Unemployment Insurance (UI), Disability Insurance (DI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and Job Service. Unemployment Insurance is an employer-paid program that provides partial income to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Disability Insurance provides partial wage replacement to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a non-work related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Paid Family Leave provides benefits to individuals who need to take time off work to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, parent, or registered domestic partner, or to bond with a new child.

As part of its comprehensive services, EDD also provides job service programs that help Californian job seekers meet their employment goals. These include job search assistance, vocational rehabilitation for those with disabilities, veteran’s services, and labor market information.

To contact the EDD, there are various channels available. One can visit the ‘Contact EDD’ page on the official website for general inquiries, claim-specific questions, or technical support for UI Online. Californians can also reach out to their local office for in-person services. Most importantly, EDD provides a toll-free number for individuals to reach customer service. Telephone service hours are weekdays, excluding state holidays.

For individuals needing to get a hold of the Paid Family Leave (PFL), there’s a separate number. To file for PFL benefits or ask questions about current claims, individuals can reach out to the PFL office at their listed contact number during business hours.

In conclusion, the EDD provides essential services to Californians during times of job loss, injury, or family care. There are various methods of contact for those who need assistance with their claims or services. If you need more information on how to contact a live person at EDD California, you can visit eddcaller.com for guides on getting through to customer service, and for the fastest way to reach an agent.