Tips and Tricks - Getting through to SDI Phone/In Person (for SDI)

I wanted to share my experience from a logistical perspective with this California EDD claim processing and people trying to get in contact. I got through to them based on some much-needed persistence over a phone call; I had also had gone to the office a previous day to just get it done but, it was not so easy: was too late to get a ticket number. The below applies for SDI but can be for UI as well (different phone number will need to be used). Also, there are subreddit posts on this but are rather old and the process has slightly been updated since.

Overall, getting a representative on the phone or in person is your best bet to fix your issue.

For calling EDD:

  • Dial the number for SDI - https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/contact_sdi
  • Dial 1 almost immediately
  • Dial the verification code they want you to type in.
  • Once confirmed on the code, immediately dial 240 to get to the call waiting line. Others have used 330; that seems to work too.

Tips:

  • Call early in the morning, right at 8am on the dot when the phones open. That worked for me, but it didn't work on the first try/day, of course. Keep trying if you don't get through then; persistence is key (unfortunately).
  • As people have noted, once you get through, the people on the other end are gentle and kind. They have a bunch of people calling them. Be patient and the representative will definitely help you.
  • Once you get through, provide good responses and have your information ready. If it is minor error or clarification request, they will confirm and get it processed quickly with a push of a button. If it is payment related, they will get the claim processed right then and there. I got payments processed immediately and I saw my claims status change online (after refreshing the website) while on the call. They said I should see the actual payment executed the next 1-2 business days.

For going to your local office (website link to office locator):

  • The offices run on a number or ticketing like at the DMV (calling your number when you are next up to proceed). They have limited tickets and they run out by what seems to be the morning. The standing officer said that a line forms as early as 6am outside the office, but 7am is okay. So that's 2-3 hours before opening for certain office locations. So be prepared if your issue is urgent and calling has worn down your patience.
  • Before I got through with the call (thankfully), I did go to the office a previous day to handle the situation. My "mistake" was: I went at 2pm. Again, go early, stand in line like its Disneyland. Because I got there late, they ran out of tickets.

Hope this helps someone.