California Employment Development Department (EDD) Customer Service Issues

I applied for EDD benefits on 3-15-20 due to the impact of coronavirus. I received one payment on 4-9-20, but all subsequent weeks have shown as "pending" on the EDD website. I had to submit identity verification through mail by sending three forms of ID. Even though this may have caused a delay, it has been nearly seven weeks without further payment. I contacted them via email a month ago but received no response. The phone numbers provided on their website only lead to recorded messages that disconnect without connecting to a live person. I am eager to speak with a representative promptly to resolve this issue and receive the benefits owed to me.

After filing for unemployment on May 4th, I received confirmation claim # [redacted]4. Since then, I have not received any communication via email or mail from EDD. When checking my account on UI online, it still prompts me to "file a claim," indicating there might be an issue with my application. I am unsure if I should reapply or if it would cause payment delays. I am looking for guidance on how to proceed with my existing claim #[redacted]4. Please contact me via email for further assistance.

On the 15th of May [redacted], I made multiple attempts to contact customer service and eventually spoke with a representative regarding the PUA program. I was previously denied my regular benefits due to starting work in November [redacted] and not meeting the income criteria. Tim, the representative I spoke with, helped me set up the program and certify for the weeks I was out of work. However, only one week has been paid, and the rest are pending, even though I certified them online. I've been trying all available numbers but they are always full, even right at 8:00 am. I'm hoping for someone to contact me directly and resolve the pending benefit weeks issue. Today is my birthday (5/27), and it would be a great gift to have this matter resolved. My name is R. Malloy, and you can reach me at [redacted].

I am experiencing difficulties submitting a new claim for unemployment as my previous claim expired in April. The website prompts me to file a new claim, but when I try, I am informed that I currently have a claim being processed. This situation has left me in a frustrating cycle where I am unable to reopen the previous claim or initiate a new one due to the existing claim. I have been attempting to contact the EDD for weeks without success. I hope to receive back pay for this issue as it is not caused by any fault of my own but rather the persisting glitches on their website.

I was injured at work in December [redacted] and worked with restrictions until April 7, [redacted], when I was laid off. I received Work Comp benefits until October [redacted], followed by SDI benefits until October [redacted] while recovering. I applied for Unemployment Insurance Benefits on April 5, [redacted]. Two weeks later, EDD sent me a letter with $0.00 benefits. I have sent 8 emails to EDD and a paper mail seeking answers but have not received any response in the last 5 weeks. My family and I are struggling without income. I need to know why my benefits are on hold and where my payment is.

We are experiencing a common issue with two of our companies. The first is the American Fertility Management Corporation, with Employer Account Number: [redacted]-4. The second is the American Fertility Medical Center Corp., with Employer Account Number: [redacted]-3. Our Work Sharing Plan was submitted in March [redacted] and approved on April 20, [redacted]. We have submitted all the necessary forms along with employee certifications (Form DE4581WS). We were contacted by a representative from the EDD Working Sharing office in Rancho Cordova, CA, who informed us that our current employees' names were not associated with our accounts and that the accounts were linked to different addresses and employees. We are concerned someone may be using our accounts improperly. Any urgent assistance with this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I urgently need to extend my unemployment benefits due to an emergency. Is there any way to expedite the process by speaking with someone today? I understand I am just one among many seeking assistance, and I don't intend to cause trouble. However, I support five people, including my son and elderly mother, and have exhausted all other support options. My situation is dire as we require essentials like diapers, medications, and funds for laundry. Moreover, urgent expenses such as a broken water heater, faulty vehicle brakes, and veterinary care for my cat need attention. Waiting another two weeks could push us to the brink of devastation. As a single father, I implore for assistance. I can be contacted at [redacted]. Your help is invaluable, and I am sincerely grateful for any support you can offer. Many thanks for your dedication to helping those in need.

Hello, my name is Kenneth Williamson. I applied for unemployment on 2/9/20 and again on 5/5/20. It has been almost 5 months with no response at all since my last day of work on 1/27/20. I received one response initially on 2/9/[redacted] with account number [redacted], but have not heard back since. Despite sending texts and emails for all this time, I have not received any replies. I even borrowed $12 to fax a copy to the UPS store on 6/2/20 but still have not received any response regarding the account number provided. I worked for the government for 18 years, but now that I am no longer working, I am struggling without any support. I am hoping someone can please call me at [redacted] and provide information about my unemployment check. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I'm experiencing several issues with the website: 1. Certain links are not working or have been moved. 2. I encountered error E0012 while working on a saved draft application. 3. The Help link for EDD Contact info leads to a non-existent page or is missing. The web page solution instructs to "contact EDD," but there is no email provided. Additionally, calling the alleged service center at 1.[redacted] for support on applications and tech queries results in a message directing callers back online. The loop of unavailability is frustrating. For further clarification and to share screen shots, feel free to contact me at [redacted].

I am currently completing my claim form, and it requires me to list my previous employers for the past 18 months. As a contractor in the film and television industry, I collaborate with numerous shows each year. Although they issue me W2 forms, I consider them clients since I submit W9 forms for billing purposes, with no deductions made. Consequently, I generate invoices that are paid in full by the production companies. When tax season arrives, I utilize the W2 forms as my income reference for filing taxes. The challenge lies in fitting all the companies I've collaborated with over the past 18 months into the limited spaces on the form provided. I've attempted to reach out to askEDD through messaging and multiple phone numbers without success for weeks. Despite receiving responses instructing me to file the claim after obtaining my account number, the process becomes a loop, preventing me from progressing. My financial situation is dire as I face the risk of losing my apartment, car repossession, and a declining credit score due to the inability to meet my credit card payments. I urgently need to establish contact with EDD.

I submitted a claim on May 23, [redacted], and was informed that I needed to verify my identity. Since then, my claim details have shifted to information from a company I previously worked for in [redacted] and [redacted]. I completed online certifications for the weeks of May 23 and May 30, only to later be disqualified. By June 1, it indicated that I had exhausted all my benefits. Despite my numerous calls, I have made no progress. I have expressed my willingness to verify my identity multiple times and have requested the letter to be resent thrice. During this ongoing pandemic, I am still in need of assistance and have yet to receive my stimulus check. I have found the necessary steps online to verify my identity, but I believe it's unfair to expect me to wait any longer. I should either be allowed to fax the required documents or present them in person to avoid further setbacks. I have tried to schedule callbacks three times at [redacted] but have not received any. I am attempting a fourth time and hope for a response soon. Thank you, MistyMay Arlene McGrath.

Since May 27th, I've been attempting to file a claim. I am concerned that I may have made mistakes and need assistance. I understand that EDD is experiencing high volumes, but I just want to ensure that everything is done correctly. A customer service representative mentioned that I couldn't file a claim online using a mobile device, which confused me as I filled out multiple screens of questions. I have been saving my progress as drafts and reviewing it almost daily for errors. However, I have yet to submit anything, leaving me feeling stuck. Please contact me via email at [redacted] once you receive this message to clarify the situation and guide me on any necessary corrections. Thank you for your attention, Robert R.

I have been trying for a month now to certify for benefits for the week I was out of work from 5/04/[redacted] to 05/08/[redacted] due to reduced hours from Covid-19. I sent an email through UI online but haven't received a reply in over 5-7 days. I have called over [redacted] times and still couldn't speak to an EDD representative. I just need assistance from a human regarding my UI benefits. I understand the high volume of calls your organization is dealing with currently, but I really need help with this issue. Please contact me to schedule an appointment so your organization can assist me in resolving this matter. Thank you.

I have been trying to contact EDD for weeks now, but all my calls and messages have gone unanswered. My issue is that I got paid for the first two weeks of my claim, but the following eight weeks have all been marked as pending and I haven't received any payments since. This long delay has put a strain on our finances as my wife and I are currently taking care of our grandchild. We really need this money urgently to provide for our family and prevent eviction. Can someone please assist me in resolving this unemployment payment problem? My account number is [redacted] and my email is [redacted] Your help would be greatly appreciated.

My name is Donelle T. and I reside in Culver City, Los Angeles, CA. Since March 16, [redacted], I've been unable to work when the salon I rent a station in closed in Santa Monica, CA. I applied for PUA through EDD on May 2, [redacted], but I haven't received any communication since. I've tried calling multiple numbers countless times without success. I've reached out to my district assemblywoman for help, but I'm still awaiting a response. Without income, I can't reopen my hairstyling business and face the risk of homelessness in the next 60 days. I've been surviving on $[redacted] in food stamps, my son's part-time earnings, and loans from friends and clients. As a taxpayer, I believe it's unfair that I can't access the PUA funds I'm entitled to. I need assistance urgently.

As the sole owner of an electrical contracting business heavily reliant on film and television production work, the impact of Covid-19 has been devastating. With studios dark and production halted, accessing unemployment benefits has become a necessity. Despite registering with EDD and receiving confirmation, the delay in receiving the account number via mail has been frustrating. Repeated attempts to contact EDD by phone have been unsuccessful, with recordings providing little assistance. Email correspondence has been equally unhelpful, leading to a cycle of automated responses. The financial strain is mounting, with maxed-out credit cards, monthly payments, and bills piling up, threatening financial stability. As a single individual with no support system, the need for real assistance from EDD is urgent. Clarification on handling the claim form's employer section, which requires details from the past 18 months, poses a challenge. Immediate action and communication from EDD are vital to prevent a financial crisis.

It is incredibly frustrating dealing with the long wait times to reach someone at EDD. Last week, I was finally able to speak to a live agent after hours of trying. I applied for PUA, and aside from the confirmation email acknowledging my application, I haven't received any updates. The agent advised me to file a new claim, but I encountered an error as the system indicates that there's a claim already in progress. When I asked the agent to check, she couldn't find any pending claims. I'm unsure of what steps to take next and how to clear my account for a reapplication. Your assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, S. Dominick

I am encountering several issues with my EDD claim and need assistance. 1. I registered on May 2, [redacted], but did not receive an EDD Customer Account Number in the mail. 2. The claim form requires a detailed list of my last employers, including those who are no longer in business. I am unsure if there is enough space on the form to provide all the necessary information or if listing each employer is mandatory. 3. I work as a sole proprietor and invoice my clients as a contractor, not an employee. Will I still qualify for unemployment benefits based on my earnings? 4. I am uncertain if I am eligible for regular unemployment benefits as an owner/sole proprietor and if I qualify for COVID-19 benefits due to the impact on my business from the pandemic. 5. I have been unsuccessful in reaching EDD through phone calls or the online "AskEDD" system. 6. I am seeking assistance from an EDD representative to clarify these issues promptly and ensure my claim is processed correctly in order to receive benefits promptly.

Since April 28, I have been pending with my children, self-employed, and under quarantine since February. I have to stay home with my children since they were sent home. I am waiting to get back to work without permits, hoping there is still work as the contractor is struggling. I am behind on bills and rent. I have been calling EDD every day and leaving messages, but no one responds, and it's impossible to reach them. I also received an award letter, but that's all. Please, I still have hope and need a miracle.

Hello, thank you for reaching out for assistance. I am feeling anxious as I have been trying to contact the office for three days now. Our savings are depleting quickly, and I am concerned. I completed the online filing correctly, as instructed, and was told to expect a notice in the mail. However, it has been weeks, and I have not received anything. Your help in expediting my claim for the PUA or PUI benefits would be greatly appreciated. My details are: Tazewell S., SSN: 1 2 3 72 31 89, Address: [redacted] 1st Ave, Crockett, California, [redacted], DOB: March 23, [redacted], Former Employer: Smith & Sons Bay Area. My company has been issued a stop work order by law enforcement, and I am no longer receiving my regular income of $1,[redacted] per week. Please assist me in any way possible as my financial situation is becoming dire, and my family is depending on me. Thank you.