Thanks to the EDD, I am slowly losing my mind
Haunted by phones
Ahh, my first week of unemployment. Pure (ignorant) bliss. Still delighted to discover I was eligible for free money from the government, I boasted about filing for unemployment insurance benefits. I reveled in its simplicity. I daydreamed about receiving my checks in the mail. Well, I’m sad to report that those daydreams have now turned into one un-ending bureaucratic nightmare. Blog therapy may not be enough to cure the spiral of madness I now find myself in.
It all started out so innocently, so…effortlessly. I opened my claim online in less than an hour. Within days, I received my first worksheet (in case you are lucky enough to still have a job, this is a form you have to fill out every two weeks before getting your check). I happily ticked the boxes and sent it back.
But shortly afterwards, the cracks began to show. I got a letter saying my worksheet was “incomplete or incorrect”. I was sent a replacement form and asked to fill it out. I did so, under John’s wise, watchful eye (mind you, he had already received his first check at this point, so I trusted his judgment). He identified what he thought was the problem. Phew, I thought. Glad I got that one sorted out.
But within a week of sending in my replacement form, I received a two-line letter from the EDD saying my second form had also been “incomplete or incorrect” – still no hint as to the nature of my error. I was instructed to call their 1-800 number “immediately”. I had missed my opportunity to fill out any new worksheets. My future livelihood now depended on the efficacy of a toll free government service number. Things were not looking good.
Bear in mind I have now been unemployed for over two months, and have yet to receive my first check. My measly severance cannot carry me through. Funds are dwindling. Mom and dad are on speed dial. And too many San Francisco establishments are cash only.
Now, I understand that the unemployment offices are overloaded with patrons at this time. I don’t expect to be able to get through to someone on my first, second or third try. I’m a reasonably intelligent person, familiar with the notion of a bottleneck. So after calling the toll free number repeatedly, to no avail, I decided to attempt an in-person visit. I googled my nearest “unemployment office”. Nothing like a good old-fashioned face-to-face meeting to straighten out a silly misunderstanding!
Where is this fantasy "unemployment office"?
I had imagined long lines of disgruntled layoffees, people taking numbers, angry mobs, apathetic and/or defensive civil servants – SIGNS OF LIFE.
Instead, I found a shy receptionist (bless her heart), a couple overzealous security guards and room full of phones. There were a few desperate looking jobseekers sprinkled throughout this multi-purpose government office, but for the most part, it was empty. The receptionist informed me that there was no one I could speak to face-to-face about my issue. That this particular office did not house any unemployment insurance representatives or advisers – I am told there are no such offices in the city of San Francisco. This was simply a job center. They could, however, offer me my pick of telephones designated for calling the 1-800 number. I started laughing maniacally. Are you friggin KIDDING ME? A room full of phones? Believe it or not, I have a phone at home. Two in fact! Why would I drive to this office, pay for parking, and sign in to use a public (read: bacteria infested) telephone? I can do this just as well from my couch, while I watch Tyra and eat a gallon of ice cream in my onesie. No antiseptic necessary.
But being the curious person that I am, I decided to check out this telephone facility. After passing through two security guards and being forced to throw away my coffee (NO COFFEE NEAR THE PHONES), I was given the low down on efficient phone usage. It went something like this:
Officer: “Push English and it dials the number. If it says ‘thank you’, hang up and try again. You have not gotten through. If it says ‘welcome’, you have gotten through. Dial 12117 to quickly navigate through the menu and you might just speak to someone.”
Me: (not sure whether to laugh or cry) “I see. And what are my chances of success?”
Officer: (points to the pages of signatures on his clipboard) “Out of all these people who came in today, maybe 4 or 5 got through. They put in some serious time.”
Me: “Christ almighty. They don’t make it easy, do they.”
I begin to lose all hope. I try really hard not to take it out on this nice man, who, of course, is just doing his job.
Me: “But why come in here and call when I can call from home? I don’t understand this set-up – a room full of phones to dial the same useless automated service I have been cursing for weeks?”
Officer: “Well, every once in a while, someone ACTUALLY gets through. Then everyone waits nearby and when that person is done with their call, they hand the phone over to someone else.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. What might this preposterous scene look like? Grown men hovering around the golden ticket winner, waiting desperately for their turn. The golden ticket winner, upon completion of his call, crying: “Wait! Don’t hang up! SS# 459-99-0787 wants to speak to you too… I’m passing you over now… Byeeee. Muah.”
At this point I have to leave the building before I scream.
Still reeling from the experience, I drove home, determined not to lose all hope. When I got there, I began researching offices outside of San Francisco, where I might get to speak to someone face-to-face. I found one in my hometown of Sunnvyale, just 40 minutes south of here. It looked promising. I was pleased by my own persistence as I dialed their number to confirm which services they offered. But my self satisfaction quickly turned to disappointment.
Lady on the phone: “Nope, sorry. You can’t file a claim here or discuss your claim with anyone. In fact there is no way to speak to a representative in person anywhere in California. You just have to keep trying the 1-800 number. But we DO have a room of telephones you can use.”
MORE PHONES???? At this point, I want to reach into the receiver and punch this lady in the mouth. No wonder losing one’s job and losing one’s mind are so closely intertwined. I am beginning to understand why people throw themselves in front of trains or go on killing sprees.
Always an optimist though (and with an unhealthy dose of persistence), I have now resigned myself to calling the number until I get through (from the comfort of my own couch, of course). It may take days, weeks, months, a lifetime, even – but eventually, I will get through, right? I see no other alternative. I understand the need for a mutli-pronged approach. I plan to write to my local congresswoman. I will also send a detailed letter to the EDD. If needs be, I will hire a lawyer.
But in the meantime, I spend my days dialing the 1-800 number over and over and over again. Every once in a while, I get the ever-so-promising “welcome” message. I navigate through the menu options with a glimmer of hope, and the automated message tells me I am being put through to a representative. I am elated – but only temporarily. In the end, it turns out to be a sick inside joke, orchestrated by the evil robots at the EDD. A subsequent message says “we’re sorry, we can’t take your call at this time. Goodbye” and the robot rudely hangs up on me. So what do I do? I pick up the phone and begin the process again.
I dial the same number repeatedly – each time, hoping for a different result. Isn’t this the very definition of insanity? Consider this my cry for help.
P.S. For musings not related to unemployment, check out my new blog, Lipstick & Lemonade
I am very thankful that I found this website! I called one of the numbers, 714, and was able to speak to a representative about my claim. She was rude at first, but after I stayed calm she calmed down and was nice too.
Still waiting unemployment. I applied back in June and was denied. I had an appeal and was approved for benifits. I called EDD and they told me congrats. You will recieve a large back pay check from us starting inn June. Still no check. I complained online and EDD told me to fax my appeal decision for proof. WTF! I faxed-no responce. I called-no answer. I complained again- they told me to fax it again. WTF! No check. It is now 11/15/09 and EDD emailes me saying that I am not eligable for benefits because I was terminated from my last job. I was never terminated. Thats why I had the appeal and even had proof. URGH! Getting a hold of EDD by telephone is like winninng the lottery.
**UPDATE**
”
My original post : “THANK YOU! I had the same problem (I made mistakes on a couple of forms and could not continue payments until I talked to someone in person). I have been trying all morning to get through to the 1800 number. At about noon I found this forum and called (310)330-5905, they told me to call back after 1pm. After 1pm, I got through after maybe 10 rings, and the whole call lasted 5 minutes! The mistakes have apparently been cleared up and I will hopefully be getting paid again!
UPDATE: I did in fact get the check for the 2 weeks in question, but did not get additional claim forms with the check. Apparently when I told them the payments were stopped, they didn’t assume the claim forms stopped coming (even though they are attached to the checks so the logical conclusion is if one isn’t coming, the other isn’t either!!) Freaking retards… Anyways, so i called (310)330-5905, got through after 5 mins of being put on hold, and got it all cleared up. So MORAL OF THE STORY: if they stop payments, make sure after the issued is cleared that they send the claim form(s) with the check(s)…
sounds like the States incompetence. great government, pay all those taxes for ….what? yank pols are a bunch of jokers living it up during a severe recession, no tax breaks for the working class, and smoke/mirror shell game government gimmicks to entice the ignorant and stupid. When are the yanks going to demand action? and a government that actually works?
Look, if you guys are having problems find your state assembly person or state senator and ask for constituent affairs or whatever. Give them a BRIEF explanation and then they can go to EDD and kick some ass. No bureaucrat likes an elected person on their butt. Do a Google search for your state representatives and use your zip code. I’m going through the same crap. My claim should have been a slam dunk but it’s been 5-6 weeks. Tell the constituent affairs person how screwed you are without your check, they are human beings and they will help.
Thanks for the funny article. I will try the 12117 trick. I had everything running smoothly until I made a move to Washington state and put in for a change of address. I know the EDD has my new address, because they sent me a letter advising me I am to have an interview with them. (What is that all about?) However, they stopped sending my checks. How can I spend time looking for work when I am spending all of my time on the phone performing such a useless exercise? California, shame on you! I was able to get through to the Washington state employment office on the first try! And the use of the antiquated claim forms really make California look bad compared to other states that allow you file online. I’m a computer person; why don’t they put me to work renovating their system?
Suprise! Suprise! I actually got 3 weeks of unemployment benefits out of the 5 months owed!
I’ve contacted my legislator who is supposed to contact the political contact in EDD to speed up the money owed. Why do I fear? Easy: EXPERIENCE using EDD. What use is a program that makes so MANY mistakes?
Before you read this please note, I am not a spelling or punctuation person, I write to express my thoughts and feelings.. I know there will be a lot of run on sentences.
I am just giving you a little warning before you read…..
Hi,
I have been unemployed since October 9th, Filed unemployment that day and then 6 days later I got a claim form and other paperwork and I was singing and happy again, I had filed before so I knew the drill. I knew I would have to wait atleast 10 before I see a check, So on or about the 10th day which was a Friday, I see the mail truck and just like a dog I looked up, my heart started beating and I was almost about to piss my pants, I was so excited !! Just like Steve Martin in “The Jerk” MY CHECK IS HERE! MY CHECK IS HERE! ( not phone books) but you know what I mean.
I race out to the mail box and I am ready to go to the bank and as I open it up, I see the envelope and again my heart is beating as I throw all the other mail out on the floor…
I stand there holding what I think is the “Golden Ticket” I slowly open it up to make sure I do not rip the check and as I do I feel the beats of my heart get faster and harder and to my eyes was a sharp blast of acid and felt like pepper spray hit me and someone punched my heart out of my body… IT WAS NOT A CHECK!!! It looked like a check and it was in the same envelope as the check but it was not a check. At that point I felt like Bill Buckner and Mitch Williams all rolled into one person.
The letter stated that I had to have a phone interview to determine my status
I was like ok, I will jump for you guys, I need the money…. So I did not read the letter all the way at this point but when I did finally get to the part of when my interview was to take place I almost died on the spot!!
My interview was not until November 17th 2009 and that day was October 15th, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I shouted and I am still outside near the mailboxes, I also said a few bad words out there too!
A whole month before my interview, what does EDD need to do betweeen October 15th and November 17th? I have had interviews before and they last about 5 minutes. So you mean to tell me that over a month that EDD has an interview already scheduled for every minute of the day? NO WAY!!!
If they are short staff, I will be more than happy to work for EDD and answer phones all day!
This way we all win, if they gave everyone a job instead of money, we wouldn’d need unemployment and California would have more money coming in from people actually buying homes and paying taxes and putting money back into the economy, it would be a win win situation…. but we are talking about a state being run by a cyborg, so how can I expect anything more than a bad movie from him.
Ok, So now it is 2 days before Thanksgiving, I had my phone interview and the lady sent me 2 more claim forms and I mailed them out Friday 20th and she said I should be receiving my very first check from October 9th soon in about 5to 6 days.
I have been calling since Friday morning into the automated system to see if a payment has been made and not to my surprise…, no checks have been sent out!
So now with Thanksgiving only 2 days away and my bank account showing negative and knowing I will not be getting this week makes my whole holiday weekend a unhappy one but I am thankful that I can spend time with people who matter the most.
Money is Money and it comes and goes with no emotions for you, So why should we have emotions for money?
I guess what I am trying to say is that no matter how bad we all are financially just be glad we
have our loved ones with us to help carry us through these tough times.
If anyone from EDD is reading these posts, Please do not think we are mad at you personally but understand we are people too and not some dead beats looking to score from the government, we just need money to eat, put gas in the car and pay our rent.
Please stop giving us the run around and making us jump through red tape, give us the answers we need to hear and help us get the information, do not look down on us just becuase we need help because one day you will need some help and you too will get the run around and then you will see how it is to be in our shoes waiting for something that affects your life in more ways than one.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
I was advised by channel 5 to contact my state legislator who would help me with EDD. I did.
After a little more than one week, she discovered that EDD either LOST or NEVER RECEIVED the administrative court opinion favorable to me. So she asked me to get a copy to her. I mailed it yesterday.
Dare hope that EDD will finally send me the money it owes me from June? And this nightmare will end?
After coming home from overseas(while on paid family leave) I found my job had been given away to someone else, so I filed. After filing online, receiving and mailing my first claim form, I found out 3 weeks later that I was disqualified for a supposed overpayment a year previous. After a month of waiting for my appeal, It was determined that EDD had mixed up my hours(due to a clerical error). I ended up waiting for another 2 months before receiving a substantial series of checks.
Here we are at the beginning of november and I receive a notice of potential overpayment from a job I had for three weeks in september. My boss had a strange pay week(thurs-weds). Knowing I had been right on with reporting my hours, I called immediately to sort it out. They claimed that I had understated my pay for two of those three weeks. Edd will disqualify you for this without checking previous weeks for an overstatement (which is exactly what happened). I spent an hour on the phone going through my paystubs with the person from the accountability dept and together we figured out what was wrong and even found out that I had overstated my hours and pay requiring an extra correction payment ($45)from EDD. It was also determined that this was EDD’s fault and not mine.
Here we are on Thanksgiving day. Still no checks, still no decision regarding the situation. No food in the fridge, bills overdue, rent day looming and no one to speak to regarding the situation until monday. When I spoke to an agent weds, was told they couldn’t release an emergency check(which is possible) unless I had shutoff notices or an eviction notice. Why should it come to getting kicked out of your home or losing your utilities (which can be a serious or possibly deadly problem where I live in the Sierra Nevada crest) for them to help?
Where the accountability? Who’s going to pay my late charges and repair my rental history? Why are we all subjected to this? Why are we presumed to be guilty of fraud until proven innocent?
I’ve read these posts with interest. The codes to get into the system work great. I used them. I went through many of the same problems everyone has posted about. What I’ve learned is this: When you send in that claim form, mail it on the day it’s due (even if it’s Sunday). I mailed one too early, they stopped my check and sent me another claim form to send (more delay). Another time I accidently marked an incorrect box…DON’T EVER DO THIS!!! Mark your claim forms EXACLTY the same each time. A COMPUTER sends those letters if there is ANY change on your claim form! (A EDD worker told me this). But because they’re so behind and short-handed, the phone meetings are always a month away. If you start school (I started taking online courses which would NOT interfere with getting work), don’t mark the box anyway! I did and that stopped my checks AGAIN, and they sent me that computer generated letter. Moral of the story: Don’t make mistakes on the claim forms! Don’t mark you’re going to school, unless it’s approved by EDD and it’s full-time (which WILL interfere with a job search) and plan on getting that letter. That same EDD worker told me if you are going to school, get a call in a week BEFORE you make the committment to school/training. Get an appointment for a worker to call you ahead of time. That way they can look it over and (hopefully) approve your training, but you won’t lose a month of checks. If you are going to work PT, call ahead and get an appointment because if you mark that you’re working (but haven’t got a check) this will generate a LETTER. It’s almost as if they want you to lie!! One frustrating time when I got a 916 number from my Congressperson, I called and got through, but all they did was set up an appointment for a worker to call me back, but it’s usually in a week. Fortunately, every time I’ve talked to an actual EDD worker, they were nice and helpful. They must get trained for that. Anyway, I hope this info helps someone.
word to the wise its been 1o days since i havent receive my check i informed edd about this and they told me that they had to send me out an statement in which i had to sign and then send back to them in order for them to cancel my check.this whole process takes about 2 weeks before i will receive my missed check in the meantime my next claim form is due to be sent in so i had them to resend me another claim form to keep me caught up so they did, so what im saying to you if this happens to you dont hesitate if your check is more than 5 days late apparentely the computers were down but for some reason they couldnt tell us this untill i heard it on the news about people not getting their checks as of today 12-11-09 im still waiting. some of the edd personell will work with you and be honest with you just be polite and youll find that one understanding person well at least im convinced hope that all of your spirits are high and that you all have a very merry xmas
refer to my email justaskspice62@yahoo.com if you would like to contact me
Anybody on here know how long it will take EDD to figure out you found a job already??
Here is my story from califf edd:
for a year i was traveling 3 1/2 hrs a day commuteing to my job and back . so i decided to go to school or training for 4 weeks to get my class A comercial license and paid the $4000 to do so , but before i quit my old job i had contacted edd and asked if i was enrolled in school if i could still get bennefits as long as i was in school .they sent me forms to fill out and for school to fill out and everthing was aproved. after over a week or so i was expecting to get my check in mail ,but instead it was a letter saying before i can receive bennefits i have a phone interview and the earlyiest the could do it was over a month away,without out pay ,finnaly my interview and the main topic was on the claim for did i look for work i put no becauce i was in school 5 days a week 10hrs a day, and they asked when i was in school would i have quit school to take job ,i said no ,becauce i paid $4000 for the school and if i qit i would have lost the money ,but the right answer would have been yes i would have quit school , anyway this started in july and they finally made there decision the 1st of october stateing i would not get backpay and was not eligiable ,and to receive unemployment i would have to make another $4000, getting to the point i got a truck driveing job localy driveing log truck but it was late in season and i made the $4000 they wanted before i was laid off for season due to snow, i file my claim and wasent working becauce it was seasonal ,i get claim for and mail it off only a week latter to find in the mail im scheduled for phone interview the 23 of december ,i go home call most of day before i get through and ask why the interview ,she says becauce when it said if i looked for work i said no .most of my jobs have always been seasonal and up until now i was always told sinse its seasonal and im planning on going back to work for same companty that im not required to look for work ,but now im about totaly screwed by the time i get a check gona be end of january probaly
Hello,
Well this just makes me sick! What EDD is doing to people, there is no reason things should take so long. Luckily I didn’t have any problems filing and receiving my check but a about 5 months into my time with EDD the crap hit the fan. My former employer had messed up and said I worked when I actually didn’t. So EDD “said” they had sent a previous letter informing of this and giving me a chance to show evidence but I never received anything. I think they should send more than one letter when it is something as important as this as well as a certified letter to make sure it is received. The only letter I actually received was one informing me that I “had committed fraud and I said I didn’t work when I had.” Which was completely untrue. My punishment for this, they immediately stopped my checks for five weeks. Repayment of the alleged overpayment and a 30% penalty fee added to that. They said I owed $115.00. They stopped my checks fr five weeks for $115 dollars! Not only that I had to file an appeal and wait several months before I could see a judge. I had prof that I didn’t work and I didn’t understand why I had to see a judge. I almost loss my house house because of this screw up by my former employer because I actually had to wait almost 8 weeks before I finally got a check again because after the 5 week penalty I had to wait another 2 weeks before I could send in the claim form. Well I finally saw a judge and he saw exactly what I was talking about. Well about 6 weeks after seeing the judge I have finally received a decision and I thank God the judge agreed with me and I won my case. However, I have not seen a check yet for the 5 weeks I lost. EDD should have to pay me a penalty for causing me all this trouble! Or at least the former employer who committed the fraud! Hopefully I will receive a back pay check soon but I am not holding my breath. Something needs to be done, hmm hire more people there are plenty of us that need jobs! Good luck to all.
This is in reguards to” DANNY” and edd paying back pay , dont know if they do this to everyone but a few yrs ago when edd owed me like 3 months of backpay at $450 a week ,i never did get the whole backpay check at once ,i would fill out claim form and mail it in and would only get a two week check at a time ,as soon as i would get check i would fill out claim form mail it in again for another 2 week of pay
I had been fired from my job on July 10th, 2009, but qualified for unemployment benefits. The phone interviewer talked to me and I figured I would get benefits, but after talking to my former manager, EDD denied my claim. I was encouraged to appeal and did, and the judge overturned the denial. I was promptly sent a letter from his office and received it the very next day. I was excited, since I had not worked and it had been 4 months already. That was November 17th. It is now December 15th and after several conversations with multiple employees of EDD, I have not seen a check and have gotten advice to “just wait”. I would love to tell my landlord that, who I met today at Salvation Army to get $500.00 from them for help with my $1075 monthly rent. The other $575 has been written as a check from my personal checking account, which has nothing in it. So that check went through costing a $33 overdraft charge. I am broke, in debt, overdue in my bills and the cupboards are getting bare. Oh, by the way, Christmas is coming.
LOL. All I can do is laugh. I appreciate all the posts here. I will keep trying. I know that God is in charge at all times and there is always a Guaranteed Open Door that I can walk through to get everything I need.
I have put in two requests for a “specialist” to call me back. That was yesterday. I am waiting. I know everything is taken care of, it is my creditors, landlord, service providers and stomach that are complaining.
I will call the appeals court that I went through for the appeal tomorrow, and see if I can get some help there. If anyone has any other suggestions or encouragement, I would love it.
Thanks.
Nicholas
nicholaswaltermattson@gmail.com
Man that’s a tough story.
Best of luck with your situation and to others out there like you, over this tough time.
okay here it is….. an actual phone number that you go straight to a live person…..213-744-2137, they are very helpful, i got my checks in three days after not getting a check since the end of august, so to all my fellow unemployed, wanting to strangle someone at the edd office, be nice to these people, they are VERY nice (at least to me), and good luck to you all!!!!
Thank you, Thank you for this website. After suffering through the whole filing, interview, denial, appeal hearing and eventual overturn process these past 6 months I finally have some idea where I stand. I called the 213-744-2137 number and spoke to a live human being about my claim. I was told to fax my appeal decision to the office handling my claim, but was also provided their telephone number. Based on prior posts to this blog about the faulty fax receipt abilities of EDD, I called first. A very pleasant woman took my social and the mailing date of my appeal’s decision and looked up my info. After about 5 minutes she came back on the line to say my claim status had been updated and since I had been submitted claim forms throughout the appeals process, checks would be mailed within a couple of days. I am cautiously optimistic that I may finally be able to get the UI money that my family so desperately needs.
The numbers I used: 213-744-2137 & 310-330-5905
Good Luck!
Lee, I am so glad you were able to use that number i posted, they were so helpful, good luck to you, it sounds like things are looking up for you!! Also, I just received an additional six weeks of claim forms to fill out, that 213-744-2137 has angels on the other line!!!!
So here is my story,
i have change my address three time because i moved to a new city with in the state of California looking for work, now i called them and they say that i have put a hold on my check because i have change my address more then 2 times. is that really affects my unemployment? if so why is it bad to change my address if i am looking for a job in another city and now they are holding my unemployment money. has anyone been through this situation? can you please let me know what happen? i am affraid they stop sending my checks. thats all the money i can count on right now.
please let me know.
It’s a shame stories like these are all too common at the moment.
Good luck over the holidays and should others want to share their stories please do.
man…what is going on with my check, im just on my 1st extension since the beginning of nov. I got my 1st check a little late. I mailed my form saturday and got nothing today. I called the automated system and they still havent cut my check. I get through to edd and the y tell me my check was cut Dec.15. I still have not got anything…….Im nervous, my checks had been coming in on time and now they are lagging…the edd people tell me my check has been cut but the automated system says otherwise, idk who to believe….anyone having this problem?????
916-683-4400 will get you directly through to EDD.
I am gong on my second ALL day attempts to reach a LIVE person at EDD. The first time, 3 weeks ago, it took me 3 solid days of “redial”. This time I am now on my 5th-that’s right-5th day of constant redial. Oh, I did finally get throuh to someone yesterday. After asking me 2 questions, SHE HUNG UP ON ME. Trust me, they don’t call back. My thumb is cramping up from hitting redial. I am wondering if it is possible to sue the California EDD. I was receiving UEI benefits without complaint or problem. Due to an error on my CMS case worker’s part, my unemployemnt was “stopped”, interview arranged, NO CALL MADE and now I can’t talk to anyone. I am two months behind in my rent, have ZERO income, oh and of course, NO INSURANCE. I realize all these places are busy, but COME ON. Instead of paying me unemployment (I have high hopes), pay ME to answer the phones. Heh, I could handle just the ENGLISH speaking folks cause I am real tired of not being able to understand or be understood by anyone currently answering gov’t assistance phones…when they do answer. I am grateful for the elp but I think I am headed to the Mental Ward—at least I won’t have to worry about rent!
What kind people at that phone number! You’re a lifesaver!!! Thank you!!!
I have not seen a check in 4 month and barely getting a interview beginning next year. Edd need to hire good english people that answer the 1-800#. Seriously I can not understand half of them and when you tell them that you do not understand them. They get mad! Cmon you know who I am talking about.
many edd reps and state workers have a poor command of the English language, because English is not the official language of the USA. In fact, there is no “official language?!?!” the reason for this: PC garbage and the feel-good policies that have turned the USA into a global laughing stock.
Here are the direct numbers to EDD that the 800 number routes to. The direct number is the Inter-Office number.
TURLOCK TAC
125 North Broadway
Turlock 95380-4811
00410 0414
(800) 300-5616
Inter-Office
(209) 669-2977
UI ADJUDICATION SERVICES
DIVISION
800 Capitol Mall, Room 4038
Sacramento 95814
Mail Add:
P.O. Box 826880, MIC 48
Sacramento 94280-0001
09120 9120
(800) 300-5616
Inter-Office
(916) 651-9489
VICTORVILLE UI/TAC
15419 Cholame
Victorville 92392-2411
(800) 300-5616
Inter-Office
(760) 241-4070
SAN BERNARDINO UI/PAC
480 N. Mt. View Ave.
San Bernardino 92401
Mail Add:
P.O. Box 641
San Bernardino 92402-0641
00410 0410
(800) 300-5616
Inter-Office
(909) 383-4663
SACRAMENTO UI/PCC
4305 Auburn Blvd.
Sacramento 95841-4106
Mail Add:
P.O. Box 419002
Sacramento 95841-9002
00240 0240
(800) 300-5616
Inter-Office
(916) 574-2101
RIVERSIDE UI/PCC
1180 Palmyrita Ave., Ste. A
Riverside 92507-1727
Mail Add:
P.O. Box 12007
Riverside 92502-2207
00400 0400
(800) 300-5616
Inter-Office
(951) 782-4224
(951) 782-4195
LOS ANGELES UI/PAC
1405 S. Broadway
Los Angeles 90015-3028
Mail Add:
P.O. Box 15014
Los Angeles 90015-0014
01210 1210
(800) 300-5616
Inter-Office
(213) 744-2137
San Bernardino
909-383-4662
Los Angeles Call Center
(323) 993-4705
Oakland Call Center
(510) 622-1286
Orange County Call Center (Buena Park)
(714) 279-7232
Riverside Call Center
(951) 782-3211
Sacramento Call Center
(916) 574-1711
Additional numbers:
619-525-4995
408-436-5603
The “Inter Office” numbers were found in this directory of EDD office numbers-there are many more listed. Here is the link-
2009 December 18 Private permalink
EDD Directory of Offices:
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:ZOLOEmJRyYwJ:www.ccwro.org/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_docman%26task%3Ddoc_download%26gid%3D390%26Itemid%3D70+916-683-4400+654-8221+654-7311&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh6VAXDrraMubxX670MMMcS-qZsFduX7xIwotDQKAJUhPFl2V3nqpPTJqt54WqHLDISszpYzz9zxmiwYvet2wu4j4P42MOuQIwl7XWSgYYg1zRCT4ODkKEIzczqGYaR0Qz3ov_S&sig=AHIEtbQkLfC9OYTCc3OwfQ1zvRITMSLdOg
Happy Holidays!
Sandy
If you having ANY problems with EDD, telephone the person who represents your district in the California State Legislature. Mine has one staff person to take care of EDD problems. I finally was paid for the many months I was entitled but not paid. And now I have a poorly paid part time job that will keep me from having to deal with EDD!
Good luck to all. And a prosperous 2010!
Do you know everytime you call EDD and the message picks up and tell you to call later….. Verizion recieves 5 cents for every time you call.
IVE GETTING UI BENIFITS FOR ABOUT 2MONTHS NO PROBLEMS WENT GET MY MAIL EXPECTING MY CHECK ON SATURDAY INSTEAD OF OF A CHECK I GOT A LETTER FOR AN INTERWIEW ON JAN 6TH SO I TOLD MYSELF MAYBE ILL STILL GET MY CHECK MONDAY BECAUSE OF XMAS RIGHT UP AL NIGHT PRAYING I GET MY CHECK CROSSING MY FINGERS MAILCAME AND GUESS WHAT NO CHECK WTF RENT ALMOST DUE WONDERING IF IM GONNA GET A CHECK ANYTIME SOON ALSO BEEN CALLING THE 800s NUMBERS NO LUCK SO I GUESS I GOT TO WAIT FOR THE CALL NOW WISH ME LUCK
IWAS READING SOME OF THE OLD COMMENTS AND I CALLED A NUBMER THAT WAS POSTED AND GOT THRU TO SOMESOME THE FIRST TIME I CALLED TO THE IS 415 -351-7200 THEY DIDNT FIX MY PROBLEM BUT THEY GAVE ME ANSWERS THAT I HAD QUESTIONS TOO NOW I CAN SLEEP
OMG!!!!!!!!!! Thank U lady and her boyfriend/husband/lover Wateva, for this site!!! I am typing this message while holding my three month old daughter and a sign that says ” Give me liberty or Give me EDD!” Get it….? IDK what to say. I lost my job in March then was denied UI. Then by the graces of God and the infinite universe, found a job working for Mercy thru a temp agency. I slaved for them for 4 months all the way up until my daughter plowed her way thru my “special place” on September 18th, 2009. I literally went to work during labor pains hoping that my dedication would land me a permanent position with the hospital. Of course, IT DIDN”T!!! So, I was left with disability for 8 weeks which was the equivalent of canning in a gas station dumpster . But, I’m thankful that we managed to scrape by with what we had and of course, our saint of a land lady.
Anyway, long story short….Filed claim, had interview (12/16/2009), got nothing. Called the 310 number, all the 916 numbers (cause we live in Sacramento), fantasized about strangling every rep at the 1-800 number and finally, I found this blog. Again, OMG!! I am not alone and you guys dwell in the same dark place as me. This is for Sandy; you super agent, secret squiral, you. I used the Sacramento number from your list and got this chick named Mitchell. If I were a lesbo, she’d be my wife right about now. She cut my checks and even called my back to let me know they were coming. In doing this, she saved herself and fellow co-worker from multiple acts of violence. (Just kiddin’…Or am I???)
Enough wit da rambling. I’m just so happy because it is finally over. So every out there still in that dark, cramped EDD hell, the light is still shining at the end of the tunnel. You just cant see it because that annoying automated voice lady is blockin’ it.
KEEP CALLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~muah~
how many days late can u be on mailing back your edd form??
question, does a DUI affects my unemployment. i started collecting in september and i got a DUI in December, will that affect it even i though i got it after i was approve to receive benefits?
TO DAZE, you have upto 10days only to send your cliam form late. i talk to a lady on the phone a month ago after i didnt receive my check and i was worry that i had to send my claim forms ASAP and she told me that i had 10 days after the due date.
GOOD LUCK
I just wanted to say thank you to Sandy for leaving the number to EDD, I called and got right in. I have been trying to reach someone there for about three weeks. Thank you again so much.
The link to the inter-office numbers was super helpful! Thanks
The IVR system for EDD stated that I had a check cut for $1014 on 12/29. Today in the mail, I received four blank papers from EDD. My daughter and I will be evicted on Monday.
Thanks EDD
This blog, which I came upon by chance pretty much saved my ass..I ben having a hell of a time trying to get through to EDD like most of you. Using one of the phone numbers various people posted I was able to get in touch with the office that is handling my claim. The mix-up was on their end ( I was asked to prove my identity early in the filing process and they withheld my wages until I sent in proof. I of course did but they forgot to put my wages back in) So they are sending me claim forms from the weeks I’ve missed..Hopefully..Obviously they wanted me to pressure them to figure out the problem because they sure as hell weren’t going to do it on their own…Anyways thanks for this site..
As I sit here in my apartment for the last 2 days before I am served with an eviction notice I am beginning to realize that the only way to make any real change in this system is to do what is repeatedly suggested on different blogs throughout this site… Protest! Organize! Demand change! And finally make the majority demacrat population here in california aware of what is happening through the media, however I can’t do it alone. If you take a look at what the public perception of edd is, look at the most recent media coverage… All they see is “oops we messed up, but were gonna fix it and give a buncha people more money cause we care.” I am in my first, FIRST, extension, and I have only collected 4 weeks of payments and am behind by over 6 weeks… For details check my previous posts in this blog (tips and tricks for getting through to edd). To the person who posted before me, yes we can get those addresses, I gotta lotta time on my hands as of late. My main question is are you all tired of complaining yet? I have seen union after union protest here in my beloved bay area and time after time get results. All I want is to pay my bills, after working steadily for the last 13 years, the last 6 for the same company that folded due to irresponsible ultra rich banks, the biggest of which are still in business despite the facts, while people like me eat at soup kitchens and give my child nothing for christmas. Its up to all of you now, I have tried by myself to get some attention payed to this appalling situation going on here in california but by myself there is very little I can do… Please people, let’s help ourselves now, this is f#*kin bulls*#it!!! Reply here with ideas or willingness to participate, zeroeone@yahoo.com
I can’t stand it anymore, I’ll even bring doughnuts, (I just need someone to lookout for me while I steal them cause I GOT NO MONEY, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT BEEN PAID ALL THE MONEY IN MY OWN CLAIM THAT I PAID INTO IT!!!) I’m not even spending state or federal money yet…
Please help me… Please help yourself, and others who will end up like a lot of us, homeless, hungry, and cold…
I emailed the california senators and will demand specific details as to what is going on with EDD, not complacently accept some auto-response generated by computer or the pols stating it is not their governance. The apathy by most americans is appalling. what is more important? I will not tolerate apathy from ANYONE especially elected “officials” who make vast sums of money doing basically very little if that to help citizens. they are public servants?!?!
I empathize with you more than you can imagine. I have been waiting for my unemployment benefits for over six months now. The few times that I have been one of the lucky ones to get through the edd 1-800 number has been hit n’ miss, from somewhat helpful to down right rude. One woman went off telling me how long she’s worked for edd and how I need to be a better listener, haha.
I finally won my appeal for benefits and am now waiting for my backpay. When I talked to a woman from the edd recently to inquire about my backpay, she said she had no idea when it would arrive, “soon”, she said before hanging up on me. I then called the appeals office and they told me that they had nothing to do with that. After calling edd in infinite amount of times for some resolution, I was ready to jump out of a f&*^$$ window, as the phone system is 99.9% impenetrable.
All that said, I understand those who advise that we (Californians) should be grateful for any unemployment benefits at all. But, when we live in an “At Will” state, meaning that employers can terminate their workers at any time for just about no reason at all, shouldn’t it be just as easy for those workers out of jobs to get unemployment benefits? I think so!!!
Can we please get some help? I know that my story with the edd is bad, but there are MANY more in far worse situations that I, especially now. It is discouraging when those state employees hired to serve all Californians, act in the best interest of their own beauracratic institution.
I am 26, with no children of my own. My heart n’ prayers go out to all those raising a family and having to endure the foolishness that has become the EDD.
God Bless you, and Good luck!!! Edd reformation is a non-negotiable!
Hi all,
Just wanted to add that while the system is still flawed as hell I was able to get through to a very helpful person in Sacramento using the 916.651.9489 number. They scheduled me for a return call and for now that is perfect.
Thanks again for all of the input here! What would we do without the internet?!
I have a question about filling out the continued claim form. I was just sent 4 claim forms for the past 2 months. On question 3 it asks if you looked for work. Of course that’s a yes. Under number 3 it says there is a box and it says, If marked with an X, you must complete sec B, work search record on reverse. My boxes under number 3 are not checked. Does this mean I don’t have to complete the back? I am getting several different answers from different people. On the Edd website they have a video that shows how to complete the claim form, it appears that they check the box if they want you to fill out the back, usually around an extension time. I just want to make sure I do this correctly and I can’t get through to edd to ask them. Thanks!
I was able to contact EDD by phone. They said I only need to fill out the back of the form if they(EDD) had the box under number 3 checked on the form. Apparently it is usually checked when it’s time for an extension.
This blog was so helpful and informative. You are very talented thank you. I still have not received my unemployment either by the way.