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Using the Automated Telephone System |
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1. Why can’t I get through on the telephone?" |
When our telephone systems receives too many calls
the telephone network becomes temporarily overloaded. If that occurs, you will
hear a message that states, "We are currently receiving more calls than our system
can handle. Please try again later." This tends to happen between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.,
and the problem should resolve itself in a few minutes. This is also likely to occur on
our busiest days (Mondays, and days after a holiday).
Once you have reached our telephone system, and you make the menu selections to speak
to a Representative, the system routes your call to the location with the shortest wait
time. However, if it appears that your call cannot be answered within 10 minutes
because of the number of callers already waiting, you will hear a message advising
you to call back later. To avoid this possibility, you may want to call on Wednesday
or Thursday, which are our least busy days.
Statewide increased demand for UI services, seasonal fluctuations and holidays
contribute to a longer wait time when calling the Department. We understand that
your time is valuable and EDD is making every effort to shorten the time you must
wait for service.
You can avoid telephone wait time by using one of our
on-line applications to file your claim. |
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2. How do I find out whether my unemployment check has been paid? |
Our telephone system provides recorded information about
your most recent Unemployment Insurance benefit payment, between 6 a.m. and Midnight,
Monday through Saturday, and between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday. The information is
updated at 6 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and does not change until the following day,
so you only need to call once a day. The best time to call on weekdays is between 6 a.m.
and 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., or any time on weekends. |
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3. I don't like automated telephone systems. Can't I speak to a live person? |
The automated system helps minimize your wait time.
It directs your call to a Customer Service Representative during regular business hours,
if you need to file or reopen an Unemployment Insurance claim, or if you want to provide
or obtain information about your existing claim. If you listen to the telephone menu,
and make the selections, as prompted you will reduce your overall wait time and receive
the assistance you need. |
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4. Don't I have to file a claim first thing Monday morning? |
If you are opening or reopening an Unemployment Insurance claim,
you do not have to call on Monday to have your claim begin that week. Your claim will
begin Sunday of the week in which you call, as long as you have provided us the
required information by Friday of that week. |
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5. Do I have to file my claim by telephone? |
No. With Internet access you can file for UI benefits
online at:eApply4UI or you can print and mail
or fax in Form DE 1101I. |
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6. Why can’t I just press 0 to talk to a person? When I tried, your system
disconnected me. What happened? |
Your menu selections tell us why you are calling and help us direct your call to
the location that can assist you, with the shortest wait time. If you make incorrect
selections from the menu choices, your call may be disconnected. |
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7. If I don’t have any buttons on my phone, can I still use the telephone system? |
Yes, however if you are unable to make menu selections, you may wait longer for
service or your call may have to be transferred to more than one representative. |
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8. What information should I have in front of me before I call? |
You must have your Social Security Number, as that is the only way that we can identify
your records. If you have been given an EDD Client Number, provide that as well.
If you are filing a claim you will need to know the last date that you worked. You
may need your California Drivers License or State identification number and the names
and mailing addresses for all the employers you have worked for in the past 18 months.
If you have worked for the federal government or military, you will be asked for additional
information, so have furlough papers or your DD 214. If you are not a US Citizen, you will
be asked for your immigration status and document numbers.
If you are calling for information about your claim, you will be asked variable
information in order to determine your identity. This is to protect your confidential
information. |
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9. Does EDD provide services in other languages besides English and Spanish? |
EDD also provides services in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese languages.
- The Cantonese telephone number is 1-800-547-3506.
- The Mandarin telephone number is 1-866-303-0706.
- The Vietnamese telephone number is 1-800-547-2058.
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