Can't reach California Unemployment? Claimyr connects you to a live EDD agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the EDD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the EDD drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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Has anyone else noticed that EDD seems to be processing claims faster lately? When I applied last year it took forever, but my friend just applied last month and got approved in like 10 days. Maybe things are improving?
Let's stay on topic here. The OP is asking about qualifying with limited hours, not processing times. But to quickly answer: no, processing times vary widely depending on whether there are any issues with your claim that require manual review. Clean claims can be processed quickly; complicated ones still take weeks or months.
Thank you all SO much for the helpful information! I feel much better about applying now. I'm going to gather all my employment info and submit my application today. Fingers crossed that it goes through without any issues. I'll update once I hear something back from EDD.
Good luck! Remember that even if you get a lower weekly benefit amount due to your part-time hours, it's still worth applying. And don't get discouraged if you're required to do a phone interview - that's standard procedure in many cases, especially with unique work situations like yours.
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I think you should just file anyway and see what happens. The worst they can say is no, right? My cousin's boyfriend got approved even though he had some gaps in his work history. Everyone's situation is different.
While there's no harm in applying, it's important to be honest on the application. Gaps in work history are different from unreported cash work. EDD may investigate discrepancies, and misrepresenting employment history can lead to penalties.
Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I'll try to get through to EDD directly to ask about my specific situation, and also look into the general assistance programs that were suggested. Seems like regular unemployment probably won't work out, but at least I have some other options to explore now.
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Just wanted to say I'm going thru something similar right now with EDD after working for a fitness company as a "contractor" but they controlled EVERYTHING. The key is to be super detailed in your application about how they treated you like an employee. And dont get discouraged if u get denied at first - appeal appeal appeal!!!!!
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm filling out my application now and being super detailed about how they controlled my work. Fingers crossed!
To add some important information: when you file your UI claim, you'll need to list your former company as an employer even though they paid you as a contractor. During the subsequent EDD interview, be prepared to explain specifically how they controlled your work (schedule, methods, tools provided, training requirements, etc.). Under California law, the company must prove ALL THREE parts of the ABC test to classify you as a contractor: A) You were free from their control and direction B) Your work was outside their usual business C) You were customarily engaged in an independently established trade or business If they fail ANY of these tests, you should be classified as an employee. Based on what you've shared, it sounds like they fail at least part A, possibly others. Expect the company to contest this, as they'll be liable for unemployment taxes if EDD rules in your favor. Document everything and be consistent in your statements.
Thank you so much for breaking it down like this! I just submitted my claim and made sure to include all the details about how they controlled my schedule, required me to attend their trainings, and prohibited me from working with competitors. Now I guess I just wait for the interview?
Yes, now you wait for the phone interview. Make sure your phone is accepting calls from unknown numbers during this period. The EDD representative will ask you detailed questions about your work arrangement. Answer truthfully but be clear about the control elements. If they determine you were misclassified, you'll begin receiving benefits (though your former company may appeal). If initially denied, you have the right to appeal within 30 days.
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ive heard about this before but thought it was just rumors. do u have to provide them with personal info? like how do they kno your not just making up a problem
Yes, they need your personal info to help - name, address, claim number, last 4 of SSN, and details about your specific issue. They can't just call EDD without identifying whose claim they're asking about. But they're official government staff who handle sensitive info all the time. They also had me sign a privacy release form before they could contact EDD on my behalf.
This is excellent advice! I'm a former EDD employee, and I can confirm that congressional inquiries receive priority handling through special units at EDD. When a representative's office contacts EDD, it typically gets routed to the Legislative Liaison Unit rather than regular claims processing. Just remember that they can't change EDD's determination on eligibility - they can only help push through claims that are stuck in processing limbo or escalate issues that aren't getting proper attention through normal channels. Make sure to prepare all your documentation before contacting them: claim number, dates of contact with EDD, any relevant paperwork, and a clear explanation of the issue.
So they can't actually override a disqualification? I was hoping they might be able to help with my appeal that's been pending for 10 weeks with no hearing date.
Javier Cruz
my brothers girlfrend tried to switch to checks but the edd website kept giving her errors so she had to call and the lady on the phone said theyre phasing out paper checks and pushing everyone to direct deposit by end of 2025 anyway
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CosmicCowboy
•That's correct. EDD is gradually shifting everyone to either direct deposit or the Money Network card. Paper checks will eventually be eliminated to reduce costs and delivery issues. Direct deposit is definitely the most reliable option going forward.
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Paolo Longo
Update: I was able to switch to direct deposit! The option was right there in UI Online under Payment Preferences. Thanks everyone for your help! I had NO idea direct deposit was an option - the EDD never mentioned this when I filed my claim. Hopefully this will solve all my payment headaches.
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Natasha Orlova
•Great to hear! Just remember it might take 1-2 payment cycles before the change takes effect. Your next payment might still go to the Money Network card, so don't panic if that happens.
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