This thread is incredible! I'm currently on day 2 of my lockout and was starting to spiral into panic mode about my upcoming certification. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences has completely transformed my anxiety into actual hope with a concrete action plan. The systematic approach that's emerged from everyone's shared experiences is brilliant - 8:02 AM timing, 833-978-2511 with 1-2-4 sequence, immediate request for "Tier 2 technical specialist," and having all verification ready (SSN, email, old bank digits, employer history). It's like this community has created the definitive playbook for beating EDD's broken system! I'm particularly blown away by Lucas's Assembly member contact strategy - that's such an innovative workaround that I bet 99% of people don't know about. And knowing that this February system update is causing legitimate users to get falsely flagged makes me feel less crazy about the whole situation. Planning to execute the phone strategy tomorrow morning, but having multiple backup options (Claimyr, Assembly member, in-person visit) makes this feel totally manageable now instead of hopeless. You all have literally turned what felt like an impossible bureaucratic nightmare into a solvable problem with clear steps. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes all the difference when dealing with government agencies that seem designed to frustrate people! Will definitely report back with results. Thank you everyone! 🙏

This entire thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm currently dealing with my own lockout situation (day 1, just happened this morning) and was completely panicking until I found all these detailed solutions and success stories. The systematic approach that everyone has developed here is incredible - it's like having a complete manual for navigating EDD's broken system. I'm taking notes on the 8:02 AM timing strategy, the 833-978-2511 number with 1-2-4 sequence, asking immediately for "Tier 2 technical specialist," and having all verification ready (SSN, email, old bank info, previous addresses, employers). What gives me the most hope is seeing so many people actually get their accounts unlocked using these exact methods! And knowing about the February system update causing false security triggers makes me feel less like this is somehow my fault. I'm planning to try the phone strategy first thing tomorrow morning, but it's so reassuring to know about backup options like the Assembly member contact (brilliant idea from Lucas!) and Claimyr if needed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share such detailed, practical advice after getting your own issues resolved. This community support is exactly what people need when dealing with these impossible government systems! I'll definitely report back with my results and hopefully add another success story to help future people dealing with this nightmare. 🙏

I've been dealing with EDD disability claims for years through my work in benefits administration, and I wanted to share a few additional strategies that might help: 1. **Try the callback feature**: When you call the main SDI line (1-800-480-3287), listen carefully to the automated menu. Sometimes there's an option to request a callback instead of waiting on hold. It's not always available, but when it is, it can save you hours of redialing. 2. **Check your claim status online first**: Before calling, log into your SDI Online account and screenshot your claim details. Having specific information ready (claim number, dates, exact status messages) helps reps resolve issues faster. 3. **Document everything**: Keep a log of when you call, what automated messages you get, and any reference numbers. If you eventually need to escalate to a supervisor or your state rep, this documentation is invaluable. 4. **Consider faxing documents**: If you suspect missing paperwork is the issue, faxing can sometimes be faster than mailing. The SDI fax number is usually listed in your claim paperwork. The afternoon timing suggestions here are spot-on - I've seen much better success rates between 2-4pm on weekdays. Good luck everyone, and don't give up! Your benefits are important and you deserve to get the help you need.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Filed my SDI claim 3 weeks ago after a car accident and it's been nothing but busy signals and "we can't take your call" messages. The stress of not knowing what's happening with my claim is almost worse than dealing with my injuries. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both helpful and infuriating - helpful because I now have specific times to try calling (definitely doing the Thursday 2-3pm window), but infuriating because it's clear this is a systemic problem affecting so many people who are already dealing with health issues and financial stress. @Victoria Charity thank you for the professional insights! I'm definitely going to try that callback feature if it's available. And @Chloe Robinson your update about the "stop payment alert" that they never told you about is exactly what I'm worried about - what if there's some random issue with my claim that I could easily fix if only I knew about it? This whole situation is making my recovery so much more stressful than it needs to be. We shouldn't have to become detective experts just to access benefits we've paid into. Hopefully some of these strategies work and I can get answers soon!

If you missed the EDD call, here's what worked for me: First, check your call log immediately and try calling that number back - sometimes you can get through to the same department or even the person who called you. If that doesn't work, you can also try the main EDD number (1-800-300-5616) right away since your case might still be flagged as active in their system. For future callbacks, I learned to set multiple alarms, keep my phone on maximum volume, and stay within earshot during the entire callback window they give you. Also, write down all your info beforehand (SSN, claim number, etc.) so you're not scrambling if you do get through. It's super stressful when you miss it, but don't panic - you can get another callback scheduled, it just takes persistence with their system.

If you missed your EDD callback, don't stress too much! Here's what you should do: 1) Check your call log immediately and try calling that exact number back - sometimes you can reach the same department or rep who called you. 2) If that doesn't work, call the main EDD line (1-800-300-5616) right away since your case might still be active. 3) If neither works, you'll need to request a new callback through their automated system. For next time, keep your phone on loud, stay nearby during your callback window, and have all your info ready (claim number, ID, etc.). I know it's frustrating, but many people successfully get through on their second or third attempt. You've got this!

So lucky you got someone helpful! Last time I called the person just told me to keep waiting 😡

Congrats on getting through! That's awesome that the rep was able to approve your documents right away. I'm dealing with the same issue - uploaded my address verification docs 12 days ago and still pending. Your success story gives me hope! I'm definitely going to try calling at 8:01am tomorrow. Did you have to provide any additional information when you spoke with them, or did they just look at what you'd already uploaded?

This is such an incredible success story! Congratulations on winning your appeal and getting your payments released so quickly! 🎉 As someone who just discovered this community while dealing with my own EDD nightmare, reading through your entire journey from the initial hearing to getting paid has been incredibly informative and inspiring. Your case with the 60% hour reduction being classified as "voluntary quit" is exactly the kind of wrongful denial that seems to plague EDD's system. The fact that you meticulously documented everything and the judge saw right through EDD's weak arguments gives me so much hope for others facing similar situations. What really stands out to me is how proactive you were about calling EDD immediately after getting your favorable decision. It's ridiculous that their system doesn't automatically process appeal victories, but your experience shows that being persistent really pays off. Getting through on your third try and having the rep manually release your payments within hours is exactly the kind of outcome everyone here is hoping for. Thank you for taking the time to update this thread throughout your entire process - from the initial anxiety about waiting for the decision, to celebrating the victory, to successfully getting your payments released. Your timeline of 7 business days for the decision and next-day payment release after calling provides such valuable insight for others navigating this broken system. Stories like yours make this community so valuable for people fighting these wrongful denials!

Wow, what an incredible journey to follow from start to finish! As someone completely new to this community (just joined after getting my own EDD denial), your story gives me so much hope and practical guidance. The fact that you went from anxiously waiting for your decision to actually getting paid in just over a week is amazing. Your case really highlights how broken EDD's initial review process is - a 60% reduction in hours being called "voluntary quit" is absolutely ridiculous. Of course you had to find other work! It's so encouraging that the judge saw right through their weak arguments and that the EDD rep couldn't even properly defend their position. The timeline you've shared has been invaluable - 7 business days for the decision, then getting payments released the very next day after calling EDD directly. I'm definitely taking notes on calling right at 8 AM and having all the case numbers ready. It's frustrating that we have to chase them down for money we're legally entitled to, but your proactive approach clearly worked. Thank you for being so generous with updates throughout this whole process. Reading about your victory gives everyone here fighting similar wrongful denials the motivation to keep pushing forward. Congratulations again on getting through this nightmare - you absolutely deserved this win! 🎉