EDD operates a dozen different phone lines depending on your issue. Using the wrong number — or the right number at the wrong time — means starting over. Here's the complete, verified list for 2026 plus the fastest IVR paths for each.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Phone Numbers
Main UI Line
1-800-300-5616- Use for: Claim questions, certification help, payment issues, general UI inquiries
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
- IVR shortcut: Press 1 (English) → 4 (Unemployment Insurance) → 2 (representative)
- Language: English (press 1) or Spanish (press 2)
UI Spanish Language Line
1-800-300-5616- Use for: Same as above, in Spanish
- IVR: Press 2 on the main line for Spanish-language service
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
UI Online / myEDD Support
1-833-978-2511- Use for: Technical issues with myEDD, UI Online login problems, password resets
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
- Note: This line handles website/system issues only — claim questions go to the main UI line
State Disability Insurance (SDI) Phone Numbers
SDI Main Line
1-800-480-3287- Use for: Disability insurance claims, SDI Online help, medical certification questions
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
- IVR shortcut: Press 1 (English) → 2 (claims) → then follow prompts to representative
- Language: English and Spanish available
SDI – Voluntary Plan Line
1-916-654-7032- Use for: Employers with voluntary SDI plans, VP claims administration
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
- Note: This is a Sacramento direct line — sometimes less congested than the main SDI number
Paid Family Leave (PFL) Phone Numbers
PFL Main Line
1-877-238-4373- Use for: Paid family leave claims, bonding claims, military assist claims
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
- Language: English and Spanish
Specialty and Department Lines
| Department / Issue | Phone Number | Hours (PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Verification (ID.me issues) | 800-300-5616 → 1 → 6 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| Fraud / Unauthorized Claim Reporting | 800-986-2272 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| EDD Audit / Tax Compliance | 888-245-5789 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| Work Sharing Program | 800-300-5616 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| Federal Employees / Ex-Military Claims | 800-300-5616 → 1 → 5 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| Appeals (CUIAB) | 800-615-2065 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| Money Network / EDD Debit Card | 888-897-0513 | 24/7 |
Employer Lines
| Department | Phone Number | Hours (PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Services / Payroll Tax | 888-745-3886 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| New Hire Reporting | 888-237-4473 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| Benefit Overpayment / Collections | 800-676-5737 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
| Workforce Services | 800-833-6384 | M–F 8 AM–5 PM |
Hours and IVR Shortcuts
All EDD lines operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. There is no weekend service. The phones are closed on California state holidays.
IVR shortcuts to a live representative
- UI (800-300-5616): 1 → 4 → 2
- SDI (800-480-3287): 1 → 2 → follow prompts
- PFL (877-238-4373): 1 → 1 → follow prompts
Tips for Actually Getting Through
The right number is half the battle. The other half is timing and persistence. EDD's hold queues fill within minutes of opening:
- Call at exactly 8:00 AM — not 8:01, not 7:59. The queue opens on the dot. Set a phone alarm.
- Best days: Wednesday or Thursday — Monday and Tuesday carry weekend backlog and are the most congested
- Redial immediately on busy — queue slots open throughout the day as callers hang up
- Use the IVR shortcut — get to the hold queue 20–30 seconds faster than the default menu flow
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