California EDD Faces Claims Surge as Disability, Unemployment Backlog Grows

NewsData.io · United States · Aug 8, 2026

California's Employment Development Department is experiencing a significant backlog in processing disability and paid family leave claims, with applicants waiting hours at offices and unable to reach staff by phone. The agency cited an unexpected surge in applicants in early August, compounded by a transition to a new forms-processing system. EDD is responding by expanding counter space and hiring 300 additional staff. California's unemployment rate stands at 5.2%, above the national average, with a labor market described as low on both hiring and layoffs.