Can't file EDD SDI claim because of ID.me verification issues - need urgent help
Has anyone else struggled with the ID.me verification when trying to file for disability? I've been trying for 3 days straight to submit my SDI claim but keep hitting a wall with the ID.me verification process. It either times out or says my documents aren't clear enough. My doctor already completed their part, and I'm honestly panicking because I can't work due to my back surgery and NEED these benefits soon. Bills are piling up! What's the best number to call to get this resolved? I've tried the main EDD line but it disconnects after 20 minutes of waiting. There has to be a better way to reach someone who can help bypass this ID.me nightmare!
23 comments
Join the conversation
Victoria Stark
the exact same thing happened to me last month!! those ID.me people are IMPOSSIBLE to deal with. i literally had to try 6 different times with different browsers before it finally worked. the whole system is designed to make ppl give up i swear
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
•Did you end up having to call? I've tried Chrome, Edge and even my phone browser. Nothing works and my benefits are already delayed because of this stupid verification. Did EDD backdate your claim once you got through?
0 coins
Benjamin Kim
You have a few options here. The best number to call for SDI technical issues is (800) 480-3287. But be warned - they're only open weekdays 8am-5pm and the wait times are brutal. If your ID.me verification keeps failing, you might need to schedule a video call with an ID.me representative to verify your identity that way. There's an option for that in the ID.me process. Have you tried that route yet?
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
•Thank you for the number! I didn't know about the video call option with ID.me. I'm going to look for that right now. Do you know if this delay will affect my claim date? My doctor dated the certification for last week.
0 coins
Benjamin Kim
•Your claim date should be based on when your doctor certified your disability, not when you complete the ID.me verification. The EDD has a 7-day waiting period anyway before benefits begin, but that starts from your disability date, not your filing date. Make sure to explain the technical issues when you reach someone, and they can ensure your claim is properly backdated.
0 coins
Samantha Howard
I was in this exact situation after my knee surgery in January! I spent HOURS trying to get through on that main number and never reached anyone. Finally found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They basically call for you and then connect you when they reach someone. Saved me days of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd
0 coins
Megan D'Acosta
•Does that actually work? I'm always suspicious of third-party services that claim to help with government stuff. Did they ask for your personal information?
0 coins
Samantha Howard
•It definitely worked for me! They don't need any of your claim info or personal details - they just connect you with EDD and then you talk directly with the agent. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days to get through.
0 coins
Sarah Ali
I had to file disability last year and the ENTIRE system is designed to make you give up. I spent 2 weeks trying to get it resolved! The ID.me thing is just another hoop they make you jump through hoping you'll just go away. Keep fighting though, once you get through to someone they can usually fix it pretty quickly.
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
•That's exactly how it feels! Like they're hoping I'll just give up. Did you eventually get it resolved by phone or was there another way?
0 coins
Sarah Ali
•I eventually got through on the phone after calling like 30+ times. Had to call right when they opened at 8am. The person I finally reached was actually really helpful once I explained everything. Hang in there!
0 coins
Ryan Vasquez
I'm an SDI advisor, and here's what you need to know: ID.me issues are actually pretty common, especially with document clarity. The best number specifically for SDI technical problems is (800) 480-3287. However, if you're experiencing ID.me verification issues specifically, you might also try their support at help.id.me - they have a separate customer service team that can sometimes resolve verification problems outside the EDD system. Also important: once you get your ID.me verified, your claim can be backdated to when your disability began (minus the 7-day waiting period), so you won't lose benefits because of this technical issue.
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
•Thank you so much for this detailed answer! I didn't realize ID.me had its own customer service. I'll try both approaches tomorrow morning. It's such a relief to know I won't lose benefits because of this technical nightmare.
0 coins
Ryan Vasquez
•You're welcome! One more tip: when you do reach someone, ask them to make a note in your file about the ID.me technical difficulties. This creates a record of your good-faith efforts to file on time, which helps protect your claim if there are any questions later about filing deadlines.
0 coins
Victoria Stark
also try clearing your cache and cookies before trying ID.me again! that finally worked for me after DAYS of trying. and make sure your using a good camera for the documents, bad lighting can mess it up
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
•I hadn't thought about clearing my cache - that's a good tip! I'll try that tonight and see if it helps. Thanks for the camera advice too. I've been using my phone but maybe I'll try scanning the documents instead.
0 coins
Megan D'Acosta
My brother-in-law works for EDD (not in the disability department tho) and he says they're totally overwhelmed with ID.me issues right now. Apparently there was some kind of system update that's causing all sorts of problems. Have you tried using the Contact EDD option through your SDI Online account instead of calling? Sometimes they respond faster that way.
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
•That's the problem - I can't even access my SDI Online account because the ID.me verification is required first! It's a terrible catch-22 situation. But thanks for the insider info - at least I know it's not just me having these problems.
0 coins
Benjamin Kim
Update on my earlier comment: I just checked the EDD website and saw they've posted a notice about ID.me issues. They're asking people to try during non-peak hours (early morning or evening) and to make sure all documents are clearly visible and all four corners are showing in the photos. They also mentioned that sometimes the verification email can be delayed by up to an hour, so check your spam folder before trying again.
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
•Thank you for checking! I'll try again tonight during non-peak hours. I think part of my problem might be that my ID is a bit worn out and the hologram doesn't show up well in pictures. Maybe I need to try a different document.
0 coins
Avery Saint
i had disability last year and never had to do the id.me thing at all? when did they start requiring that? seems like they keep making it harder to get benefits we paid for through our taxes!!
0 coins
Ryan Vasquez
•The ID.me verification requirement was implemented for all new SDI claims starting in early 2025 as part of EDD's enhanced fraud prevention measures. Continuing claims from before the implementation date were grandfathered in without requiring ID.me verification. It's frustrating but was initiated after the department lost millions to pandemic-related fraud.
0 coins
Hassan Khoury
UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what finally worked! I tried calling the (800) 480-3287 number right at 8am for two days with no luck. Eventually used the Claimyr service someone recommended above and got through to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. The agent was super helpful and guided me through an alternative verification process since ID.me was still giving me problems. My claim is now processing! The agent also confirmed they'd backdate it to my original disability date. Thanks everyone for your help during this stressful time!
0 coins