EDD SDI account compromised - someone filed disability in my name for a year!

Oh no, this is serious! You need to take several steps immediately: 1. File an identity theft report with local police 2. Report the fraud to EDD through their online fraud reporting form: https://edd.ca.gov/en/about_edd/fraud 3. Place a freeze on your credit with all three bureaus 4. Contact EDD's fraud hotline at 800-229-6297 (though it's hard to get through) For your legitimate disability claim, you'll need to speak with someone at EDD to explain the situation. They'll have a process for handling this, but it might take time to resolve. Don't worry about being held responsible once you've reported it - just make sure you document everything. I had a similar situation with unemployment (not disability) last year, and while it took about 6 weeks to sort out, I eventually got my legitimate benefits.

same thing happend to me but with regular unemployment!!! took FOREVER to fix and i almost got evicted waiting for my real benefits. EDD is so broken its not even funny anymore

This is unfortunately becoming very common with EDD SDI claims. I work as a disability advocate, and I've seen a significant increase in these cases since late 2023. Here's what you need to know: 1. Document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of the fraudulent claim details from your SDI Online account. 2. You need to file TWO separate reports: one for identity theft with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and another with EDD's fraud department. 3. Your legitimate disability claim will need to be processed manually, which means calling EDD SDI directly. This is where most people get stuck because the phone lines are perpetually jammed. 4. Request a new Benefit Programs Online account entirely - not just a password reset. 5. Ask your doctor to provide another medical certification form (DE 2501) with clear documentation that your disability began 3 weeks ago, not 14 months ago. Don't panic about being held responsible. Once you report the fraud, EDD has protocols to handle these situations. However, be prepared for a possibly lengthy resolution process.

REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY!!! Don't wait! I had my identity stolen 3 months ago and the thief filed unemployment AND disability claims. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. EDD actually started garnishing my wages because they thought I was working while collecting benefits!!! It was a nightmare that I'm still dealing with. Also check if they filed state tax returns in your name - that happened to me too.

Have you checked if any other benefit systems might be compromised? Sometimes hackers who get into one system try others using the same personal info. Might be worth checking your Social Security account, Medicare (if applicable), and any other government benefit systems you might be registered with. Better safe than sorry!

Just a quick thought - make sure you change your security questions and answers too, not just your password. And use a password manager with unique passwords for every account going forward. These scammers are getting really sophisticated. My sister had almost the exact same thing happen with her SDI account last year.

i had somethin similar happen and i ended up just going in person to an edd office which was WAY better than trying to call. they were able to flag my account and start the process of fixing everything right there. maybe see if theres an office near you?

One more important thing: When you do finally get through to EDD SDI, request a "fraud investigation" specifically, not just a claim review. This puts your case in a different queue with specialists who handle these situations. Also ask them about their "identity verification interview" process - you'll likely need to complete one to move forward with your legitimate claim. Document the name and ID number of every representative you speak with, and get a confirmation number for every call. This paper trail will be crucial if your case drags on.

This is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately becoming way too common! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this on top of your injury. A few additional suggestions based on what I've seen: 1. When you visit the EDD office (great idea from @Amina Diallo), ask them to put a "security flag" on your account that requires in-person verification for any future changes. 2. Contact your bank immediately if you haven't already - sometimes these fraudsters also try to access banking info associated with benefit accounts. 3. Consider filing a complaint with the California State Auditor's office about EDD's security failures. They've been investigating EDD fraud issues and your case could help with their ongoing review. 4. If you have legal insurance through work or auto insurance, check if it covers identity theft - many policies include free legal consultation for these situations. The fact that someone collected $28K in your name for over a year without any verification checks is a massive system failure on EDD's part. You shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get your legitimate benefits while they failed to protect your identity. Keep fighting and don't let them make you feel like this is somehow your fault!

This is absolutely horrifying and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this while trying to recover from your injury! As someone new to this community, I'm shocked by how many people have shared similar experiences - it really highlights serious vulnerabilities in EDD's systems. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is contacting the California Attorney General's office - they have a specific division that handles identity theft cases and can sometimes intervene with state agencies like EDD when fraud victims are having trouble getting resolution. Their website has a form specifically for reporting identity theft that goes directly to their investigators. Also, since you mentioned the fraudster changed your contact information, you might want to check if they also attempted to change your direct deposit information with other accounts (bank accounts, credit cards, etc.) using the personal information they had access to. Sometimes these criminals cast a wide net once they have someone's details. The fact that someone was able to collect benefits in your name for over a year while you were actively working really shows how broken their verification processes are. You've gotten such amazing advice from everyone here - you're going to be incredibly well-prepared for that office visit tomorrow! Sending positive thoughts for both a quick resolution to this mess and for your back injury recovery. Please keep us updated on how everything goes!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare while trying to recover from your back injury! As someone new to this community, I'm honestly appalled by how widespread EDD fraud seems to be based on all these responses. I wanted to add one more important step that hasn't been mentioned yet - consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. They handle complaints about government benefit programs and can sometimes get faster responses from agencies like EDD when there's federal oversight involved. Also, when you visit the EDD office tomorrow, ask them specifically about their "account takeover" protocols - this sounds like a classic account takeover situation where someone gained access to your existing account rather than creating a fraudulent new one. They should have specific procedures for these cases that might be different from regular fraud claims. The fact that someone was able to drain $28,000 from the system using your identity for 14 months while you were actively working shows massive system failures on EDD's part. You shouldn't have to become an expert in fraud recovery just to get benefits you legitimately need and have earned through years of contributions. Everyone here has given you such incredible advice - you're going to be amazingly well-prepared for tomorrow's visit! Please keep us updated on your progress, and I'm sending positive thoughts for both resolving this mess quickly and for your recovery. You've got this!