EDD SDI account trapped in ID.me verification loop - can't access benefits

OMG the EXACT same thing happened to me in February!! It's the worst catch-22 ever. EDD keeps saying it's an ID.me problem and ID.me says it's an EDD problem. I was stuck for almost a month with no benefits because of this stupid login issue. So frustrating!

This is a common issue when there's an account conflict between your current SDI claim and a previous UI claim. Here's what you need to do: 1. Contact ID.me support specifically about a "merged identity verification" issue 2. Request they unlink your driver's license from any previous accounts 3. Once ID.me confirms the unlinking, you'll need to create a new ID.me account using a different email address than you've ever used before 4. Then contact EDD again to link your new ID.me account to your current SDI claim It's complicated but this is the only way to break the loop. The problem is that the systems don't communicate well with each other, especially when information has changed between claims.

hate 2 tell u but both edd and id.me are completely useless!!! i got locked out for 6 weeks and missed payments and noone ever fixed it. ended up having to apply for emergency aid from my county bcuz edd couldnt get there act together. system is RIGGED against us!!

I had a similar issue but with a different root cause. The problem turned out to be that my married name was on my SDI claim but my maiden name was still in ID.me from an old account. The real problem here is that EDD and ID.me operate as separate entities with separate databases that don't sync properly. Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to an actual EDD disability specialist? I was stuck in that same loop for weeks, then used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at EDD. They connected me with a supervisor who was actually able to override something on their end. They have a video showing exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Might be worth a try since you've already wasted so much time going back and forth between the two agencies.

I went thru this last year too and what worked 4 me was making completely new email address, new id.me account, then calling edd to link them together. took 3 calls but finally got someone who knew what they were doing. the key is getting someone at edd who actually understands the technical issue.

I'm having the exact same problem but with my PFL claim! I'm on maternity leave and can't access my benefits because of this ID.me nonsense. I've been trying for three weeks to get it fixed. The most frustrating part is seeing that you have a notification but can't access it. I wonder if EDD realizes how many people are dealing with this exact issue right now? Seems like they should have a dedicated team just for fixing this specific problem.

One important thing to note: while you're trying to resolve this issue, you should still be submitting your bi-weekly certifications if possible (even if you have to do it by paper form). When they finally fix your account access, you'll need to have all certifications completed to receive back payments. You can request paper certification forms by calling the main EDD disability number and following the prompts for "cannot access online account."

I work at a doctor's office and see this ALL THE TIME with our patients on disability. Sometimes we have to resubmit their medical certification completely because EDD claims they never received it even though we have confirmation. The whole system is a disaster. One trick we tell patients: submit a formal complaint through your state representative's office. Magically, EDD issues often get resolved faster when a government official inquires about your case.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what worked! I followed the advice about creating a completely new email address and contacting ID.me specifically about a "merged identity verification" issue. The ID.me rep had to escalate to their specialized team, but they unlinked my driver's license from the old account. Then I used Claimyr to get through to an EDD specialist who was able to link my new ID.me account to my disability claim. The whole process took about 5 days but IT WORKED! All my back payments just hit my account this morning. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!