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EDD SDI denied same day they requested identity verification - what's going on?

I'm completely baffled by what just happened with my disability claim. I started my medical leave on 2/5/2025 and submitted all paperwork immediately - my doctor was super efficient with completing the medical certification. Then yesterday (2/25) I received a letter from EDD saying they needed to verify my identity and gave me until 3/3 to send additional documents (driver's license, passport, etc). But then THIS MORNING I checked my SDI Online account and it shows my claim was DISQUALIFIED! How can they disqualify me before I've even had a chance to send the verification documents they requested? Has anyone experienced this bizarre situation before? I'm missing work because of a serious back injury and desperately need these benefits. I've tried calling but of course can't get through to a real person.

I had the EXACT same thing happen to me!!! The system is SO broken it's unbelievable. They send you a letter asking for documents then deny you before you can even respond. CLASSIC EDD nonsense. I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get this fixed last year when I was on disability for my surgery. You need to keep calling and calling and calling until you get through - it took me literally 78 calls in one day.

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Oh no, that sounds awful! Did you eventually get it resolved? I'm starting to panic because I can't afford to be without income for weeks while fighting with EDD.

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Sofia Morales

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this hapnd to me 2. they do it automatically i think. u gotta call them and explain.

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Dmitry Popov

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Same. It's their dumb computer system. Sends out disqualification notices automatically even when they just asked for more info. So frustrating!

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Ava Garcia

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This is actually a common issue with EDD's automated systems. What's happening is that you're dealing with two separate processes that aren't communicating with each other: 1. The identity verification request (manual review process) 2. The automated disqualification (system timeout) When they can't verify your identity through their standard databases, they send the request for additional documentation. However, their automated system has a timeout period for identity verification and will automatically disqualify claims that haven't been verified within a certain timeframe. What you need to do: 1. Immediately upload the requested identity documents through your SDI Online account 2. Submit an appeal of the disqualification (there should be appeal instructions in the disqualification notice) 3. Include a copy of the identity verification request letter with your appeal Don't worry - this happens frequently and is usually resolved in your favor as long as you provide the documentation and file the appeal within the timeframes.

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Thank you so much for explaining! I just uploaded all my identity documents to my SDI Online account. Should I wait for them to process those first, or go ahead and file the appeal right away?

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StarSailor}

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i got disqalified 4 identity verification too! but then i sent in my stuff and they fixed it in like 3 weeks. dont worry 2 much, just make sure u send really clear copies of everything they asked for. also make sure ur name matches exactly on everything or theyll reject u again.

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Thanks for the reassurance! Did you have to actively appeal the disqualification or did they just reverse it automatically after receiving your documents?

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Miguel Silva

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I went through this exact situation back in January. The key is getting in touch with an actual EDD representative who can manually override the automatic disqualification after verifying your identity. After struggling to get through on the phone for days, I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected with an EDD representative in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The representative explained that this is a common system issue, and she was able to remove the disqualification flag from my account once she verified my identity documents. My payments started processing within 48 hours after that call. Saved me weeks of stress and uncertainty! Check out claimyr.com if you're struggling to get through.

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Zainab Ismail

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Does this service actually work?? I'm dealing with a similar situation and haven't been able to reach anyone at EDD after calling for 2 weeks straight.

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Ava Garcia

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To answer your question about whether to appeal immediately or wait: Don't wait! File the appeal right away, even while your identity documents are being processed. The appeal clock starts ticking from the disqualification date, and you typically only have 30 days to submit it. The good news is that once your identity is verified, the appeal process usually resolves quickly in your favor. But if you miss the appeal window, you could lose your right to contest the disqualification even if your identity verification eventually goes through. When filing the appeal, include a clear explanation that you received the identity verification request and the disqualification notice almost simultaneously, and note that you've already submitted the requested documents.

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Thank you so much for this advice! I'll download the appeal form right now and get it submitted by tomorrow. I appreciate everyone's help - this whole situation was making me so anxious.

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Dmitry Popov

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When I had my hip surgery last year, something similar happened. I got the ID verification letter and then a disqualification notice like 2 days later. Super annoying! But yeah like others said it's just the computer systems not talking to each other. My case got fixed but it took about 3 weeks and I had to keep calling them.

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This is why I HATE dealing with EDD!!! Their systems are SOOO outdated and they don't care how many people get stressed out by their mistakes. They should just FIX their stupid computer system instead of making thousands of people go through this every year!!!

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Miguel Silva

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I recommend sending your identity verification documents via certified mail in addition to uploading them online. Keep the receipt and tracking number as proof. This creates a paper trail showing exactly when you responded to their request, which can be crucial if there are further issues with your claim or if the appeal doesn't go smoothly. Also make sure to keep detailed notes of every communication - dates, times, names of representatives you speak with, and what was discussed. This level of documentation can make a huge difference if your case gets complicated.

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Great advice about certified mail - I hadn't thought of that! I'll do that tomorrow. I've also started a log with all the details of what's happening. I managed to get through to someone at EDD today who said they can see both the verification request and the disqualification in their system, and confirmed it was an automated error. They're escalating it to a supervisor, but still recommended I submit the formal appeal as backup.

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