EDD account locked out - Can't file for PFL with newborn, need help resetting account
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle with my EDD account. I need to file for paid family leave to take care of my spouse and newborn, but I can't access my old account. My driver's license is already linked to that account, and I have no way to get in. Has anyone dealt with this before? Any advice on how to reset or recover my account? I'm getting desperate here!
41 comments


Sean Flanagan
Oof, I feel ya. I was in the same boat last year. Took me weeks to sort out my account issues. Hang in there!
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Miguel Alvarez
•Weeks?! 😱 I hope it doesn't take that long. Did you end up getting it resolved?
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Sean Flanagan
•Yeah, eventually. Had to make about 50 phone calls tho. It was a whole ordeal.
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Zara Mirza
•It's crazy how long it can take to resolve these issues. I hope the system improves for everyone dealing with these headaches.
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AstroAce
Hey OP, just wanted to say good luck! Dealing with EDD while taking care of a newborn sounds rough. You got this! 💪
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Miguel Alvarez
•Thanks for the encouragement! It's definitely been a challenge, but we're hanging in there.
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Yuki Kobayashi
•You've got this, OP! Just take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.
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Diego Flores
Have you tried contacting your local state representative? Sometimes they can help push things through faster.
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Anastasia Kozlov
•That's a great idea! Reaching out to your representative might create some pressure to get things moving.
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LunarLegend
Here's what you need to do to recover your EDD account: 1. Go to the EDD website and click on "Benefit Programs Online" 2. Select "Register or Manage Existing Account" 3. Click on "Forgot Password" 4. You'll need to provide your personal info, including SSN and DL number 5. If that doesn't work, you might need to create a new account with a different email 6. If all else fails, call EDD directly at 1-800-300-5616 Remember, be patient and persistent. The system is frustrating, but you'll get through it!
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Miguel Alvarez
•Thank you so much for the detailed steps! I'll give this a try tomorrow morning.
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Malik Jackson
•This is solid advice. Worked for me when I was locked out last month. 👍
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Isabella Oliveira
•Don't forget to document EVERYTHING. Write down who you talked to, when, and what they said. Trust me, it'll come in handy.
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Ravi Patel
•Great advice! Keeping a log of communications really helps in case you need to follow up or escalate your issue.
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Zainab Yusuf
Ugh, the EDD system is such a nightmare! I had a similar issue last year. Have you tried calling their support line? Be prepared to wait on hold for hours tho 🙄
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Connor O'Reilly
•It's ridiculous how long you have to wait just to talk to someone. Hope you manage to get through and resolve your issue soon!
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Nia Wilson
Anyone else think its sus that they make it this hard? Like, are they trying to discourage people from claiming benefits or what? 🧐
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Mateo Sanchez
•Honestly wouldn't surprise me. Gotta keep those unemployment numbers down somehow 🙄
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Aisha Mahmood
•Let's not go full conspiracy theory here. It's probably just good old-fashioned government inefficiency.
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Ethan Clark
•While it's easy to think there's something more going on, it's likely just underfunded and outdated systems causing all these issues.
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NebulaNinja
Pro tip: call right when they open. You might have a better chance of getting through.
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Luca Russo
•Solid advice. The earlier you call, the less busy the lines usually are.
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Javier Hernandez
Have you tried going to an EDD office in person? Sometimes face-to-face is the way to go with these bureaucratic nightmares.
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Miguel Alvarez
•I didn't even know that was an option! Do you just walk in or need an appointment?
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Javier Hernandez
•Last I checked, you could walk in, but be prepared to wait. Bring a book and snacks lol
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Emma Davis
•Going in person can be helpful, but with a newborn, it might be challenging. Make sure to check their current procedures before heading there.
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StardustSeeker
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Paolo Marino
•Wait, what? You have to PAY to talk to EDD now? That's messed up.
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Amina Bah
•Sounds sketchy. How do you know its legit?
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StardustSeeker
•I get the skepticism, but it's not EDD charging. It's a separate service that does the waiting for you. Saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imo.
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Oliver Becker
•$20 to avoid hours on hold? Sign me up! 🙌
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Natasha Petrova
•It's good that there's an option to save time, but $20 is a lot for some people. It'd be great if this service could be more affordable or if there were alternatives.
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Yara Khoury
Congrats on the new baby! 🎉 But sorry you're dealing with this mess. The EDD website is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded sometimes.
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Miguel Alvarez
•Thanks! Yeah, it's been a rollercoaster. excited about the baby but stressed about this edd stuff. wish they'd make it easier for new parents
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Keisha Taylor
•For real tho. You'd think they'd have a better system by now. It's 2023 ffs!
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Carmen Vega
Claimyr seems to be a helpful tool when dealing with long wait times, and it's great that such a service exists for those who can afford it. While it's not ideal to pay to access public services, it can be an option for some. However, always ensure that you're comfortable with the security and privacy of any third-party service handling your information. Claimyr has positive reviews, suggesting its legitimacy. But also explore other avenues like visiting an EDD office in person or contacting representatives, as these methods may offer solutions that don't require additional costs. Balancing these options can help you navigate the system more effectively.
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Freya Andersen
am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we gotta jump thru all these hoops just to access our own accounts? 🤡 system is broken af
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Omar Zaki
•Preach! 🙌 It's like they're trying to make it as difficult as possible.
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CosmicCrusader
•For real. It's almost like they don't want us to get our benefits 🤔
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Chloe Robinson
•It's all so complicated, and it's even worse when you have urgent needs like the OP. I hope they revamp the system soon.
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McKenzie Shade
I went through something similar when my daughter was born. Here's what worked for me: First, try the "Forgot Username" option on the EDD site - sometimes that works better than password recovery. If that fails, call the technical support line (not the regular claims line) at 1-833-978-2511. They specifically handle account access issues. Also, make sure you're using the same browser and clearing your cache first. The system is super finicky about that stuff. Hang in there - PFL is worth the hassle once you get it sorted! 💪
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