ID.me verification nightmare when filing SDI claim - stuck in endless loops

Oh man, I feel your pain! The ID.me thing is a NIGHTMARE. It took me like 5 attempts last month when I filed for my pregnancy disability. What worked for me was using a completely different device - I kept trying on my laptop and it kept freezing, but when I switched to my iPad it suddenly worked. Also try doing it super early in the morning like 5am when less people are on the system. Good luck!!!

id.me is the WORST thing the edd ever implemented!! its designed to make people give up on claiming benefits. they dont care about disabled people AT ALL. i had to try 11 times before it worked and by then i almost missed the deadline for my benefits. the whole system is broken on purpose.

Hi there, I work with disability claims pretty regularly and have some tips that might help with ID.me verification: 1. Clear your browser cache and cookies before starting 2. Use Chrome or Firefox browsers (avoid Safari or Edge) 3. Make sure you have a strong internet connection, preferably wired not WiFi 4. Have multiple forms of ID ready (driver's license, passport, etc.) 5. If the video call verification keeps failing, you can request an "in-person verification" option 6. Take screenshots of any error messages you receive The system does work, but it has specific technical requirements that aren't always clear. If you've tried multiple times and still can't get through, you may want to call EDD directly about your issue.

I had the exact same problem with ID.me when filing my SDI claim for my back injury. After multiple failed attempts, I found that using Claimyr (claimyr.com) was a game-changer. They helped me get through to an actual EDD representative who walked me through the ID.me verification process and manually noted my account. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration and got my claim moving again after being stuck for over a week.

i had the same issue last week! what fixed it for me was using incognito mode on chrome + making sure all my doc pics were super clear. also double check ur phone number matches exactly whats on ur license. my claim got approved yesterday after i finally got thru id.me

I experienced something similar with my SDI claim for pregnancy disability. The ID.me verification system has specific requirements that aren't always obvious. Here's what actually worked for me: 1. Make sure you're using a device with a good quality camera 2. Ensure all documents are flat on a dark background with good lighting 3. Try during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening) 4. If the system keeps rejecting your documents, there's an option to speak with a "Trusted Referee" through video call The Trusted Referee option was what finally worked for me after multiple failed attempts. During that call, a real person verified my identity. It took about 25 minutes of waiting in a queue, but it resolved everything in one session. After that, my SDI claim was processed within a week. The ID.me verification is frustrating but it's a one-time process at least.

just wondering has anyone had issues where id.me says your account is linked to different email? thats what keeps happening to me but i KNOW im using the right email?? so confusing

UPDATE: I finally got through the ID.me verification! Used my husband's tablet in incognito mode like some of you suggested, and went with the Trusted Referee video call option right away instead of fighting with the automated system. Had to wait about 40 minutes but the person was really helpful. Now just waiting for EDD to process my actual disability claim. Thanks everyone for your help!

So glad to hear you got through the ID.me verification! I'm currently dealing with the same nightmare - been trying for 4 days now and keep getting kicked out during the video call step. Going to try the Trusted Referee option you mentioned since the automated system clearly isn't working for me either. My anxiety disorder makes dealing with all these technical glitches even worse, but your success story gives me hope! Thanks for updating us on what finally worked.

I'm going through the exact same struggle right now with my SDI claim for chronic pain! Been stuck on ID.me for over a week and it's so frustrating. Reading through all these comments has been really helpful - I had no idea about the Trusted Referee option or that using incognito mode might help. Going to try switching to a different device and clearing my cache like some of you suggested. It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops when we're already dealing with health issues that prevent us from working. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions!

I'm dealing with a similar ID.me nightmare right now for my disability claim due to severe migraines! Been stuck in the verification loop for almost a week. Reading everyone's experiences here is both frustrating (knowing how broken this system is) and helpful (seeing actual solutions that worked). I'm definitely going to try the incognito mode + different device combo that several people mentioned, and if that doesn't work, I'll go straight to the Trusted Referee option instead of wasting more time with the automated system. It's honestly ridiculous that people who are already struggling with disabilities have to deal with such a poorly designed verification process. Thank you Owen for sharing your update - it gives me hope that I'll eventually get through this too!

I'm currently going through this exact same situation with my disability claim for depression and anxiety! It's been 6 days of trying to get through the ID.me verification and I'm honestly at my breaking point. The irony of having to deal with a system that causes this much stress when you're filing for mental health disability isn't lost on me. Reading through everyone's solutions here has been incredibly helpful though - I had no idea about clearing cache/cookies or that certain browsers work better than others. I'm going to try the incognito mode + desktop computer approach tomorrow morning, and if that fails I'll definitely go straight to the Trusted Referee option instead of torturing myself with the automated system anymore. Thank you to everyone who shared what worked for you, especially Owen for the update! It's reassuring to know that people do eventually get through this nightmare.

As someone who's been helping people navigate EDD issues for years, I want to chime in with a few additional tips that might help others still struggling with ID.me verification: 1. **Document quality matters more than you think** - Make sure your ID photos are taken on a flat, dark surface with even lighting. Avoid shadows or glare that can confuse the system. 2. **Network stability is crucial** - If you're on WiFi, try switching to mobile data or vice versa. Sometimes one connection type works better than the other. 3. **Time of day really does make a difference** - Early morning (5-7 AM) or late evening (after 9 PM) tend to have fewer system crashes. 4. **Keep detailed notes** - Screenshot any error messages or reference numbers. This helps if you need to call EDD later. For those still stuck, remember that the Trusted Referee option is there for a reason - don't feel like you're "cheating" by using it. The automated system simply doesn't work for everyone, and that's not your fault. Stay persistent but take breaks when you need them. This process is stressful enough without adding unnecessary pressure on yourself!