ID.me verification nightmare when filing SDI claim - stuck in endless loops
I'm at my wits end with the ID.me verification for my disability claim! Been trying for THREE DAYS to verify my identity through the EDD portal. Every time I get to the video call verification step, the system crashes or logs me out. Then when I try again, it says I already have an account but won't let me log in! My doctor already submitted all the medical certification paperwork, but I can't even complete the basic claim because of this stupid ID.me roadblock. My carpal tunnel syndrome is making it painful to keep retyping all this information. Has anyone found a way around these ID.me technical issues? I need my disability benefits to start soon since I've already been off work for 2 weeks and bills are piling up.
20 comments
Lilah Brooks
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!!!
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Owen Jenkins
•Thanks for the tip about trying another device! I've only been using my phone, maybe that's part of the problem. My husband has a tablet I could borrow. Did you have to wait long for the video call portion? That's where it always crashes for me.
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Jackson Carter
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.
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Kolton Murphy
•This is exactly what happened to my sister! She was trying to verify for pregnancy disability and had to keep uploading the same documents over and over. So frustrating!
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Evelyn Rivera
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.
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Owen Jenkins
•Thank you for the detailed advice! I didn't know about the in-person verification option. That might be my best bet at this point. Do I select that somewhere on the ID.me website or do I need to call someone?
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Julia Hall
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.
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Jackson Carter
•does this actually work?? ive never heard of this but im desperate to get thru to a real person! the regular edd line just disconnects me EVERY SINGLE TIME
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Julia Hall
•Yes, it definitely worked for me. The regular EDD line disconnected me 8 times before I tried this. I was skeptical too, but they actually got me through to a real person who could help with the ID.me issues. Much better than waiting for weeks while your claim sits there.
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Arjun Patel
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
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Owen Jenkins
•Congrats on getting approved! I'll try incognito mode, hadn't thought of that. How long did it take from when you completed ID.me until your claim was approved?
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Arjun Patel
•thx! took about 9 days total from when i finally got thru id.me verification til approval. my doctor was super fast with submitting his part tho so that probably helped
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Jade Lopez
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.
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Owen Jenkins
•Thank you for explaining the Trusted Referee option! That sounds like exactly what I need. I'll look for that option next time I try. Did you have to schedule the video call or was it an immediate thing?
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Jade Lopez
•It was an immediate option that appeared after my third failed attempt at document verification. You'll be put in a virtual waiting room, and the wait time varies depending on how busy they are. I'd recommend having all your documents handy before starting the process. Good luck!
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Kolton Murphy
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
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Lilah Brooks
•YES!! That happened to me! Turns out I had created an account years ago for something totally unrelated and completely forgot about it. Try clicking the "forgot password" option with different emails you might have used before.
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Owen Jenkins
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!
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Evelyn Rivera
•That's great news! Now that you're past the ID.me verification, the rest of the process should be smoother. Your claim will typically be processed within 7-14 days, assuming your healthcare provider has submitted all the required medical certification. If you don't see any updates in your SDI Online account within two weeks, that would be the time to contact EDD directly about the status.
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Owen Jenkins
•Thank you! My doctor confirmed he submitted everything already, so hopefully it won't take too long. I'll give it two weeks before I start worrying. This whole process has been so much more complicated than I expected!
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