SDI online application error: ID number associated with another account. Help!
I'm trying to apply for SDI online but I keep getting an error message saying my identification number is associated with another account. I've never applied for SDI before and I just need to access my account so I can apply while I'm out for surgery. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice on how to fix it?
35 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve SDI account access error issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAJouPtFqvE
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Ethan Taylor
Ugh, I had the same issue! It's so frustrating when the system doesn't work right. Have you tried calling them? It might be a glitch in their system.
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Aisha Khan
β’I haven't called yet, but I guess that's my next step. Did you manage to get through to someone when you called?
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Ethan Taylor
β’Yeah, but it took FOREVER. I was on hold for like 2 hours. π« Bring a book or something if you're gonna try calling lol
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Yuki Ito
β’Pro tip: call right when they open. You'll have a better chance of getting through quickly.
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Carmen Lopez
This happened to me too! Turns out someone had used my driver's license number by mistake when they applied. It took a while, but I got it sorted out. You'll need to talk to someone directly to fix it.
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AstroAdventurer
Have you tried clearing your browser cache and cookies? Sometimes that can help with weird website issues.
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Aisha Khan
β’I'll give that a shot, thanks! But I'm not too hopeful since it seems like an account issue rather than a browser problem.
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Andre Dupont
The EDD system is such a joke. π€‘ I swear they make it difficult on purpose to discourage people from applying. Hang in there, OP!
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Zoe Papanikolaou
β’For real tho. It's like they're stuck in the stone age or smthn π¦
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Jamal Wilson
β’Nah, even cavemen probably had a better system lmao π
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Mei Lin
I found a method to 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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Liam Fitzgerald
β’Sounds sketchy. Is it legit?
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Mei Lin
β’Yeah, it's totally legit. I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo.
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GalacticGuru
β’How long did it take for them to get someone on the line?
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Mei Lin
β’It took about an hour and a half, but I didn't have to sit there listening to hold music. They just called me when an agent was ready.
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Amara Nnamani
Here's what you need to do: 1. Gather all your identification documents (driver's license, social security card, etc.) 2. Write down the exact error message you're getting 3. Call the EDD directly at 1-800-480-3287 4. Explain the situation calmly and ask them to verify your identity 5. Request that they unlink your ID from any incorrect accounts 6. Ask them to guide you through the process of setting up a new account if necessary 7. Take notes during the call and get the name of the representative you speak with It might take some time, but persistence is key. Don't give up! If the first person can't help, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Good luck!
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Aisha Khan
β’Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely follow these steps. Fingers crossed it works out π€
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Giovanni Mancini
β’This is solid advice. I'd add: if you can, try to call early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Those tend to be less busy times.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
have u tried making a new account with a different email? that worked for my cousin
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Dylan Cooper
β’That's not a good idea. It could cause more problems down the line if there are multiple accounts under one SSN.
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Sofia Morales
I'm in the same boat, been trying to sort this out for weeks. The whole system is a dumpster fire π₯
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StarSailor
Have you checked if there's an EDD office near you? Sometimes it's easier to get things sorted in person.
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Aisha Khan
β’I didn't even think of that! I'll look into it, thanks for the suggestion.
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Zoey Bianchi
I had this exact same issue last year! It turned out that my SSN was accidentally linked to an old unemployment claim from 2019 that I had forgotten about. The system was treating it as an existing account even though I'd never applied for SDI specifically. What fixed it for me was calling the technical support line (different from the regular EDD line) at 1-833-978-2511. They have people who specifically handle account linking issues. When you call, tell them you're getting the "ID number associated with another account" error and they can usually see what's causing the conflict in their system. The wait time was still pretty long (about an hour), but they were able to unlink my SSN from the old account and let me create a fresh SDI application. Make sure you have your driver's license, SSN card, and any medical documentation ready when you call. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery recovery! πͺ
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Demi Lagos
β’This is super helpful! I didn't know there was a separate technical support line. The regular EDD number has been giving me the runaround. I'll definitely try calling 1-833-978-2511 instead. It makes sense that it could be linked to an old claim - I think I might have filed for unemployment briefly a few years back. Thanks for sharing your experience! @0cb5ff258ff5
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Zainab Khalil
This is such a common issue unfortunately! I went through something similar when I needed SDI for my back surgery. Here's what I learned from my experience: The "ID number associated with another account" error usually happens when there's any previous EDD interaction in the system - even from years ago or even if someone else used your info by mistake. A few things that might help while you're trying to get through to them: - Try accessing the site at different times of day. Sometimes the error is intermittent - Make sure you're using the exact same personal info format that's on your official documents (like if your license says "Catherine" don't use "Cathy") - Double-check that you're on the official edd.ca.gov site and not a similar looking one The technical support number that @0cb5ff258ff5 mentioned (1-833-978-2511) is gold! They're specifically trained for account issues like this and can usually resolve it in one call. Also, since you mentioned surgery - make sure to apply as soon as possible once you get this sorted. SDI has a 49-day window from when your disability starts, and you don't want to miss out on benefits you're entitled to. Wishing you a smooth recovery! π
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Anastasia Fedorov
β’This is such great advice! The tip about using the exact same name format as on official documents is really smart - I bet that trips up a lot of people. And thanks for the reminder about the 49-day window, I had no idea there was a deadline like that. I'm definitely going to try that technical support number first thing tomorrow morning. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here, it's making me feel way less stressed about this whole situation! π
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Max Reyes
I went through this exact same nightmare a few months ago! The system kept saying my SSN was tied to another account even though I'd never applied for SDI before. Turns out it was linked to a really old UI claim from like 2018 that I'd completely forgotten about. What finally worked for me was calling that technical support line others mentioned (1-833-978-2511) and being super specific about the error message. I literally read it word-for-word to the rep and they were able to see the conflict immediately. They unlinked my SSN from the old account and I was able to create a fresh SDI application within like 20 minutes. One thing I'd add - when you do get through, ask them to put a note in your file about the issue being resolved. That way if you run into any other problems later, the next person you talk to will have context. Also, totally agree with what others said about applying ASAP once this gets sorted. I almost missed the deadline because I spent so long trying to figure out the account issue. The 49-day rule is real and they don't really make exceptions. Hope your surgery goes well! This account thing is just a speed bump - you'll get through it! πͺ
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Ana ErdoΔan
β’Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same thing. I love the tip about asking them to put a note in the file - that's the kind of detail that could save me a lot of headaches if I need to call back. I'm definitely going to call that technical support number first thing tomorrow and be super specific about the error message like you suggested. Really appreciate the encouragement about the surgery too! π
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Yara Khoury
I had a similar issue when I was applying for SDI earlier this year! What worked for me was actually going through the "forgot password" process even though I'd never created an account. It turns out the system had automatically generated some kind of partial account from an old tax form or something, and going through the password reset helped me gain access to it. From there I was able to see that there was indeed an existing profile with my SSN but no active applications. I had to call the regular EDD line to get it cleared up, but at least I could explain exactly what I was seeing in the system. It's worth trying before you spend hours on hold - might save you some time! And definitely echo what others said about calling that technical support line if the password reset doesn't work. Good luck with everything! π
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Connor O'Brien
β’That's such a clever workaround! I never would have thought to try the "forgot password" route when I haven't even created an account yet. It makes total sense that the system might have some kind of partial profile floating around from other interactions. I'm going to try this approach first before calling - if it works, it could save me hours of being on hold. Thanks for thinking outside the box with this suggestion! π
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Fatima Al-Farsi
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been trying to apply for SDI for my upcoming medical leave and keep hitting that "ID number associated with another account" wall. It's so frustrating when you're already stressed about your health situation and then the system just won't cooperate. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope though - sounds like that technical support line at 1-833-978-2511 is the way to go. I'm also going to try that "forgot password" trick first since that's such a clever idea. @16f1cf625ae2 I hope you get this sorted out quickly and your surgery goes smoothly! This thread is proof that you're definitely not alone in dealing with this problem. The EDD system may be a mess, but at least we can help each other navigate it! π
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
β’I'm so glad this thread is helping people! It's amazing how many of us have run into this exact same issue. The EDD system definitely has its problems, but it's reassuring to see everyone sharing solutions that actually work. That technical support line has been a lifesaver for so many people here - definitely try that first! And @16f1cf625ae2, hoping everything goes well with your surgery and you get this account thing resolved quickly. We're all rooting for you! π
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Paolo Ricci
I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Been stuck on this error for days and it's driving me crazy. I never applied for SDI before either, but I did file for unemployment a couple years back so that's probably what's causing the conflict. Really appreciate everyone sharing the technical support number (1-833-978-2511) - I had no idea there was a separate line for account issues. Definitely going to try calling them tomorrow morning. Also love the "forgot password" workaround idea, that's so smart! @16f1cf625ae2 Thanks for posting about this - it's such a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess. The timing is so stressful when you need benefits for medical reasons. Hope you get it sorted out soon and your surgery goes well! π
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