EDD account locked out - Can't access old work email for SDI benefits. Help!
Hey everyone, I'm having trouble accessing my EDD account. I registered for SDI benefits a few years ago when I broke my leg, but now I can't log in. When I try to create a new account, it says my driver's license is already linked to an existing account. The problem is, I used my old work email for that account and I can't access it anymore. Has anyone dealt with this before? Any advice on how to regain access or create a new account?
28 comments
QuantumQueen
Ugh, classic EDD nonsense. I swear they make it impossible on purpose. Have you tried calling their helpline? It's a pain, but sometimes that's the only way to get things sorted out.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
Yeah, I've been trying to call but it's always busy. I'll keep trying though. Thanks for the suggestion!
0 coins
5M
Aisha Rahman
Calling EDD is like trying to win the lottery 🤣 Good luck, OP!
0 coins
4M
Ethan Wilson
Pro tip: call right when they open. Sometimes you can get through if youre lucky
0 coins
4M
Write a comment...
Yuki Sato
I had a similar issue last year. What worked for me was going to an EDD office in person. They were able to verify my identity and help me regain access to my account. It took a few hours, but it was worth it.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
That's a great idea! I didn't even think about going in person. Do you know if I need to make an appointment first?
0 coins
5M
Yuki Sato
When I went, they were taking walk-ins. But it might be different now. Maybe check their website or give them a call to be sure.
0 coins
4M
Carmen Flores
Be prepared to wait forEVER if you go in person. Bring a book or something to keep you busy 📚
0 coins
4M
Write a comment...
Andre Dubois
Have you tried resetting your password through the 'Forgot Password' option? Sometimes that can bypass the email issue.
0 coins
Write a comment...
CyberSamurai
This happened to me too! I ended up having to fax (yes, fax in 2023 🙄) a copy of my ID and a letter explaining the situation. It took a few weeks, but they eventually sorted it out for me.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
Wow, really? A fax? That's wild. Do you remember what fax number you used?
0 coins
5M
CyberSamurai
I don't remember the exact number, but it should be on their website under the 'Contact Us' section. Good luck!
0 coins
4M
Write a comment...
Zoe Alexopoulos
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 explaining it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM
0 coins
Jamal Carter
Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
0 coins
4M
Mei Liu
$20 just to talk to someone? That's ridiculous. The system is so broken 😡
0 coins
4M
Zoe Alexopoulos
I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imho
0 coins
4M
Liam O'Donnell
Can you explain more about how it works? Is it safe to use?
0 coins
4M
Zoe Alexopoulos
Sure! You just enter your phone number on their website, and they call you when they get an agent on the line. It's legit - they don't ask for any personal info besides your phone number.
0 coins
4M
Write a comment...
Amara Nwosu
Here's what you need to do: 1. Gather all your identification documents (driver's license, social security card, etc.) 2. Write a detailed letter explaining your situation, including: - Your full name and contact information - Your driver's license number - The email address you used for your old account - A brief explanation of why you can't access that email - Request to update your email address and regain access to your account 3. Make copies of your ID documents and letter 4. Mail everything to: Employment Development Department PO Box 826880 Sacramento, CA 94280-0001 Make sure to send it certified mail so you can track it. It might take a few weeks, but this method usually works. While you're waiting, keep trying to call their support line. If you get through, explain that you've mailed in your documents and ask if they can expedite the process. Good luck!
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
Wow, thank you so much for this detailed response! This is incredibly helpful. I'll get started on this right away.
0 coins
4M
AstroExplorer
This is solid advice. I did something similar and it worked, but it took about a month to get resolved. Be patient, OP!
0 coins
4M
Giovanni Moretti
Don't forget to keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them. The EDD has been known to 'lose' documents 🙄
0 coins
4M
Write a comment...
Fatima Al-Farsi
have u tried contacting ur old employer? maybe they can help u access the old email account
0 coins
Write a comment...
Dylan Cooper
This whole system is a joke. We pay taxes for this?? 🤦♂️
0 coins
Sofia Perez
Preach! 🙌 The government needs to get its act together
0 coins
4M
Dmitry Smirnov
Careful, don't get me started on a rant about government inefficiency 😤
0 coins
4M
Write a comment...
ElectricDreamer
Hey OP, just wondering - have you tried creating a new account with a different email? Sometimes that works if your old account has been inactive for a while.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
I tried that, but it says my driver's license is already linked to an account. Thanks for the suggestion though!
0 coins
4M
Write a comment...