EDD requesting proof of SSN ownership for PFL claim - Social Security office no help!

Omg I had this EXACT problem back in January! It's so frustrating!! EDD wanted me to prove my SSN but didn't explain how. Turned out they needed my ORIGINAL SS card (not a copy) because the number I entered on my claim form had a typo. Check if you made any mistakes when entering your SSN on the application.

Thank you! I just double-checked my application and I think I DID transpose two numbers. Ugh! Did you have to physically mail in your SS card? That makes me nervous.

This is a standard verification request when there's a mismatch between the SSN you provided and what's in their system. You don't need to mail your original card - a clear photocopy of your Social Security card along with your photo ID should be sufficient. Include your claim number on all documents. You can also upload these through your EDD account under

This is so helpful, thank you! I'll scan and upload the documents right away. Fingers crossed this resolves it because we're really struggling without the benefit payments.

Check the exact wording of the letter carefully. Sometimes EDD is asking for a specific form that's not obvious from their wording. If it mentions \

Thank you! The letter specifically says \

i had 2 send in my ss card + passport + utility bill with my name on it. took them 3 weeks to process after i sent it all in. so annoying. make sure u send everything they ask for or they'll just delay it more

3 more weeks?? That's terrifying. I'm already behind on rent. Did you mail your documents or upload them through the portal?

The EDD system is SO broken!!! I had to verify my SSN twice for my maternity SDI claim and then AGAIN for my baby bonding PFL claim even though it's the same number!!! Like do they think I'm using a different SSN for each benefit?? Complete waste of time while we're trying to care for newborns.

yep sounds about right. their computer systems must be from 1982 or something

This happened to me with my PFL claim but their letter was asking for \

Adding a paystub is a great idea! I'll include that with my other documents. 5 days sounds way better than 3 weeks. Did you follow up with calls after uploading?

Yes, I did call after uploading! I think that helped move things along. When you talk to a rep, ask them to look at your uploaded documents while you're on the phone so they can confirm everything's in order. Sometimes they'll even process it right then if all looks good.

This is all so unnecessarily complicated. I swear they create these verification loops to discourage people from claiming benefits they're legally entitled to. Always CALL after uploading anything important. The number of claims that just sit in digital limbo is ridiculous.

UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! For anyone facing this issue in the future:\n\n1. I uploaded color scans of my SS card, driver's license, birth certificate, and a recent paystub\n\n2. Used the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to EDD in about 30 mins (worth it after weeks of trying!)\n\n3. The rep confirmed there was a transposed digit in my SSN on the original application\n\n4. They processed the correction while I was on the phone and released my payment!\n\nThe money should be on my EDD debit card in 24-48 hours. Such a relief! Thank you all for the help and guidance.

Congratulations on getting it resolved, Fatima! Your update is super helpful for others dealing with this nightmare. I'm currently stuck in a similar SSN verification loop for my disability claim - been waiting 6 weeks now. Quick question: when you used Claimyr, did you have to pay upfront or only after they connected you? I've been hesitant to try paid services but at this point I'm desperate to talk to an actual human at EDD!

@f5ca75619235 I can confirm what others said about Claimyr - you only pay after they successfully connect you to EDD. When I used it for my PFL claim a few months ago, the fee was $20 and honestly it was the best money I spent during that whole ordeal. The service connected me within 45 minutes and the EDD rep was able to resolve my issue immediately. Just have all your documents scanned and ready to upload before calling, because you want to take full advantage of that precious time with an actual human! Also keep your confirmation numbers from any uploads - the reps can see those in their system. Six weeks is way too long for a disability claim, especially when you need that income. Really hope Claimyr works for you too!

This entire thread is so eye-opening! I'm dealing with a similar SSN verification request for my PFL claim and was getting nowhere with EDD's phone system. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the combination of uploading ALL possible documents (SS card, ID, birth certificate, paystub) AND using a service like Claimyr to actually reach a human is the winning strategy. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to pay third parties to access our own state benefits, but if it works, it works. @d0ee615c27d1 thank you for posting that detailed update - it gives me hope that this nightmare can actually be resolved! Going to gather all my documents and try Claimyr this week.