To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

I had the same exact issue! This usually happens when there's a problem with your account that requires verification or when EDD has temporarily suspended online access. Here are the steps that worked for me: 1. First, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then attempt to log in again 2. If that doesn't work, you'll likely need to call EDD directly at 1-800-300-5616 3. When you call, ask to speak with a Tier 2 representative who can restore your UI Online access 4. Have your SSN, claim details, and ID ready when you call The phone lines are usually less busy early in the morning (around 8 AM) or later in the afternoon. It might take several attempts to get through, but once you reach someone, they can usually resolve the access issue pretty quickly. Don't give up - this is a common problem and it is fixable!

I'm dealing with this exact same error right now and it's been driving me crazy for the past three days! Reading through all these solutions has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about so many of these potential issues. I think I've been making multiple mistakes: definitely using dashes in my SSN, probably inconsistent with address abbreviations, and I've definitely tried logging in way more than 5 times (oops!). I'm going to try the 24-hour wait period first to clear any potential lockout, then dig out my original unemployment application and enter everything EXACTLY as it appears there - including checking for any trailing spaces or weird formatting. If that doesn't work, I'll call the tech support line at 1-800-300-5616 that several people mentioned. This whole situation is so frustrating but at least now I feel like I have a clear action plan instead of just randomly trying different combinations. Thanks to everyone who shared their specific solutions - this thread should honestly be pinned somewhere! 🙏

I'm going through this exact same issue right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I've been stuck with the "information doesn't match" error for almost a week and was starting to panic. After reading everyone's experiences, I realize I've been making several of the common mistakes mentioned here - using dashes in my SSN, being inconsistent with address formatting, and definitely exceeding the 5 login attempt limit (had no idea that was even a thing!). I'm going to follow the strategy that seems to work for most people: wait 24-48 hours to clear any lockout, then reference my original unemployment application to enter everything with the exact same formatting, spacing, and abbreviations. If that fails, I'll call the tech support line at 1-800-300-5616. It's honestly ridiculous how sensitive their system is to minor formatting differences, but I'm grateful to know there are actual solutions. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share what worked for them - this thread should be required reading for anyone dealing with EDD login issues! 💪

I'm dealing with something similar right now! My previous employer laid me off in November and I've been on UI since then. Last month I started a temp job that was supposed to be data entry, but now they want me to make cold calls which gives me severe anxiety and wasn't mentioned at all during hiring. I've been reporting all my hours and wages on my certifications too. Reading through these responses is really helpful - it sounds like since this isn't the job that established my original claim, I might be okay if I need to leave. The whole situation is so stressful when you're just trying to get back on your feet financially!

I've been through a similar situation and here's what I learned: EDD actually has specific protections for "subsequent employment" situations like yours. Since you were already receiving benefits when you started this part-time job, your original claim remains intact regardless of what happens with this new employer. The social media requirement being sprung on you after hiring could definitely qualify as "good cause" for leaving, especially since you have that text from your supervisor as documentation. When you certify, just be completely honest about the situation - explain that this was a new requirement not disclosed during hiring that conflicts with your privacy preferences. I'd recommend quitting rather than letting them fire you, since you have clear documentation of the policy change. Most importantly, keep reporting accurately on your certifications. The fact that you've been properly reporting your part-time earnings shows you're following the rules correctly.

my daughter recieved one of those 2 yrs ago and we just ignored it and nothing ever happened lol

I'm so sorry this happened to your daughter! This exact same thing happened to me in 2022 - got a 1099-G for $11,000 in benefits I never received. It's definitely identity theft and unfortunately very common now. Here's what worked for me: I filed Form 14039 with the IRS immediately, then submitted EDD's online fraud report. The key thing that saved me time was getting through to EDD using one of those callback services - I used Claimyr after seeing it mentioned here before and it actually worked. Got connected to a real person who walked me through the process. For taxes, I filed normally WITHOUT including the fraudulent income and attached a letter explaining the situation along with copies of my fraud reports. Never had any issues with the IRS. The whole process took about 4 months to fully resolve, but the important thing is starting all the reports now. Don't wait! Also definitely check her credit reports and consider freezing her credit until this gets sorted out.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of exhausted benefits is overwhelming, but you do have options! As others have mentioned, you can file a new claim after your benefit year ends IF you've earned enough qualifying wages. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that some temporary staffing agencies offer benefits and consistent placement opportunities. When I was between jobs last year, I worked with a staffing agency that specialized in accounting and bookkeeping temp work. They kept me busy with different short-term assignments - some lasted a few weeks, others a few months. It helped me stay current with my skills while earning the wages I needed to qualify for a new UI claim. Also, don't overlook seasonal opportunities coming up - many businesses need temporary accounting help for year-end closing and tax season preparation. These positions often pay well and can provide exactly the type of W-2 wages you need. Hang in there - this is a temporary setback, not a permanent situation. The job market is tough right now, but your 8 years of experience will serve you well once the right opportunity comes along.

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to chime in because I just went through this exact situation last year. After my benefits exhausted, I was terrified about what would happen next, but I learned that you absolutely can file a new claim once your benefit year ends - you just need to have earned enough qualifying wages in the meantime. What really helped me was taking a hybrid approach: I took a part-time retail job to start earning wages immediately (any W-2 work counts!), while also registering with accounting temp agencies for seasonal placements. The retail job gave me steady income and wage credits, while the temp work kept my accounting skills sharp and actually led to a permanent offer. Don't overlook seasonal tax preparation work either - companies like H&R Block often hire experienced accountants for tax season, and it's exactly the kind of professional work that can bridge you to something permanent while meeting the wage requirements for a new UI claim. You've got 8 years of solid experience - that's valuable and won't disappear. This is just a challenging period to get through, not a career ending situation. Keep applying for accounting positions but also consider these bridge opportunities to protect your financial stability.