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ok so i just tried to set up direct desposit and it says i need to verify my identity AGAIN?? i already did the id.me thing when i first applied! why do they make everything so complicated 🤬
This is actually a security feature. Adding or changing direct deposit information is considered a high-security action since it affects where your money goes. The additional verification helps prevent fraud. It should be much simpler than your initial ID.me verification - usually just answering a few questions to confirm your identity rather than uploading documents again.
This is such great news to hear! I'm still on the fence about switching from the Money Network card because I've gotten used to the routine, but hearing about 24-hour deposits is really tempting. My biggest worry is something going wrong during the transition period and missing a payment. Did you have to do anything special when you applied for direct deposit, or was it pretty straightforward through UI Online? Also wondering if your bank charged any fees for receiving the EDD deposits?
So glad you got this resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for anyone else dealing with inactive EDD cards. It's crazy that they don't send any kind of heads up before placing these security holds - you'd think after spending so much on unemployment benefits, they'd want to make sure people can actually access their money when they need it. The 8am calling strategy seems to be the real MVP here. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!
Totally agree! This whole thread should be pinned or something - so many people probably have old EDD cards sitting around not knowing this could happen. The fact that Jackson had to make 15+ calls just to find out it was a routine security hold is ridiculous. At minimum they should send an email or text before locking accounts. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here, especially the timing tips for calling!
This is such valuable information! I actually have an old EDD card from 2021 that I never used because I got back to work quickly. After reading this thread, I'm definitely going to check my UI Online account to see if my funds are still showing as paid. It's honestly ridiculous that EDD doesn't send any kind of notification before placing these security holds - like why wouldn't they want people to know their money is still available? Thanks Jackson for sharing your experience and following up with the resolution. The 8am calling strategy and making sure your address is updated seem like key takeaways here!
Definitely check your UI Online account ASAP! I'm in a similar boat - got an EDD card in early 2022 but went back to work before using it. This thread is making me realize I should probably call EDD proactively to make sure everything's still accessible rather than waiting until I actually need the money. It's so frustrating that they don't have any kind of automated system to send reminders about inactive accounts. Thanks everyone for sharing all these helpful tips!
I'm going through something similar right now - had my eligibility interview about 2 weeks ago and still waiting on employer verification. What's been helping me stay sane is keeping a detailed log of dates and what the interviewer told me, so I have something to reference when I call for updates. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you have your employer's correct contact information on file with EDD. I had to call back and update my former boss's phone number because the one they had was outdated. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're watching your bank account get lower each day, but from what I'm seeing in this thread, most people do eventually get approved. Hang in there!
That's really smart to keep a detailed log! I should start doing that too. Did you have any trouble getting through to EDD when you called to update your employer's contact info? I'm worried about spending hours on hold just to make a simple update. Also, how did you find out the phone number they had was wrong - did they tell you during the interview or did you have to ask?
I'm in almost the exact same situation! Had my eligibility interview 5 days ago and they said they need to verify with my previous employer too. The stress of waiting is real, especially when bills are piling up. My interviewer mentioned it usually takes 1-2 weeks but could be longer if the employer is slow to respond. What's helping me cope is setting up a daily routine to check my UI Online account at the same time each morning so I'm not obsessively refreshing it all day. Also started looking into local food banks and utility assistance programs just in case this drags on longer than expected. The uncertainty is the worst part - wishing there was a way to get real-time updates on where they are in the process. Hope we both hear back soon!
I'm dealing with the exact same anxiety! It's been 4 days since my interview and I keep checking my account multiple times a day even though I know it probably won't change that fast. Setting up that daily routine is a great idea - I'm going to try that instead of checking constantly. The food bank suggestion is smart too, I hadn't thought of looking into assistance programs while waiting. It's frustrating that they can't give us any kind of timeline tracker or status updates beyond just "pending." Fingers crossed we both get good news soon!
UPDATE: I just managed to log in! Seems like the system might be coming back up. Try again now everyone!
I've been dealing with similar login issues for the past few days too. What's really frustrating is that EDD doesn't seem to have a reliable way to notify users when these outages happen - I had to find out about the maintenance from this thread! For anyone still having trouble, I've found that using an incognito/private browser window sometimes helps, and also trying the mobile app instead of the website. The app seems to handle the server load a bit better sometimes. Really hope they get their system stability sorted out soon because this happens way too often.
Great tip about the incognito window! I hadn't thought to try that. You're absolutely right about their communication being terrible - they really need a better notification system for outages. Maybe a banner on their main site or email alerts for registered users. It's ridiculous that we have to find out about maintenance from social media or forums like this.
Tom Maxon
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
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Victoria Charity
I had this same issue last month! The password reset link that Katie shared worked for me, but if you're still having trouble with the security questions, you can also try calling EDD's technical support line at 1-833-978-2511. They can help reset your account security settings. Just be prepared to verify your identity with personal information like your SSN and claim details. Good luck!
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