UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! After trying everything suggested here, I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an EDD rep after waiting 3 hours on hold. Turns out when I updated my email on ID.me, it created a verification mismatch. The rep had to manually update something on their system and then had me clear my browser and try again. I'm finally back in my account and was able to certify for all my weeks! Thank you everyone for your help!

This is such a relief to see this resolved! I'm dealing with a similar issue right now where I updated my phone number on ID.me and now I'm getting authentication errors. Based on your experience, it sounds like any changes to ID.me can mess up the sync with EDD's system. I'm going to try the phone certification number first to make sure I don't miss my deadline, then work on getting through to a rep. Thanks for sharing your solution - it gives me hope that this can actually be fixed!

UPDATE: I tried the automated phone number that @unemploymentpro suggested, and was able to verify with my SSN and California ID number instead! Then I requested a temporary password be sent to my email. Successfully logged in now. Thanks everyone for your help!

So glad you got it resolved! This is exactly why I always recommend trying the automated phone system first before going through the online reset process. The phone system often has more flexible verification options. For anyone else reading this thread, that automated number (1-866-333-4606) is available 24/7 and can be a real lifesaver when the online system is being difficult. Thanks for updating us with the solution that worked!

One more tip: if you have a complex issue (like identity verification or appeal questions), calling the main line might not help even if you get through. In that case, try these specialized numbers: - For ID.me verification issues: 1-866-401-2849 - For Money Network card problems: 1-866-320-8699 - For overpayment questions: 1-800-676-5737 Also, sometimes the foreign language lines have shorter waits. You can request an English-speaking rep after connecting.

I feel your pain! Just went through this same nightmare last month. Here's what finally worked for me: I used the "comma trick" - call 1-800-300-5616, then when you hear the first menu press 1,2,1 really quickly with commas in between (like 1,,2,,1). The commas create pauses that help you get through the system faster. Also try calling at 8:02 AM exactly - I read somewhere that their system resets right after 8 and there's a brief window before it gets overloaded again. Took me 15 tries but I got through! Don't give up, you've got this! 🙏

Diego, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! The same-day disqualification is definitely jarring, but please don't lose hope. Your situation actually has several factors that work in your favor for an appeal: The 65-mile each way commute creating a 25% financial burden on your take-home pay is substantial evidence of genuine hardship. Combined with your documentation showing you attempted to negotiate alternatives with your employer first, plus your vehicle reliability issues, you have a much stronger case than you might realize. I've seen similar commute-related appeals succeed when the claimant could demonstrate: 1) The financial impact was significant (which yours clearly is), 2) They made good faith efforts to find solutions before quitting (you have the emails), and 3) The commute created genuine hardship beyond mere inconvenience (130 miles daily with an unreliable car definitely qualifies). File that DE 1000M appeal form as soon as possible - don't wait! Be extremely detailed about the costs, include all your documentation, and emphasize both the financial hardship and safety concerns. Keep documenting your ongoing job search efforts too, as this shows you're actively seeking work. The appeal process gives you a real chance to present your complete story, not just whatever limited information EDD initially reviewed. Stay strong - this quick decision doesn't mean your case is hopeless!

Diego, I know this is incredibly stressful, but don't give up! I went through something very similar in 2024 when my employer moved locations and I got hit with the same instant disqualification after my interview. The key thing that helped me win my appeal was being super specific about the numbers and having documentation. For your appeal, make sure to include: 1) Exact mileage calculations (65 miles each way = 650 miles per week just for work!), 2) Detailed cost breakdown including gas, maintenance, and time lost, 3) Those emails showing you tried to negotiate with your employer, 4) Evidence of your car's reliability issues, and 5) Documentation that you've been actively job searching. The fact that this would eat up 25% of your take-home pay is huge - that's well above what most people would consider reasonable. I calculated mine at about 20% and that was a major factor in winning my appeal. The appeals judge was much more thorough than whoever made the initial decision. It took about 10 weeks total for my hearing, but I got full backpay once I won. Keep applying for jobs and save all your application records - it shows you're serious about finding work. You've got this!

While reaching EDD by phone is certainly challenging, I'd suggest trying these specific approaches: 1. Call at 8:01am Tuesday-Thursday (avoid Monday rush) 2. When prompted for your Social Security Number, don't enter anything - this sometimes routes you to a live person faster 3. Try the Technical Support line (1-855-327-7057) and then ask for a transfer 4. Ensure your UI Online contact information is 100% up-to-date, as they sometimes try to call claimants with issues 5. Check if your identity verification was successfully processed - this is a common reason for claims being stuck in pending Also make sure your certification answers are consistent with your application to avoid triggering eligibility interviews.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through using any of these methods? I'm curious which one worked (if any).