I'm currently stuck with this same verification code issue and have been reading through this entire thread - it's been incredibly helpful! I've been locked out for 4 days now and was starting to panic about missing deadlines for my claim. @AstroAce @Amelia Cartwright - huge thanks for sharing your detailed success stories with the 6:30 AM call strategy! The fact that you both got through with relatively short wait times by using the "multi-factor authentication failure" phrase is exactly the kind of actionable advice I needed. I had been avoiding calling because I thought it would mean spending all day on hold. @Mei Zhang - really appreciate all the IT expertise you've shared throughout this thread. I'm going to check my email settings tonight and add edd.ca.gov to my safe senders list, though it sounds like the phone call route is probably going to be my best bet. It's frustrating that EDD's "security upgrade" has created this mess for so many people, but seeing how this community has come together to share real working solutions instead of just complaining has been amazing. You've basically created the troubleshooting guide that EDD should have provided from day one! I'm planning to try the early morning call tomorrow with all my verification documents ready. Will definitely report back with how it goes - hoping to add another success story to this thread! 🤞

I'm going through this exact same verification code nightmare right now! Been locked out for 6 days and was honestly starting to lose hope until I found this thread. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been such a relief - finally have a real action plan instead of just banging my head against the wall. @AstroAce @Amelia Cartwright - thank you both SO much for sharing your detailed success stories with the 6:30 AM call strategy! The fact that you both got through with short wait times by specifically saying "multi-factor authentication failure" is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been avoiding calling because I thought it meant spending my entire day on hold, but 15-20 minutes sounds totally manageable. @Mei Zhang - really appreciate all the IT expertise you've shared throughout this thread. I'm definitely going to check my email provider settings tonight and add edd.ca.gov to my safe senders list, though it sounds like the phone route is probably my best bet at this point. It's honestly incredible (and frustrating) that this community has had to become EDD's unofficial tech support and figure out all these workarounds on our own. But I'm so grateful for everyone taking the time to share what actually works instead of just complaining about the broken system. I'm going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning with all my verification info organized and ready. Really hoping I can add another success story to this thread! Will definitely update everyone on how it goes. Thanks again for all the help! 🙏

I went through this exact same headache last month! After spending hours on hold with no luck, I ended up going to the DMV in person with my passport, birth certificate, and a recent utility bill. The clerk was able to verify my identity and update my email address on the spot using a DL 14 form (Driver License/ID Card Application). The whole process took about 45 minutes once I got to the window. One tip that really helped - I wrote down my old email address and new email address clearly on a piece of paper to hand to the clerk, which made the update process much smoother. Also, if you have any old DMV paperwork or renewal notices that show your previous email, bring those too as proof. It's frustrating that there's no easy online fix for this, but the in-person route definitely works. Hang in there!

I actually work at a DMV field office and see this issue almost daily! Here's the inside scoop: bring your driver's license, birth certificate or passport, and TWO pieces of mail with your current address (utility bills, bank statements, etc.) that are dated within the last 90 days. Ask specifically for a "change of mailing address/contact information" - don't mention being locked out of your account as that can sometimes complicate things. The process is free and takes about 15-20 minutes once you're seen. We can update your email right in the system and you'll get a confirmation receipt. Pro tip: Tuesday-Thursday mornings around 9:30am tend to be the least busy. You don't need an appointment for address/contact changes, but having one will definitely save you time. Hope this helps from someone on the inside! 😊

I'm going through this EXACT same nightmare right now and reading all these stories makes me feel less crazy but also more frustrated that this is happening to so many people! EDD has been taking about $165 from my weekly benefits for the past 5 weeks with absolutely zero explanation. No letter, nothing in UI Online, just mysteriously smaller payments that are making it impossible to budget for basic needs. The contradictory information from reps is the worst part - I've been told it's everything from a "computer glitch" to "unreported earnings" from last year (which is false, I have all my documentation) to one rep who claimed there was no deduction at all showing in my account. How can they all be looking at the same system and seeing completely different things?? Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences and solutions here. I'm going to try the overpayment unit number (1-866-401-2849), send that certified letter demanding documentation, and contact my assemblyperson's office. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become full-time EDD detectives just to understand our own benefits, but clearly that's what it takes. For anyone else dealing with this - don't let them wear you down with vague explanations and runarounds. We deserve proper documentation and due process before they can just start taking our money. Keep fighting and document everything!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue and it's been absolutely infuriating! EDD has been deducting about $140 from my weekly benefits for the past month with zero documentation or explanation. Like everyone else here, I never received any overpayment notice, there's nothing in my UI Online account, and every rep I've managed to reach gives me completely different stories. What really gets me is that they can just start taking our money without any due process, but if we make even a small mistake on our certification they threaten fraud charges. The system is completely rigged against us! Reading through all these comments has been both validating (knowing I'm not alone) and helpful. I'm definitely going to try that overpayment unit number at 1-866-401-2849 that @Isaiah Sanders shared, and I love the idea of contacting my assemblyperson's office like @Isabella Oliveira did successfully. The certified letter demanding documentation approach also sounds like a must-do. For anyone else fighting this battle - keep detailed records of every conversation including dates, times, and exactly what each rep tells you. The contradictory information might actually help us prove they don't know what they're doing if this goes to appeal. We shouldn't have to become EDD experts just to protect our own benefits, but here we are. Don't give up - we have rights even if EDD makes it nearly impossible to exercise them!

This thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm currently on week 2 of 6 penalty weeks and was getting really worried about how the whole process works. Connor, congratulations on finally getting your payments - your story gives me so much hope that there really is an end to this! The explanation about "waiting period served" meaning you're done with BOTH penalty weeks AND the standard waiting week is incredibly helpful. I had no idea how EDD processed these things sequentially. It's honestly ridiculous how confusing their messaging system is - "waiting period served" really does sound like you have to wait MORE rather than being done with everything! I've been religiously certifying every two weeks even though I know I won't get paid during penalties, and reading everyone's experiences here confirms that was the right choice. Only 4 more weeks to go for me! This community knowledge is so much better than anything I could find on EDD's official website. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps those of us still going through the process feel less alone in navigating this confusing system.

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! I'm new to this community and currently on week 1 of what I think will be 4 penalty weeks (still waiting for EDD to confirm the exact number). Connor, huge congratulations on finally getting your payments - your persistence really paid off! Reading everyone's explanations about the "waiting period served" message being GOOD news rather than another delay has been such a relief. I was already dreading seeing that message thinking it meant even more waiting, but now I understand it's actually the light at the end of the tunnel. EDD's messaging system is truly awful - how are people supposed to navigate this without communities like this? The tip about keeping a calendar to track penalty weeks is brilliant - I'm definitely going to start doing that. It's so encouraging to see how many people have successfully made it through this process, even though it feels overwhelming when you're just starting. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge here. This thread should honestly be required reading for anyone dealing with EDD penalty weeks!

I just went through this exact situation last week! Unfortunately, if you're still on hold after 8PM, the system will automatically disconnect you - there's no callback feature for after-hours holds. I learned this the hard way after waiting 3+ hours. My suggestion is to hang up now and save your energy for tomorrow. Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM using one of those shortcut methods Tom shared - that's how I finally got through after weeks of trying. Also, have your Social Security number, claim number, and any relevant documents ready before you call so you can move quickly once connected. The EDD system is frustrating, but persistence pays off! You've got this!

I've been in your exact shoes! Unfortunately, EDD will automatically disconnect you at 8PM when their system shuts down - no callback option for after-hours holds. I know it's painful to hang up after hours of waiting, but you're better off calling fresh tomorrow at 8AM sharp. That's when I finally got through after multiple failed attempts. Use one of those shortcut videos Tom posted - they really work! Also, prep all your info tonight (SSN, claim number, documents) so you're ready to go quickly once connected. The waiting game is brutal but don't give up - you'll get through!