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Can't access EDD account - forgot password AND security questions - need to certify urgently

I'm in a total panic right now. I was on unemployment for 3 months last year, then found a job. Now I'm laid off again and need to reopen my claim, but I CAN'T GET INTO MY EDD ACCOUNT! It's been like 8 months since I logged in and I don't remember my password. I tried the password reset but then it asks for security question answers that I ALSO don't remember (why did I make them so complicated??). I need to certify THIS SUNDAY and can't access anything. The EDD website just keeps locking me out after failed attempts. Has anyone dealt with this nightmare before? What are my options to regain access and still certify on time? I'm seriously worried about missing payments when rent is due next week.

Sean Fitzgerald

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oof same thing hapend to me last yr. u gotta call them. good luck getting thru lol

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Ugh that's what I was afraid of. Been calling the main number all morning and can't get past the automated system. How many times did you have to call before reaching someone?

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Zara Khan

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This is a common issue, especially if you haven't logged in for several months. Here's what you need to do: 1. Don't keep trying password/security question attempts as this will further lock your account 2. Call the EDD technical support line at 1-833-978-2511 (not the regular claim line) 3. Explain to the representative that you've forgotten both your password AND security questions 4. They'll verify your identity using other information (SSN, address, employment history) 5. Once verified, they can reset your security questions and help you set up a new password If you need to certify urgently before getting account access, ask them specifically about how to ensure your certification is counted for this week. They might be able to process it manually over the phone. Don't panic - this happens all the time!

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Thank you so much for the detailed steps! I'll try the technical support line instead of the main number. Really appreciate the tip about asking for manual certification. That makes me feel a bit better about not missing this week's payment.

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MoonlightSonata

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The EDD security system is INSANE. I got locked out 3 times and had to go through this whole identity verification nightmare all over again. They make it impossible for regular people to use their system!!!! Even my tax accountant says the EDD website is the worst government system he's ever seen. Good luck - you'll need it.

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Mateo Gonzalez

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This! EDD security is ridiculous! My cousin works in IT and even he thinks their security protocols are overkill. Like we're trying to access nuclear codes or something lol

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Nia Williams

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I've helped several clients with this exact situation. In addition to the phone option, there's also a specific process for account recovery: 1. On the EDD login page, click "Forgot Password" 2. When it asks for security questions, look for the small link at the bottom that says "Cannot access security questions" 3. This will take you to an identity verification process that's more extensive but doesn't require your original security answers 4. You'll need to provide more personal information like your last employer, last certification date, and possibly wage information 5. This alternate path can sometimes take 24-48 hours to process If you urgently need to certify for this week, definitely call. But the online recovery can be a backup option if you can't get through by phone.

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Luca Ricci

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This is slightly incorrect. The "Cannot access security questions" option still requires you to remember at least one security answer OR have access to the email account you originally registered with. If you don't have either, you must call. Source: Had this exact problem in January.

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Aisha Mohammed

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i found a great service that helped me get through to EDD when i was in ur situation!! check out claimyr.com - they get u connected to an actual EDD agent without the endless busy signals and disconnects. they have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km i was SUPER skeptical but it actually worked and i got my password reset issue fixed in one call. just sharing what worked for me cuz i know how stressful this is!!

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Thanks for sharing this! I've been trying all morning with no luck getting through. I'll check out that video and see how it works. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get this sorted before Sunday!

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Mateo Gonzalez

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Have you tried using a different browser? Sometimes Edge works when Chrome doesn't with the EDD site. Worth a shot before you spend hours on the phone!

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I tried Chrome, Firefox, and even pulled out my old laptop to try IE. Same security question roadblock every time. Thanks though!

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Zara Khan

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Quick update for everyone: As of February 2025, EDD has actually improved their account recovery process. If you call the technical support line and explain your situation, they now offer a temporary access code option that bypasses security questions. The temporary code is valid for 72 hours, giving you enough time to certify and then set up new security questions. I've helped several people use this new process and it's much better than the old system. Just be prepared to verify your identity through other means (address, employer information, benefit amounts, etc).

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MoonlightSonata

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That's if you can actually GET THROUGH to someone on the phone!!! I tried for THREE DAYS straight last month and never once got past the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. EDD makes these "improvements" but they're useless if no one can ever reach a human being!!!

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Update: I FINALLY got it resolved! Took two days but I managed to get through to someone who verified my identity and issued a temporary code. They also helped me certify for this week over the phone just to be safe. And for anyone else struggling to get through, that Claimyr service actually did work for getting past the busy signals. Thanks everyone for your help!

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