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Anastasia Kuznetsov

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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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Dmitry Petrov

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Glad you got it sorted out! This thread is going to be super helpful for others dealing with the same issue. The temporary access code option sounds like a real game-changer - wish EDD had publicized that better. Also thanks for confirming the Claimyr service works, I've been curious about that but wasn't sure if it was legit. Going to bookmark this whole thread in case I ever run into login issues myself!

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Luca Greco

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Yes! This thread is definitely a goldmine for anyone facing EDD login nightmares. I'm bookmarking it too. The fact that there's now a temporary access code option is huge - wish I had known about that during my own lockout saga a few months ago. Really appreciate how this community comes together to share actual solutions instead of just complaining. @Anastasia Kuznetsov glad you got everything sorted in time for your certification!

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This is such a common nightmare with EDD! I went through something similar last year when I got laid off again after being back at work for 6 months. The combination of forgotten password AND security questions is the worst case scenario. Here's what worked for me: I called the technical support line (1-833-978-2511) at exactly 8:00 AM when they opened. It still took about 45 minutes to get through, but way better than the main claims line. When I explained I couldn't remember either my password or security questions, they were actually pretty understanding - apparently it's super common for people who haven't logged in for months. They had me verify my identity with my SSN, previous employer info, and the last benefit amount I received. Once that checked out, they gave me a temporary access code that worked for 3 days. That was enough time to get in, certify, and set up new security questions that I actually wrote down this time! Pro tip: Have all your employment history and benefit info ready before you call. It speeds up the identity verification process a lot. Good luck - you'll get through this!

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This is really helpful advice! The 8 AM tip is genius - I never thought about calling right when they open to avoid the worst of the call volume. Writing down security questions seems so obvious now but I definitely made the same mistake of creating "clever" answers I couldn't remember months later. Thanks for sharing your experience with the whole process, it's reassuring to know the identity verification isn't as scary as it sounds when you're prepared with the right info!

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Just want to echo what others have said about the 8 AM calling strategy - it really does work! I had a similar lockout situation in December and managed to get through on my second try calling right at opening time. One thing I'd add is to have a pen and paper ready when you call. The rep I spoke with gave me my temporary access code verbally and I almost missed writing down part of it because I was so relieved to finally talk to a human! They also walked me through exactly which documents I'd need to have ready for future reference. Also, for anyone reading this thread in the future - they told me the temporary codes are only issued for genuine lockout situations where you've forgotten both password AND security questions. If you just forgot your password but remember security questions, you'll need to use the regular reset process. Just wanted to clarify that since there seemed to be some confusion in other threads I've seen. Really glad this community exists to help each other navigate EDD's maze of systems!

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Romeo Barrett

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This is exactly the kind of detailed, practical advice that makes this community so valuable! The pen and paper tip is spot-on - I can totally see myself being so excited to finally reach someone that I'd fumble writing down the access code. And thanks for clarifying about the temporary codes only being for the double-lockout situation (password AND security questions) - that's an important distinction that could save people time knowing which process to follow. It's amazing how much we all learn from each other's EDD horror stories and solutions!

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NeonNova

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This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - got laid off two weeks ago and can't access my EDD account from when I was unemployed 10 months ago. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been a lifesaver. The 8 AM calling strategy sounds promising, and I'm definitely going to try that technical support line (1-833-978-2511) instead of the main number. I've been banging my head against the wall trying the regular claims line for days. Quick question for those who've been through this - when they do the identity verification over the phone, do they ask for specific dates (like exact start/end dates of previous jobs) or just general timeframes? I have my employment history but not sure how precise I need to be with dates. Want to make sure I'm prepared before I call! Thanks again everyone for sharing your experiences. This community is amazing for navigating the EDD nightmare!

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Asher Levin

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Hey! From what I remember when I went through this process, they usually ask for general timeframes rather than exact dates. Like "worked at XYZ Company from approximately March 2023 to January 2024" rather than needing the precise start/end dates. They're more focused on verifying you're actually you rather than testing your memory of specific dates. That said, if you have your old paystubs or tax documents handy, it doesn't hurt to have the exact dates available just in case. I'd also recommend having your previous benefit amounts ready if you can find them - that seemed to be one of the key pieces of info they used for verification. The technical support line really is way better than the main claims number. Good luck with the 8 AM call strategy - hope you get through quickly!

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Sydney Torres

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I went through this exact nightmare about 6 months ago - the panic is SO real when you can't access your account and certification deadline is looming! Here's what saved me: Don't waste more time on the website if you've already been locked out multiple times. The EDD security system is designed to lock you out completely after too many failed attempts, so trying more password combinations will just make things worse. Call 1-833-978-2511 (technical support) at exactly 8:00 AM when they open. I know everyone says this, but it really works - I got through on my third try calling right at opening time versus spending entire days trying the main number. Have this info ready before you call: - Your SSN - Last employer name and approximate dates - Previous benefit weekly amount (if you remember) - Address when you first filed They'll verify your identity using this info and can issue a 72-hour temporary access code that bypasses all the security questions. This gives you enough time to certify AND reset your security questions properly. Pro tip: When you get the temp code, WRITE IT DOWN immediately and test it right away while still on the phone to make sure it works. Don't hang up until you're actually logged in! You've got this - it's stressful but totally solvable! The Sunday deadline isn't as scary as it seems once you get that temp code.

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This is such a comprehensive guide! The emphasis on writing down and testing the temp code while still on the phone is brilliant - I can totally see how easy it would be to hang up in relief and then realize you wrote it down wrong. The preparation checklist is also super helpful. I'm actually saving this whole thread as a reference in case I ever run into EDD login issues myself. It's amazing how this community has basically created the unofficial EDD troubleshooting manual that the actual EDD website should have! Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences and solutions.

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Jake Sinclair

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This thread has become an incredible resource! I'm bookmarking it for future reference since EDD account lockouts seem to be such a common issue. The step-by-step guidance and real experiences shared here are way more helpful than anything on the official EDD website. For anyone finding this thread later - the key takeaways seem to be: 1. Call the technical support line (1-833-978-2511) at exactly 8 AM 2. Have your identity verification info ready (SSN, employer history, benefit amounts) 3. Ask for the 72-hour temporary access code if you've forgotten both password AND security questions 4. Write down and test the temp code while still on the call 5. Use the temporary access to certify immediately and reset your security questions It's frustrating that we have to crowdsource solutions like this, but I'm grateful this community exists to help each other navigate the EDD maze. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - you're probably saving a lot of people from unnecessary stress and panic!

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Jamal Brown

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Absolutely agree! This thread should honestly be pinned as a reference guide. I've been lurking in this community for months and this is hands down the most comprehensive breakdown of the EDD account lockout process I've seen. The fact that we've had to reverse-engineer their own system through trial and error is pretty ridiculous, but at least now there's a clear roadmap for others facing this nightmare. Special shoutout to everyone who took the time to share the specific phone numbers, exact verification info needed, and those crucial details like testing the temp code before hanging up. This kind of community knowledge-sharing is invaluable when dealing with government systems that seem designed to frustrate people!

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This entire thread is a masterclass in community problem-solving! As someone who works in customer service, I'm honestly amazed at how you all have collectively figured out workarounds for what should be basic account recovery. The EDD system seems intentionally designed to be frustrating. One small addition to all the great advice here: if you're calling multiple times and getting different representatives, ask each one to add notes to your account about your lockout situation. This way if you get disconnected or need to call back, the next person can see your case history instead of starting from zero each time. Some reps are better about this than others, but it's worth requesting. Also, for future prevention - consider using a password manager! I know it's closing the barn door after the horses have escaped, but it prevents this whole nightmare from happening again. Most of them can generate and store security question answers too. Really impressed by how supportive everyone has been in helping @Anastasia Kuznetsov through this crisis. This is exactly why online communities matter - real people sharing real solutions that actually work!

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Amara Adebayo

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This is such great advice about asking reps to add notes to your account! I never would have thought of that but it makes total sense - nobody wants to explain their whole situation from scratch if they get disconnected. The password manager suggestion is also spot-on. I'm definitely guilty of making "memorable" security questions that I promptly forgot 6 months later. What really strikes me about this whole thread is how we've basically created a better help system than EDD has on their own website. Like, their official FAQ probably just says "call us" but this thread has the actual phone numbers that work, optimal calling times, exactly what info to have ready, and even the psychological prep for dealing with the stress. It's pretty incredible what happens when people actually share useful, detailed experiences instead of just venting frustrations!

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StarStrider

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This thread has been incredibly eye-opening as someone who's never dealt with EDD account lockouts before (thankfully). Reading through everyone's experiences, I'm genuinely shocked at how unnecessarily complicated their security system is. Like, I get that they need to protect sensitive information, but locking people out of their own benefits when they're already stressed about unemployment seems counterproductive. The collective wisdom here is amazing though - you've all basically created the unofficial EDD account recovery manual that should exist on their website but doesn't. I'm definitely saving this whole thread and the key phone number (1-833-978-2511) just in case I ever need it. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone ever tried reaching out to their state representatives about these systemic issues with EDD's website and phone system? It seems like the kind of thing that affects enough people that it might be worth escalating beyond individual troubleshooting. Not that the immediate solutions you've all shared aren't incredibly valuable, but the root problem of their terrible system design seems worth addressing too. Anyway, huge props to everyone who took the time to share detailed, actionable advice. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes a real difference when people are dealing with bureaucratic nightmares!

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Freya Nielsen

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You raise a really important point about escalating these systemic issues! I actually did contact my state assemblymember's office about EDD problems last year when I was going through my own nightmare with them. They have caseworkers who specifically handle EDD issues and can sometimes expedite things or get you to the right department faster. It won't fix the broken system overnight, but they do keep track of how many constituents are struggling with the same issues. The frustrating thing is that EDD clearly knows these are problems - they wouldn't have created that temporary access code workaround if account lockouts weren't happening constantly. But instead of fixing the root cause (overly complex security questions, terrible phone system capacity, confusing website design), they just keep adding band-aid solutions that only work if you know the secret phone numbers and calling strategies. This thread really should be required reading for anyone dealing with EDD. The fact that we've had to collectively reverse-engineer their own processes through trial and error says everything about how poorly designed their systems are. At least now there's a clear roadmap for others facing this same crisis!

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