Can't access my UI Online - EDD account locked and no one answers the phone!
I've been completely locked out of my UI Online account for almost 3 weeks now and I'm getting desperate! Every time I try to log in, it says my account is locked due to too many failed login attempts, but I KNOW I was using the right password. I've tried everything - password reset (says can't process my request), account recovery (keeps sending me back to login page), even tried on different browsers and devices. I've called the regular EDD number (800-300-5616) at least 30 times but it just says they're experiencing high call volume and hangs up on me. I've also tried the technical support number (833-978-2511) but same thing happens. I'm supposed to certify THIS SUNDAY and I can't even get into my account! Who can I actually call that will pick up the phone and help me unlock my account? Is there a special number for account lockouts? Any tricks to getting through to a real person? I'm seriously stressing out here.
37 comments


Debra Bai
mabe try calling rite when they open at 8am????? thats what i did last month
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KaiEsmeralda
•I tried that already, called at exactly 8:00:01 AM two days in a row and still got the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. It's like they don't even turn the phones on.
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Gabriel Freeman
There's a direct line for UI Online technical issues that can help with account lockouts: 1-855-327-7057. When you call, press # immediately when the recording starts, then press 0 when prompted for your SSN. This bypasses some of the automated system and gets you to a tech support queue faster. If that doesn't work, try the 833-978-2511 number but press 1, then 2, then 4 for the account services department. I had the same issue last month and finally got through after trying this specific path. Don't worry too much about the certification deadline - if you explain you were locked out, they can usually allow retroactive certification once your account access is restored.
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KaiEsmeralda
•Thank you so much for these specific numbers and tips! I'll try the 855 number right now and report back. Really appreciate the detailed help!
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Debra Bai
•i tried that 855 numbe last week and it just hung up on me 2 :/
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Laura Lopez
Sorry to hear about your account issues - that's incredibly frustrating! I went through something similar last year after I changed my phone number and couldn't receive the two-factor authentication codes. I ended up using Claimyr to connect with an EDD rep who unlocked my account in about 5 minutes. Saved me days of constant redialing. They have a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls you when an agent is available. Check out their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website at claimyr.com. Just be ready with your ID info when they connect you, as the rep will need to verify your identity before they can unlock the account.
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KaiEsmeralda
•I just looked at their site. It's not free, but honestly at this point it might be worth it just to avoid missing another certification period. Has anyone else used this service successfully?
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Victoria Brown
•I used Claimyr when my account was showing disqualification for no reason. Got through to EDD in about 35 minutes instead of calling for days. They just call you when they have a rep on the line. For account unlock issues they can definitely help since you need to talk to a tier 2 specialist.
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Samuel Robinson
When dealing with EDD account lockouts, there are actually several specific steps you should follow in this order: 1. First try the ID.me verification reset option on the EDD homepage. This sometimes automatically unlocks accounts. 2. If that fails, call the Technical Support line at 833-978-2511 and use option path 1-2-4. This route specifically reaches account services technicians who handle lockouts. 3. Try the UI Online support line at 855-327-7057 (as mentioned above). 4. As a last resort, you can send a secure message through UI Online Mobile if you can access that, or visit an EDD office in person. For account lockouts specifically, you need a Tier 2 specialist who has the system access to unlock your account. Regular claim representatives often can't help with this issue, which is why getting to the right department is crucial. Don't worry about missing your certification - once your account is unlocked, explain the situation and request retroactive certification. They can adjust the dates in the system.
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KaiEsmeralda
•Thank you for these detailed steps! I can't use ID.me reset since I can't even get to that screen - it blocks me at login. And I can't send a secure message since I can't access my account at all. I've been trying the phone options you listed for the past hour and still no luck getting through to anyone. Might have to try an in-person office if I can't get this fixed by tomorrow.
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Camila Castillo
THE EDD PHONE SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through before I finally got someone. The whole system is designed to prevent you from reaching help! And then when you finally do get someone they transfer you and you get disconnected!!!!! I swear they do this on purpose to reduce the number of claims they have to process. CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE from a government agency that's supposed to HELP people!!!!
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KaiEsmeralda
•It really does feel that way sometimes! Did you eventually get your issue resolved? What finally worked for you?
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Camila Castillo
•I ended up having to drive 45 minutes to the nearest physical EDD office and wait in line for 2.5 hours. BUT they did finally fix my account that same day. If you can't get through on phone it might be worth checking if there's an office near you.
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KaiEsmeralda
UPDATE: Finally got through!!! I used the Claimyr service that was recommended, and they connected me with an EDD specialist within about 45 minutes. The EDD person was able to unlock my account and reset my password after verifying my identity. She also made sure my certification period was extended so I won't be penalized for the delay. For anyone else dealing with this same issue, I'd recommend: 1. Try the phone tricks people suggested here first (specific extensions and timing) 2. If those don't work after multiple attempts, Claimyr actually did work for me 3. As a last resort, visit an EDD office in person Thanks everyone for your help! What a relief to finally have this fixed.
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Gabriel Freeman
•Great news! Glad you got it resolved. Did they explain what caused the lockout in the first place? I'm curious if there's something specific that triggered it.
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Ravi Malhotra
•So happy this worked out for you! This thread is going to be super helpful for others dealing with the same nightmare. The system lockout issue seems to be happening to more and more people lately - it's good to know there are actual solutions that work.
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Malik Robinson
This is such a common issue lately! I'm dealing with something similar where my account got locked after what I think was a security update. One thing that helped me was clearing all my browser cookies and cache completely before trying to log in again - sometimes the system gets confused with old session data. Also, if you have access to the EDD mobile app, try logging in through that instead of the website. Sometimes the mobile app can bypass certain lockout issues that affect the web portal. Really glad you got yours resolved though! It's encouraging to know there are actually working solutions out there.
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NebulaNinja
•Thanks for the mobile app tip! I actually didn't even think to try that during my ordeal. That's a really good point about the browser cache too - I wonder if that's what initially caused my lockout since I had been having some weird session timeout issues before it got completely locked. Definitely going to remember these suggestions in case it happens again (hopefully it won't!).
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Diego Ramirez
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been locked out for over a week and it's so frustrating. Reading through all these responses gives me hope though. I'm going to try the specific phone number sequences that Gabriel Freeman mentioned first, and if that doesn't work I might have to consider the Claimyr service too. Has anyone noticed if there's a particular time of day that works better for getting through? I've been calling randomly throughout the day but maybe there's a pattern to when they're less busy. Also wondering if the system lockouts are happening more frequently lately - seems like a lot of people are dealing with this issue recently. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions! This community is a lifesaver when dealing with EDD problems.
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Carmen Reyes
•I've had similar experiences with timing! From what I've noticed, Tuesday through Thursday seem to work better than Mondays or Fridays. Also try calling right after lunch around 1-2 PM - that's when I finally got through a few months ago when I had payment issues. The system definitely seems overloaded lately, probably because more people are filing claims. Good luck with those phone numbers Gabriel shared - the specific button sequences really do make a difference in getting to the right department!
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Diego Rojas
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - account locked for 10 days and counting! The most frustrating part is that I know my login credentials are correct, but the system keeps saying "too many failed attempts" even though I only tried logging in twice before it locked me out. One thing I discovered that might help others: if you have any old EDD paperwork or letters, make sure you have your exact account information ready when you do get through to someone. The rep I finally spoke to (after using one of the phone tricks mentioned here) needed my Social Security number, the exact email address on file, AND the last four digits of a bank account I had used for direct deposit like 6 months ago. Having all that info ready made the unlock process much faster. Also wanted to add that the ID.me reset option Samuel mentioned is worth trying even if it seems like it won't work. I thought I couldn't access it either, but there's actually a "Can't access your account?" link at the very bottom of the EDD login page that bypasses the main login screen. It didn't work for me ultimately, but it's worth a shot before going through the phone maze. Really hoping they fix these lockout issues soon - it seems like way too many people are dealing with this lately!
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Vince Eh
•That's really helpful about having all the account info ready! I wish I had known about needing the old bank account digits - that would have saved me some time when I finally got through. The ID.me reset link tip is great too, I completely missed that option at the bottom of the page. It's crazy how many people are getting locked out lately - makes me wonder if there's some kind of system glitch on EDD's end that's causing accounts to lock too easily. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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StarSeeker
I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! What finally worked for me was calling the 833-978-2511 number at exactly 8:02 AM (not 8:00 - seems like everyone calls right at 8:00) and using the sequence 1-2-4 that Gabriel mentioned. Took about 6 tries over different days but I finally got through to someone who could actually help. One thing that might speed up the process - when you do get through, immediately ask to speak with a "Tier 2 technical specialist" for account lockouts. The first person who answers usually can't unlock accounts and will try to transfer you (which often leads to disconnection). If you specifically request Tier 2 from the start, they'll put you in the right queue. Also keep trying the mobile app like Malik suggested - sometimes it works even when the website doesn't. And definitely have your SSN, the email on your account, and any old bank account info ready like Diego mentioned. The unlock process is actually pretty quick once you get the right person on the phone. Hang in there! The system is broken but there are ways to get through it.
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QuantumQueen
•This is incredibly helpful! The 8:02 AM timing tip is brilliant - makes total sense that everyone would be calling right at 8:00. And asking specifically for "Tier 2 technical specialist" right away is genius - I bet that saves so much time and prevents those frustrating transfers that go nowhere. I'm actually dealing with a lockout issue myself right now (day 4) and I'm definitely going to try your approach tomorrow morning. Thanks for sharing such detailed and practical advice!
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Yuki Kobayashi
This thread has been so helpful! I'm currently on day 8 of being locked out and was starting to panic about my upcoming certification. Reading through everyone's solutions gives me hope that this is actually solvable. I tried the mobile app suggestion from Malik and it's showing a different error message than the website - instead of "account locked" it says "verification required" which might be a good sign? Going to try the 8:02 AM calling strategy with the Tier 2 specialist request that StarSeeker mentioned. One question for those who got through - did the EDD rep explain what's causing all these lockouts lately? It seems like way more people are experiencing this issue in the past few months. Makes me wonder if there was a system update or security change that's causing legitimate users to get flagged incorrectly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and specific tips - this community support means everything when you're dealing with EDD's broken system!
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Aisha Rahman
•That "verification required" message on the mobile app definitely sounds more promising than the standard lockout error! That might mean your account isn't completely locked but just needs some kind of verification step. When you call tomorrow morning, make sure to mention that specific difference to the Tier 2 specialist - it could help them diagnose the issue faster. And you're absolutely right about there being way more lockout issues lately. When I got through last week, the rep mentioned they've been seeing a lot more account security triggers since their last system update in February. Apparently it's being "overly cautious" and flagging normal login patterns as suspicious. Really hoping they fix this soon because it's affecting way too many legitimate users. Good luck with your call tomorrow - the 8:02 AM strategy really does seem to work better!
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Anastasia Fedorov
•That's really interesting about the system update in February causing more security triggers! It explains why so many people are suddenly dealing with these lockout issues. The "verification required" message on your mobile app definitely sounds different from a standard lockout - when I had that same message a few weeks ago, it turned out my account just needed a security verification step rather than being completely locked. Make sure to mention that exact wording to the Tier 2 specialist when you call. Also, try logging into the mobile app first thing in the morning before calling - sometimes the verification process works better during off-peak hours. Really hoping you get through tomorrow with the 8:02 AM strategy!
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Lucas Lindsey
I just wanted to share another approach that worked for me after being locked out for 12 days - if all the phone strategies fail, you can also try contacting your local Assembly member's office! I know it sounds weird, but they actually have a constituent services team that can help with EDD issues. I called my Assembly member's office, explained the situation, and they have a direct line to EDD that bypasses the regular phone system. Within 2 business days, someone from EDD called me directly and unlocked my account. They said they prioritize cases that come through elected officials' offices. You can find your Assembly member by zip code on the CA Assembly website. It's definitely worth trying if the phone numbers and Claimyr don't work out. Sometimes you have to get creative with these EDD problems! Also wanted to echo what others said about having all your info ready - SSN, email on file, old bank account info, and if possible, your last few employers' names and dates. The more verification info you can provide, the faster they can help you.
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Natasha Orlova
•That's such a brilliant idea! I never would have thought to contact my Assembly member's office for EDD issues. It makes perfect sense though - they probably have established channels for helping constituents with state agency problems. I'm definitely going to keep this in mind as a backup option if my current lockout situation doesn't get resolved through the phone strategies. It's really encouraging to know there are multiple paths to get help, even when the regular EDD system seems completely broken. Thanks for sharing this creative solution - I bet a lot of people don't know this is even an option!
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Atticus Domingo
Just want to add my experience to this incredibly helpful thread! I was locked out for 9 days and tried almost every suggestion mentioned here. What finally worked was a combination of approaches: 1. Used the 8:02 AM timing strategy with the 833-978-2511 number and the 1-2-4 extension sequence 2. When I got through, immediately asked for "Tier 2 technical specialist for account lockouts" 3. Had all my verification info ready (SSN, email, old bank account digits, previous employers) The whole unlock process took about 10 minutes once I reached the right person. The rep also mentioned they're working on fixing the February system update that's causing all these false lockouts. For anyone still struggling: don't give up! This thread proves there are multiple solutions that actually work. The Assembly member contact strategy that Lucas shared is genius too - definitely keeping that as a backup plan. Thanks to everyone who contributed solutions here. This community support made all the difference when dealing with EDD's broken system!
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Nia Harris
•This is exactly the kind of step-by-step success story that gives me hope! I'm currently on day 5 of my lockout and have been feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the different strategies people have mentioned. Having them laid out in order like this - the specific timing, the exact phone sequence, asking for Tier 2 right away, and having all the verification ready - makes it feel much more manageable. It's also really reassuring to hear that the rep acknowledged the February system update issue, so at least they know what's causing all these problems. Going to try your exact approach tomorrow morning. Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed instructions after getting your own issue resolved!
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Manny Lark
This thread has been a lifesaver! I'm currently dealing with my own account lockout (day 3) and was starting to panic about my certification deadline next week. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences and solutions has given me so much hope and a clear action plan. I'm going to try the 8:02 AM strategy with the 833-978-2511 number using the 1-2-4 sequence, and I'll make sure to ask specifically for a "Tier 2 technical specialist for account lockouts" right from the start. I've already gathered all my verification info based on everyone's recommendations - SSN, email on file, old bank account digits, and previous employer details. It's really frustrating that so many people are dealing with this same issue since the February system update, but it's amazing how this community has come together to share working solutions. If the phone strategy doesn't work, I now have backup plans like the Assembly member contact approach and the Claimyr service. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and specific tips - KaiEsmeralda, Gabriel Freeman, StarSeeker, Lucas, Atticus, and everyone else. This is exactly the kind of practical help people need when dealing with EDD's broken system!
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Sean O'Donnell
•You've got this! Having all that verification info ready beforehand is going to make such a difference when you do get through. One small tip to add - when you call tomorrow at 8:02 AM, have a pen and paper ready to jot down the rep's name and any reference numbers they give you, just in case you get disconnected and need to call back. Also, stay calm and patient with the rep since they deal with frustrated people all day - being polite can sometimes get you better help. The fact that you have multiple backup strategies (Assembly member, Claimyr) means you're not putting all your eggs in one basket, which is smart. Really hoping the phone strategy works for you on the first try! Keep us posted on how it goes.
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Sean Fitzgerald
This entire thread is absolutely golden! I've been dealing with my own EDD account lockout for 6 days now and was feeling completely hopeless until I found this discussion. The level of detail everyone has shared here - from the specific phone sequences to the timing strategies to the backup options - is incredible. I'm particularly intrigued by the Assembly member contact approach that Lucas mentioned. I had no idea that was even possible! It's brilliant how this community has essentially reverse-engineered all the ways to actually get help from EDD when their regular system fails. Planning to try the 8:02 AM phone strategy tomorrow using all the tips from StarSeeker and Atticus. I've got my verification info ready (thanks Diego Rojas for the heads up about needing old bank account digits - would never have thought of that!). If that doesn't work, I now have a whole arsenal of backup plans. What really strikes me is how this February system update seems to have created this wave of false lockouts affecting so many legitimate users. At least now I know it's not just me and there are actual working solutions. This thread should be pinned somewhere for future reference - it's like the ultimate EDD lockout survival guide! Will definitely report back with my results. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and kept this conversation going!
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Amara Adebayo
•You're absolutely right about this thread being like the ultimate survival guide! I'm dealing with day 2 of my own lockout and was starting to panic, but seeing all these detailed success stories and backup strategies has completely changed my perspective. The fact that so many people have gotten through using these specific methods gives me real confidence that this is solvable. I love how everyone has been so generous with sharing exact details - the timing, phone sequences, what to say, what info to have ready. It's like having a step-by-step manual written by people who've actually been through this nightmare. And you're so right about the Assembly member option being a complete game-changer that most people probably don't know about. The February system update explanation also makes so much sense - at least we know this isn't our fault and EDD is aware of the issue. Planning to start with the phone strategy tomorrow morning too, but it's reassuring to know there are multiple paths to getting help if that doesn't work. Really hoping your call goes smoothly! This community support is exactly what people need when dealing with these impossible government systems.
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StarStrider
I'm so grateful this thread exists! I've been locked out for 4 days and was completely lost until I found all these detailed solutions. The combination of specific timing (8:02 AM), exact phone sequences (833-978-2511 then 1-2-4), and asking immediately for "Tier 2 technical specialist" seems like the winning formula based on everyone's success stories. What really helped me prepare was reading about having ALL the verification info ready - SSN, email on file, old bank account digits, and previous employer details. I never would have thought to dig up those old bank account numbers without Diego Rojas's tip! The Assembly member contact option that Lucas shared is absolutely brilliant - I had no idea that was even possible. It's amazing how this community has figured out every possible workaround for EDD's broken system. Going to try the phone strategy first thing tomorrow morning, but knowing I have multiple backup plans (Claimyr, Assembly member contact, in-person office visit) makes this feel so much more manageable. This thread is seriously like having a complete roadmap through the EDD nightmare! Will definitely update with my results. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share such detailed, practical advice - you're all lifesavers! 🙏
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Malia Ponder
•I'm in the exact same situation right now - day 6 of being locked out and getting more anxious about my certification deadline approaching! This thread has been such a lifeline. I've been taking notes on everyone's strategies and I'm amazed at how organized and detailed all the advice is here. The 8:02 AM timing tip is something I never would have thought of - makes perfect sense that calling slightly after the hour when everyone else is calling at 8:00 sharp would work better. And having that complete verification checklist ready (SSN, email, old bank info, employers) is going to save so much time when I finally get through. I'm definitely going to try the phone approach first tomorrow morning, but it's incredibly reassuring to know about the Assembly member option as a backup. That's such creative problem-solving! Really hoping your call goes smoothly tomorrow. This community has turned what felt like an impossible situation into something that actually has clear solutions. Fingers crossed we both get our accounts unlocked soon! 🤞
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