Can't access old EDD account - lost credentials and email access after being laid off
I was laid off last week after working at the same marketing firm for about 2.5 years. I originally filed for unemployment back during COVID (around mid-2020) but went back to work in fall 2021. Now I need to reopen my claim but I'm totally stuck! I can't remember my EDD password and to make things worse, I no longer have access to the email account I used back then (it was my work email at my previous job and they must have shut it down). I've tried the password reset option but it wants to send verification to that old email. I also tried creating a new account but the system says my SSN is already linked to an existing account. I'm getting desperate because rent is due in 2 weeks and I need to get this claim reopened ASAP. Is there a specific phone number to call for account recovery issues like this? The main EDD number just keeps disconnecting me after saying they're experiencing high call volume. Any help would be appreciated!
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Savanna Franklin
omg same thing happened to me!! lost my old phone with the authenticator app and couldnt get back in. so annoying!!
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Sergio Neal
•Did you ever figure out how to solve it? I've tried calling like 8 times today already...
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Juan Moreno
You need to call the EDD Technical Support line specifically for account issues: 1-833-978-2511. They're open 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. Make sure to select the option for UI Online account help, not general questions. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account or create a new linked account if necessary. They'll likely ask for your SSN, full name, DOB, and current address to verify your identity. Be prepared to potentially wait in a queue though - technical support can get backed up just like regular EDD lines.
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Sergio Neal
•Thank you so much for this specific number! I didn't realize there was a separate tech support line. I'll try calling them first thing tomorrow morning.
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Amy Fleming
I lost access to my account back in 2023 and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! The tech support line that someone mentioned above is your best option but goodluck actually getting through!!!! I called for TWO WEEKS straight and could never get through. Always "we're experiencing high call volume" and then CLICK - disconnected!!! So infuriating!!!! The system is DELIBERATELY designed to be impossible to navigate. They don't want to pay us our benefits!!!
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Alice Pierce
•I had a similar experience until I found out about Claimyr. It's a service that basically automates the calling process to get you through to an EDD agent. Saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I was skeptical at first but it actually worked and got me connected to the tech support team in about 30 minutes instead of days of trying. The agent was able to help me recover my account after verifying my identity.
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Esteban Tate
why dont u just go to the edd office in person? thats what i did when i forgot my password. bring ur id and ss card and they can help u right there
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Ivanna St. Pierre
•Not all EDD offices handle UI accounts in person anymore. Most locations refer you back to the phone system for account issues. I tried going in person last month and wasted 3 hours only to be told they couldn't help me with UI Online account issues at that location. They gave me the same phone number to call.
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Elin Robinson
I work as a career counselor and help people navigate EDD issues frequently. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the technical support number (1-833-978-2511) during non-peak hours (early morning right when they open or later in the evening before closing). Avoid Mondays and Tuesdays which tend to be busiest. 2. When you do connect with someone, explain that you need to recover access to your UI Online account AND update your contact information. Make sure they understand both issues need to be addressed. 3. If you're unable to get through by phone after several attempts, you can try submitting a secure message through Ask EDD (https://askedd.edd.ca.gov/) - select the category "UI Online" and then "Account Problems". This takes longer but can work if calling fails. 4. Since you're reopening a claim, be prepared to answer questions about your most recent employment when you do get access. Have your last day worked, employer information, and reason for separation ready. Don't worry about the old claim from 2021 - the system will retrieve that information once your identity is verified and you regain access.
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Sergio Neal
•Thank you for the detailed advice! I didn't know about Ask EDD - I'll try the phone number first but it's good to have a backup plan if that doesn't work. I've got all my employment details ready, just need to get into the system first.
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Savanna Franklin
why is evrything with edd so complicated??? its like they want us to give up
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Juan Moreno
Quick update - there's another option you could try. If you remember your EDD Customer Account Number (it would be on any old correspondence from them), you can actually use that instead of your email during the account recovery process. It's a 10-digit number that starts with your area code. Worth checking any old paperwork you might have kept.
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Sergio Neal
•I think I might have some old EDD letters in a folder somewhere! I'll dig through my paperwork tonight. That would definitely be easier if I can find that number. Thanks for the tip!
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Atticus Domingo
Just to share my experience from last month - I had a similar issue but I remembered my security questions. If you set those up originally, they can sometimes be used as another verification method. When I called, the rep was able to verify me using my security questions and helped reset everything. Just another angle to try if you think you might remember those answers.
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Sergio Neal
•That's a good point. I think I did set up security questions but I'm not 100% sure I'd remember the answers exactly as I entered them. Worth a try though!
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Elin Robinson
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to regain access to your account? Which method ended up working for you?
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Sergio Neal
•Yes! Finally got it sorted. I tried calling the tech support number first thing in the morning (literally at 8:00 am) and still got the high call volume message. After trying the Claimyr service someone mentioned, I got through to a representative in about 45 minutes. They verified my identity using my SSN, address, and by asking questions about my previous claim. They were able to update my email address, help me reset my password, and then I was able to reopen my claim immediately. The rep also mentioned that if anyone faces this issue, they should NOT create a new account as it causes more complications in the system. Always try to recover the existing account first. Thanks everyone for your help! My claim is now processing.
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