Can't certify for EDD benefits after changing phone number - need help with phone certification!
I'm in such a mess right now. Changed my phone number last week because my old carrier kept dropping calls, and now I'm completely locked out of my EDD account! When I try to log in, it keeps sending verification codes to my old number which I obviously can't access anymore. I've tried calling the 800 number multiple times hoping to certify by phone instead, but none of the automated options seem to give me a way to certify for my weeks. It just keeps asking me about claim status and payment info. I've already missed certifying for one week, and I'm afraid of what will happen if I miss another. Has anyone successfully certified by phone? Or know how to update contact info when you're completely locked out? My rent is due in 10 days and I'm seriously panicking.
18 comments
Natasha Petrov
I've been in this exact situation before. For phone certification, you need to call the EDD Tele-Cert number at 1-866-333-4606, not the regular customer service line. This is a separate automated system specifically for certifying. You'll need your SSN, PIN (usually the last 4 of your SSN by default unless you changed it), and you'll be prompted to answer the certification questions. As for updating your phone number, you'll need to speak to an actual EDD rep to do that. Unfortunately, getting through to someone is the hard part.
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Javier Morales
•Thank you so much! I didn't even know there was a separate Tele-Cert number. Will try that right away. Any tips on how to actually reach a human at EDD to update my phone number? I've been calling during what I thought were off-peak hours but still no luck.
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Connor O'Brien
when u call the telecert # make sure u have ur claim info ready. they ask all the same ?s as online certification. also the automated system is SUPER sensitive to background noise so call from a quiet place or it hangs up on u (happened to me 3x
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Javier Morales
•Thanks for the warning! I'll definitely make sure to call from somewhere quiet. Was the process pretty straightforward otherwise? Did you get confirmation right away that your certification went through?
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Amina Diallo
I HATE when this happens!!! EDD's security system is such a JOKE! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to get back into your account when you change anything. I was locked out for THREE WEEKS after getting a new phone and missed certifying twice. My payments got all messed up and I had to do retroactive certifications. The whole system is designed to make us fail I swear.
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GamerGirl99
•Same happened to my cousin last month. EDD really should have a better account recovery system that doesn't rely only on phone numbers. Most other websites let you use email as backup.
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Hiroshi Nakamura
To add to what others have said, here's the complete process for certifying by phone: 1. Call the Tele-Cert number (1-866-333-4606) 2. Select your language preference 3. Enter your Social Security Number 4. Enter your PIN (default is last 4 digits of SSN unless changed) 5. The system will tell you which weeks are available to certify 6. Answer all questions carefully - yes/no questions are 1 for yes, 2 for no 7. You'll get a confirmation number at the end - write it down! For updating your phone number, you need to speak with an EDD representative. I'd recommend trying Claimyr to connect with an EDD agent quickly instead of dealing with busy signals and disconnections. I used it last month when I had a similar account access issue and got through to someone in about 20 minutes. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once you reach a representative, they can reset your access and update your contact information in the system.
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Javier Morales
•Thank you for the detailed steps! I'll follow this exactly. I've never heard of Claimyr before but at this point I'm willing to try anything to get this fixed before I miss another certification period. Did they help you get your phone number updated right away when you called?
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Hiroshi Nakamura
Yes, once I got through to an EDD representative, they were able to update my phone number immediately. They sent a verification code to my new number while I was on the call with them to confirm it was working. Then they helped me regain access to my UI Online account during the same call. Just make sure you have identification ready (Social Security Number, date of birth, address, etc.) because they'll need to verify your identity before making any changes to your account.
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Isabella Costa
I actually think your focusing on the wrong problem. The bigger issue is that u might have payment delays even after certifying. When I missed certification once, EDD put me in pending for 3 weeks even after I certified late. Something about the system flagging it for review when theres a break in ur certification pattern. U should ask about that too when u finally reach someone.
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Malik Jenkins
•thisnis good piont.... i missed a week once and my acount got totaly scewed up. took forever to fix even tho i did my certification by fone!!!!
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Javier Morales
•Oh no, I didn't even think about that! I really can't afford any payment delays right now. I'll definitely ask about this when I get through to someone. Thanks for the heads up.
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GamerGirl99
quick question - did you try the "forgot password" option? sometimes that lets you reset everything through email instead of phone, might be worth a try before going through all the phone stuff
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Javier Morales
•I did try that, but EDD still tried to send a verification code to my old phone number. There wasn't an option to use email instead, which seems like a really poor design choice. I'm going to try the Tele-Cert number first to at least get my certification done, then work on fixing the account access issue.
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Natasha Petrov
Update us on how the Tele-Cert works out for you! And yes, definitely get that phone number updated ASAP. For anyone else reading this with a similar issue - always update your contact information BEFORE losing access to old numbers/emails. It's much easier to do it preventatively than to fix it after you're locked out.
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Javier Morales
Just wanted to update everyone - the Tele-Cert worked! I was able to certify for my weeks using the 1-866-333-4606 number. It was actually pretty straightforward once I knew which number to call. I also used Claimyr to connect with an EDD rep this morning and got through in about 15 minutes. The representative was able to update my phone number and reset my account access on the spot. Such a relief! Thanks to everyone for all the help. This community is amazing!
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Hiroshi Nakamura
•Great to hear! Glad it worked out for you. It's always a relief when these EDD issues get resolved quickly.
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Amina Diallo
•Wow you got lucky! When I had phone issues it took me FOREVER to get it fixed. Glad the system actually worked for once!
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