Can't certify for EDD benefits after changing phone number - need help with phone certification!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

So glad you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always recommend keeping the Tele-Cert number saved in your phone as a backup. I've had to use it a few times when the website was down for maintenance or when I had internet issues. The phone system might seem old-fashioned but it's actually more reliable than the online portal sometimes. And yeah, Claimyr seems to be a game-changer for actually reaching EDD reps - I've seen so many success stories here lately. Thanks for updating us with the good news!

I'm so glad you were able to get everything sorted out! This is such a perfect example of why this community is so valuable - everyone jumped in with practical solutions and it actually worked. I've bookmarked the Tele-Cert number (1-866-333-4606) for future reference after reading this thread. It's crazy that EDD doesn't make this backup option more widely known, especially given how often people have issues with the online system. Your experience with Claimyr is also really encouraging - I've been hesitant to try third-party services, but 15 minutes vs hours of busy signals seems like a no-brainer. Thanks for taking the time to update us with the successful resolution. Stories like this give hope to others dealing with similar EDD nightmares!

This is such a helpful thread! As someone who's been navigating EDD for the past few months, I had no idea there was a dedicated Tele-Cert line at 1-866-333-4606. I've been so dependent on the online system that I never thought to look for phone alternatives. It's honestly ridiculous that EDD doesn't make these backup options more visible - especially when their website goes down during peak times or when people get locked out like you did. I'm saving that number in my contacts right now just in case. Also really interested in hearing more about people's experiences with Claimyr. I've been hesitant about using third-party services, but if it can actually get you through to a real person in 15 minutes instead of hours of busy signals, that seems worth trying. Thanks for sharing your journey and the successful resolution - gives me hope that these EDD issues can actually be fixed when you know the right steps to take!