Can't certify for benefits by phone or online - locked out of UI Online for a month
I'm completely stuck and running out of options to certify for my weekly benefits. I've been trying to certify by phone since my UI Online account got locked after I used a different device to log in. Every time I call the certification number (1-866-333-4606), it tells me I need to speak to a representative, but then transfers me to the regular EDD line where I can NEVER get through! I've called over 50 times in the past month at different times of day. I've missed 4 certification periods now and I'm worried they're going to close my claim entirely. I've tried the password reset option online but never receive the reset email. Has anyone else experienced this? How did you finally get through to certify when you couldn't access your online account?
16 comments
Join the conversation
Giovanni Colombo
I had a similar issue back in January. The telecrrt system wouldn't let me certify without speaking to someone either. It's frustrating that EDD gives us the option to certify by phone but then makes it nearly impossible! I finally managed to get through by calling at exactly 8:00am on a Tuesday and using all the right prompts (1, then wait, then 2, 4). If the online portal is locked though, you definitely need to talk to a rep to unlock it. Has anyone tried the local workforce center? I heard they sometimes have direct lines to EDD.
0 coins
CosmicCommander
•I've tried early morning calls like you suggested but no luck so far. Maybe I should try Tuesday specifically. What exactly are 'the right prompts'? Does it matter which options I select when calling? I'm desperate to try anything at this point. I didn't know about the workforce center option - I'll look into that!
0 coins
Fatima Al-Qasimi
The telecert system (1-866-333-4606) isn't going to help you if your account is locked - it's specifically for certification only when your online access is working but you prefer phone. Your situation requires account recovery, which means you MUST speak to a tier 2 specialist. Regular representatives can't unlock accounts. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the technical support line instead: 1-833-978-2511 2. Select the options for account issues, NOT certification 3. Ask specifically for account unlock and identity verification reset 4. Request a callback if offered instead of waiting on hold You should also check if your email address is correct in their system - if it's wrong or typed incorrectly, you'll never get password reset emails.
0 coins
CosmicCommander
•Thank you! I didn't realize there was a separate technical support line. I've been calling the regular EDD number like an idiot. I'll try 1-833-978-2511 first thing tomorrow morning. Do you know their hours? And should I have my ID verification documents ready when I call?
0 coins
Dylan Cooper
u hav 2 call AT LEAST 30 times!!! edd is a joke, they cut ppl off on purpose so they dont hav 2 pay. i certified by mail when my account got hacked last year. request paper forms, takes longer but at least u get paid
0 coins
Fatima Al-Qasimi
•While paper certification is an option, it's much slower and won't fix the account access issue. The OP still needs to get their online account unlocked to avoid future problems. Also, EDD doesn't intentionally cut people off - they're understaffed and dealing with outdated systems. But I agree that calling multiple times is unfortunately often necessary.
0 coins
Sofia Ramirez
I've been in your exact situation with the account lockout. The phone lines are completely overwhelmed and you could spend weeks trying to get through. After struggling for almost 2 weeks, I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD representative within 20 minutes! It basically keeps dialing and navigating the phone tree for you until it gets through, then calls you when it has a rep on the line. It saved me hours of frustration. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.
0 coins
CosmicCommander
•This sounds like exactly what I need! I'll check out that demo. Did they need your SSN or any sensitive info? And did the EDD rep help you get your account unlocked right away or did you have to do something else afterward?
0 coins
Sofia Ramirez
•They don't need your SSN or any EDD account info - they just need your phone number to call you back when they get a representative. And yes, the EDD rep was able to unlock my account during that call. I had to verify some basic info with them, and they sent a new password reset link that actually worked. I was able to log in right after the call. The whole process took maybe 30 minutes once I got connected.
0 coins
Dmitry Volkov
Before you pay for any service, I'd try one more approach that worked for me: contact your state assembly member's office! They have dedicated EDD liaisons who can often resolve these issues within 24-48 hours. Just Google "California state assembly member [your city]" and you'll find your representative. Email or call their office explaining your situation. They helped me unlock my account last year when I was completely stuck, and it was completely free. Worth trying before spending money on call services.
0 coins
CosmicCommander
•I didn't even think about contacting my assembly member! That's a great suggestion - I'll try both approaches. The assembly member route might take a little longer but it's definitely worth a try. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions. I was feeling so helpless before posting here.
0 coins
StarSeeker
im so tired of EDD BS!!! been dealing w/ this for 8 months...STILL cant get thru half the time. system is BROKEN thats why everyone is having these problems. when i finally got someone they told me i had penalty weeks from 2019 i didnt even know about!!! make sure when u call u ask if u have ANY flags on ur acct...they dont tell u unless u ask specifically!!!
0 coins
Ava Martinez
•Yeah penalty weeks are the worst cause they don't show up clearly in your UI account. My cousin had the same thing happen. Did they make you serve all the penalty weeks? I think there's a limit to how many they can give you at once.
0 coins
StarSeeker
•i had 6 penalty weeks!!! had to serve ALL of them...got $0 for 6 weeks but still had to certify. EDD rep said they can give up to 30 penalty weeks for fraud cases but mine wasnt fraud just unreported income from 3 yrs ago. Ridiculous system.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Qasimi
Just wanted to follow up on this thread - did you manage to get your account unlocked and certification completed? Were you able to get through to a representative? The technical support line I mentioned earlier should be your first option, but the assembly member suggestion is also excellent if you're still having issues.
0 coins
CosmicCommander
•Great news! I used Claimyr this morning and got connected to a Tier 2 specialist within 15 minutes. They unlocked my account, reset my password, and helped me certify for all the weeks I missed! I also contacted my assembly member's office yesterday as a backup, but the call service worked so quickly I didn't need their help. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions - I was able to certify for everything and they said I should receive all my back payments within 3-5 days.
0 coins