Can't reset EDD password - need last payment amount from 3 years ago
So frustrated right now! I'm trying to log into my EDD account to check something for my taxes, but I forgot my password. When I hit the 'Forgot Password' option, it's asking me to verify my identity with the exact amount of my last benefit payment. Problem is, my claim ended about 3-4 years ago and I have NO IDEA what that amount was! I don't have any old payment stubs or emails saved. It feels like a catch-22 - I need to get into my account to see my payment history, but I need my payment history to get into my account. Has anyone dealt with this? Any workarounds that don't involve waiting on hold with EDD for 5 hours?
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NebulaNomad
check ur bank statements if u still have access to the same account from back then. EDD payments have a specific code on them in ur bank history
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Natasha Ivanova
•I changed banks since then... ugh. Should have thought of that. Thanks anyway!
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Javier Garcia
You have a few options here: 1. If you filed taxes for the year you received benefits, check your tax returns. Your 1099-G would show the total benefits paid, though not the individual payment amount. 2. You can request your EDD payment history by submitting a written request. Include your full name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Mail it to: Employment Development Department, Attention: Disclosure of Records, MIC 53, PO Box 826880, Sacramento, CA 94280. 3. If you need this information urgently, calling the EDD is still your fastest option. Try early morning right when they open (8:00 AM) on Wednesdays or Thursdays when call volume tends to be slightly lower.
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Natasha Ivanova
•Thank you for these options! The mail request might take too long but at least it's something. I'll try calling tomorrow morning right at 8am.
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Emma Taylor
omg i had the EXACT same problem last month!!! its ridiculous that they expect us to remember a payment from years ago. i spent 2 weeks trying to get through on the phone. kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message over and over 😤
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Natasha Ivanova
•Did you eventually get through? Any tips on which number worked best?
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Emma Taylor
•finally got thru after like 30 tries. they reset it for me over the phone once i verified other info. good luck!!!
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Malik Robinson
I went through this same frustrating situation last year. After multiple failed attempts to reach EDD, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a service that navigates the phone tree and holds your place in line, then calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial frustration. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through to an agent, they were able to verify my identity using other information (SSN, address history, employment history) and reset my account access without needing the exact payment amount.
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Isabella Silva
•Does this actually work? EDD's phone system is a nightmare and I'll try ANYTHING at this point.
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Ravi Choudhury
This payment verification thing is SO STUPID! If someone's trying to hack your account, they could probably find an old bank statement easier than you can remember a random amount from years ago! EDD's whole system is designed to make everything 10x harder than it needs to be. When I had a similar issue, I just kept calling until I reached someone who could help me without needing the exact payment amount. Took FOREVER but eventually worked.
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Natasha Ivanova
•You're so right. The security measure makes no sense after so many years have passed! I'm glad you eventually got it resolved.
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CosmosCaptain
Have you checked your email? Sometimes EDD sends payment confirmations to whatever email you had registered. Worth searching your inbox for 'EDD' or 'payment' from that time period.
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Natasha Ivanova
•That's a good idea! Unfortunately I was using a different email back then that I no longer have access to... but this might help someone else with the same problem.
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Javier Garcia
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get this resolved? For others who might have this same issue in the future, another option is to visit an in-person EDD office with your ID. They can verify your identity in person and help reset your online access without needing the payment information.
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Natasha Ivanova
•Thanks for checking back! I finally got through to EDD yesterday morning after about 45 minutes on hold. The rep was able to verify my identity using my SSN, driver's license number, and address history. She reset my access and I was able to create a new password without needing the payment amount! For anyone else with this issue - just be persistent with calling, and have multiple forms of ID ready when you do get through.
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Zainab Yusuf
Glad you got it resolved! This is such a common issue and your experience will definitely help others. For future reference, it might be worth downloading and saving important documents like payment history or tax forms right after you access them, since these password reset requirements seem to get more strict over time. EDD really needs to update their security verification methods to something more reasonable than expecting people to remember payment amounts from years ago.
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Chloe Robinson
•Absolutely agree about downloading documents right away! I learned this lesson the hard way with a different government agency. It's crazy how these systems expect us to have perfect memory of financial details from years back. Maybe EDD should consider adding alternative verification methods like security questions or two-factor authentication instead of relying on payment amounts that most people won't remember after a few years.
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