EDD Customer Account Number: Does it stay the same over the years?

Yes, your EDD Customer Account Number (EDDCAN) remains the same for life. It's similar to a Social Security Number in that it's permanently assigned to you and will stay the same for any future claims you file with EDD, whether it's for unemployment insurance (UI), disability insurance (SDI), or paid family leave (PFL). The number on your old paperwork will work just fine for your new claim. When you log into UI Online, make sure you're using that same account number along with your correct SSN and personal information. If you've moved since your last claim, you'll need to update your address information once you're logged in.

yep same number 4ever. had same one since 2009 and used it again last year

I WISH someone would explain why they make everything so confusing!! Been filing on and off since 2016 and EVERY TIME I forget how this works. They should just let us use our social security numbers like normal government agencies instead of creating these special account numbers that nobody remembers!!! 😡😡😡

Last time I filed I somehow had TWO different account numbers and it created a huge mess. Took me months to sort out because they kept saying I had a duplicate claim. Make sure when you login that all your old claim information appears correctly.

I've been trying to contact EDD for a similar issue for over a week now. Can't get through at all - either busy signals or disconnected after waiting on hold. If you need to speak with EDD quickly, I'd recommend the Claimyr service (claimyr.com). They have a system that gets you through to an EDD representative much faster than calling directly. Saved me hours of frustration last month when I had an identity verification issue. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

UPDATE: I used my old account number from 2018 and it worked perfectly! I was able to log in to UI Online and file my new claim. Everything from my past claim history was there too. Just wanted to update in case anyone else has the same question. Thanks everyone for your help!

Oh random question but since we're talking about account numbers - does anyone know if your certification days stay the same too? When I was on unemployment before I always certified on Sundays, wondering if that's tied to your account number somehow?

Great question! I had the same worry when I filed again after a few years gap. Your EDD Customer Account Number is indeed permanent - it's like your unique identifier in their system. I've used the same number from my original 2015 claim through several different unemployment periods, including as recently as last year. One tip: if you're having trouble remembering your login credentials for UI Online, you can use the "Forgot Username/Password" option with your account number and SSN to reset everything. Much easier than trying to call! The system will walk you through updating any changed information like address or phone number once you're back in.

Just wanted to add my experience - I've been using the same EDD Customer Account Number since 2012 and it's worked every single time I've needed to file. The number definitely stays with you permanently. One thing that might help others: if you can't find your old paperwork with the account number, it should also be on any old benefit payment stubs or correspondence from EDD. I keep a photo of mine saved in my phone now so I never have to dig through old files again. Also, once you successfully log back in, I'd recommend writing down your login info somewhere safe since these gaps between claims can be years apart and it's easy to forget!

I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! I was so worried about using my old account number from 2019 that I actually tried creating a new account first - big mistake! It flagged me for a duplicate and I had to call EDD to get it sorted out (took forever to get through). My advice: definitely use your old account number. Mine worked perfectly once I stopped overthinking it. The system is actually pretty good at recognizing returning claimants. And if for some reason there's an issue with your old number, it's much easier to resolve that than trying to untangle a duplicate account situation. Good luck with your claim!

Adding to what everyone else has said - yes, your EDD Customer Account Number is permanent! I've been in the workforce for about 15 years and have had to file unemployment claims three separate times (2011, 2017, and 2022) and used the same account number each time without any issues. One thing I learned the hard way: make sure all your personal info matches exactly what they have on file from your previous claims. When I moved between my 2017 and 2022 claims, I initially couldn't log in because my address was different. Once I got back in and updated everything, it worked smoothly. Also, don't stress too much about the UI Online login process - it can be finicky sometimes even when you have the right info. If it doesn't work the first try, wait a few minutes and try again. The system gets overloaded, especially on Sundays when everyone's certifying. Hope your new claim goes smoothly!

I just want to say how helpful this thread has been! I'm in a similar situation - got laid off from my retail management job last month and haven't filed for unemployment since 2020. I was also worried about whether my old account number would still work, but reading everyone's experiences has put my mind at ease. It's really reassuring to see so many people confirm that the EDD Customer Account Number stays the same permanently. I found my old paperwork from 2020 and was hesitant to use it, but now I feel confident moving forward. The tips about keeping a photo of the account number on your phone and being patient with the UI Online system are super practical too. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is such a lifesaver when dealing with EDD's confusing processes!

I can confirm that your EDD Customer Account Number absolutely stays the same! I've been using mine since my first claim in 2014 and just used it again successfully in 2024. It's tied to your Social Security Number and personal information, so it remains constant no matter how many years pass between claims. One thing that helped me when I was unsure: if you still have any old EDD mail or documents, the account number should be printed on benefit statements, correspondence letters, or your original award notice. It's usually formatted as a series of numbers, sometimes with your SSN partial on the same document for verification. The UI Online system will recognize your returning status once you log in with the correct account number and SSN. Don't worry about "messing up" your new claim by using the old number - that's exactly what you're supposed to do! The system is designed to handle returning claimants this way. Good luck with your new claim!