EDD Identity Verification Issues - How to Get Backpay?
Hey everyone, I'm having trouble with my unemployment claim. The EDD is saying I have to deal with some identity issues before I can get my benefits. Has anyone gone through this? I've filed multiple times but haven't received any payments. Is there a way to get back pay for all those times I filed? Any advice would be appreciated!
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Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve EDD identity verification issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCnVKwCxk8I
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Sophia Carter
Ugh, identity verification is such a pain! I went through this last year. It took forever, but I finally got it sorted. Here's what I did: • Gathered ALL my documents (ID, SSN card, utility bills, etc.) • Uploaded clear, high-quality scans • Called EDD constantly until I got through • Asked for a tier 2 rep specifically • Followed up with emails every few days It's a hassle, but stay persistent. Once verified, I did get back pay for the weeks I missed. Good luck!
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Chloe Zhang
•This is really helpful, thanks! How long did the whole process take for you?
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Sophia Carter
•It took about 6 weeks from start to finish. The waiting was the worst part 😫
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Brandon Parker
•6 weeks?! I've been waiting for 3 months now. This system is so broken 🤬
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Adriana Cohn
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at EDD. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
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Jace Caspullo
•Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Melody Miles
•20 bucks? Thats kinda steep for just a phone call...
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Adriana Cohn
•I get the skepticism, but it seriously saved me weeks of frustration. Worth every penny imo
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
•Can confirm, I used it too. Got through in like an hour when I'd been trying for weeks
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Eva St. Cyr
have you tried going to ur local edd office? sometimes face-to-face works better than dealing w/ the phone/online stuff
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Kristian Bishop
Back pay is possible but it's not automatic. You'll need to request it specifically once your identity is verified. Make sure to document EVERYTHING. Dates you filed, confirmation numbers, etc. You'll need all that info when you talk to them.
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Aaron Boston
•Thanks for the tip! I'll start gathering all that info now. Better late than never I guess 😅
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Kaitlyn Otto
am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we have to jump thru all these hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to? 🤔 the whole system needs an overhaul
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Axel Far
•Preach! 🙌 It's like they make it difficult on purpose
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Jasmine Hernandez
•Totally agree. It's a full-time job just trying to get unemployment benefits!
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Luis Johnson
Pro tip: if u can, try calling right when they open. I got thru after only 20 min on hold that way
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Ellie Kim
•What time do they open?
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Luis Johnson
•8am Pacific Time, Mon-Fri
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Fiona Sand
idk if this helps, but I had success emailing my state representative. They have staff dedicated to helping with EDD issues. Might be worth a shot!
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Andre Dubois
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been stuck in identity verification limbo for about 2 months. What's really frustrating is that I keep getting different answers from different reps about what documents they need. One person told me to upload my passport, then the next person said they needed a driver's license AND birth certificate. It's like they're making it up as they go along! Has anyone had success with the ID.me verification process? I've heard mixed things about it but wondering if it's faster than the traditional route.
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Nia Thompson
•I feel your pain! The inconsistent info from different reps is the worst part. I actually just went through ID.me verification last month and it was way faster than the traditional route - took about 3 days vs weeks of back and forth with regular EDD verification. Just make sure you have good lighting when you take the selfie with your ID, that seemed to be the main thing that tripped people up. Hope this helps!
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Mateo Sanchez
Hey Aaron! I went through the exact same thing earlier this year and it was absolutely frustrating. The identity verification process is definitely a nightmare, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! A few things that helped me: • Make sure ALL your documents are crystal clear when you upload them - blurry photos will just delay things more • Keep calling until you get a Tier 2 specialist who actually knows what they're talking about • Document every single conversation (date, time, rep name, what they told you) • Be prepared to wait - mine took about 8 weeks total The good news is YES, you can absolutely get backpay for all those weeks you filed! Once your identity gets verified, they'll release all the payments you were entitled to. I got a lump sum that covered about 12 weeks of missed payments. Don't give up - I know it feels hopeless but persistence really does pay off with EDD. The system is broken but you WILL get your money eventually. Hang in there! 💪
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Chloe Martin
•Thanks so much for sharing your experience Mateo! 8 weeks feels like forever but it's good to know there's hope. Quick question - when you say "Tier 2 specialist," how do you specifically ask for one when you call? Do you just say "I need to speak to a Tier 2 rep" or is there a specific way to request it? I've been getting transferred around so much and feel like I'm just talking to whoever picks up the phone.
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AstroAdventurer
•@Chloe Martin When you call, you need to be direct but polite. I usually say something like Hi, "I ve'been dealing with identity verification issues for [X weeks/months] and I ve'spoken with several representatives who have given me conflicting information. I need to speak with a Tier 2 specialist who can actually resolve this issue. If" they try to help you themselves, politely insist: I "appreciate that, but I really need someone with escalation authority. Can you please transfer me to a Tier 2 representative? Don" t'take no for an answer - they ll'sometimes try to keep you on the line, but Tier 2 reps have way more tools and knowledge to actually fix things. Hope this helps!
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Javier Mendoza
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and it's beyond frustrating! Been waiting 10 weeks and counting. One thing I discovered that helped a bit was uploading documents through the EDD portal AND also faxing them directly to their identity verification department (fax: 916-319-5400). Sometimes one method gets processed faster than the other. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're checking your UI Online account daily - sometimes they'll request additional documents and if you miss the deadline they restart the whole process 😤 The waiting game is brutal but from what I've seen in this thread and other forums, people ARE eventually getting their backpay once everything gets sorted out. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us stuck in this mess!
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