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Jayden Reed

EDD UI Online account locked after too many login attempts - help needed!

So frustrated right now! I've been trying to log into my UI Online account since yesterday morning to certify for my benefits, but after about 5 attempts it locked me out completely. Now whenever I try to log in, I just get a message saying "Account locked - too many unsuccessful login attempts." I can't certify, can't check my claim status, nothing! Has anyone dealt with this before? Is there a waiting period before it unlocks automatically or do I need to contact EDD somehow? I really need to certify this week and I'm panicking a bit because my rent is coming due. Thanks for any advice!

same thing happened 2 me last month u gotta call them to reset it or use the account recovery option on the login page... don't use password reset, thats different

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Thanks for responding! Where exactly is the account recovery option? I only see password reset on the login page. I've tried calling but can't get through to anyone. ☹️

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I went through this exact situation in January. Here's what worked for me: 1. Go to the UI Online login page 2. Click "Forgot Password" 3. Then select "Account Locked" (not password reset) 4. You'll need to verify your identity with security questions 5. They'll send a temporary password to your email If that doesn't work, you absolutely need to talk to an EDD rep. But good luck getting through on the phone - I tried for THREE DAYS straight last time I had an issue.

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Thank you for the detailed steps! I don't see an "Account Locked" option though - maybe the interface changed? I only see options for username and password recovery. I'll try those but I'm worried I'll just make things worse somehow.

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the EDD website is the WORST. always changing stuff and never telling anyone. i bet they moved that option somewhere else just to confuse us. classic EDD move 🙄

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This is actually a pretty common issue with UI Online. The system will automatically unlock after 24 hours in most cases, but you can also resolve it faster by clearing your browser cache and cookies, then trying again. Sometimes it's just a browser issue rather than an actual account lock. If that doesn't work, try these steps: 1. Use a completely different browser or device 2. Go to Benefits Programs Online (not directly to UI Online) 3. Log in there first, then navigate to UI Online If you still can't get in after 24 hours, you'll need to contact EDD directly to have them reset your account. Make sure you have your ID and claim information ready when you call.

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I'll try clearing my cache right now and if that doesn't work I'll wait the 24 hours. I didn't realize it would automatically unlock! That's a relief if it does. I've been trying different browsers already but will try the Benefits Programs Online route too. Thanks!

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I had to call EDD when this happened to me because none of the online reset options worked. I spent two days trying to get through on the main number with no luck - kept getting disconnected after the automated message saying they were experiencing high call volume. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep was able to unlock my account immediately while I was on the phone. Saved me days of stress and I was able to certify that same day.

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is that service legit?? sounds kinda sketchy to me. did u actually talk to a real EDD person or was it some 3rd party thing?

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Yes, it's completely legit! They just help you get through to the actual EDD phone line - you still talk directly with real EDD representatives. They don't access your account or anything like that. It just bypasses the usual busy signals and disconnections.

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THIS IS WHY I HATE THE EDD SYSTEM!!! It's DESIGNED to lock people out and make it IMPOSSIBLE to get help when you need it most! I've been through this EXACT same situation THREE SEPARATE TIMES and each time it was a different solution. First time it unlocked itself after 24 hours. Second time I had to call and wait 2+ hours. Third time I had to physically go to an EDD office because nothing else worked! The system is deliberately broken to discourage people from collecting the benefits they DESERVE and have PAID INTO through taxes!!! Don't let them win by giving up!!!

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omg yes!! 👏 my friend works in IT and says the EDD site is like 20 yrs outdated. they could fix it but they don't want to!!

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UPDATE: I tried clearing my cache and cookies like suggested, and also tried logging in through the Benefits Programs Online first instead of directly to UI. Still no luck. I guess I'll wait until tomorrow to see if it unlocks automatically after 24 hours like some of you mentioned. If not, I'll try calling again or look into that Claimyr service to get through to a rep. Thanks everyone for all your help and suggestions!

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Good plan. Just make sure that if your certification deadline is approaching, you prioritize getting this resolved. Even if your account is locked, you're still responsible for certifying on time. If you miss your certification window, you might have to go through the whole process of reopening your claim, which is much more complicated.

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My cousin works at EDD (not directly with claims tho) and she told me they get TONS of locked account calls especially on Mondays and Tuesdays when everyone's trying to certify. She said most people don't realize the password is case sensitive AND can't have certain special characters that look similar (like l vs I or O vs 0). My account got locked last year and I just had to wait til next day and it was fine.

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That's interesting about the similar-looking characters. I wonder if that's what happened to me - my password does have some numbers and letters that could look similar. I'll be more careful next time. Fingers crossed it unlocks tomorrow!

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FINAL UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my account did automatically unlock after about 30 hours! I was able to log in this morning and certify for my benefits. Thanks again for all the help and suggestions. For anyone else with this issue - waiting does seem to work, but if you're on a deadline, definitely try calling EDD directly or using one of the methods others suggested here.

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Glad it worked out! For future reference, I recommend setting up a password manager for your EDD account - that way you never have to worry about typing the wrong password and getting locked out again. I use LastPass and haven't had any login issues since.

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nice! 👍 make sure u write down ur password somewhere safe this time lol

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Ava Kim

So glad you got back in! This thread is super helpful - I bookmarked it because I know this will probably happen to me eventually too. The EDD system is so glitchy. One thing I'd add is that if anyone has this issue during a holiday weekend, the 24-hour auto-unlock might take longer since their systems probably run slower maintenance cycles on weekends. I had a friend who got locked out on a Friday before Memorial Day and it didn't unlock until Tuesday morning. Just something to keep in mind for timing!

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That's really good to know about the holiday weekend delays! I hadn't thought about that but it makes total sense that their systems would run differently during holidays. Thanks for sharing that tip - I'll definitely keep it in mind for future reference. It's frustrating how many little quirks like this exist with the EDD system that nobody tells you about until you experience them yourself.

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Just wanted to add another tip that helped me when I had this same issue a few months ago - if you're still having trouble after the 24-hour wait period, try using an incognito/private browsing window. Sometimes your regular browser holds onto cached login data that can interfere with the unlock process. Also, make sure you're going directly to edd.ca.gov and not clicking on any saved bookmarks or links from emails, as those sometimes redirect to older versions of the login page that don't work properly. The EDD system is definitely frustrating but these little tricks can save you hours of headaches!

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Great tip about the incognito window! I never would have thought of that but it makes sense that cached data could mess things up. I'll definitely remember that for next time. It's amazing how many workarounds we all have to learn just to use what should be a basic government service. Thanks for sharing that - hopefully it helps other people avoid the stress I went through!

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I had this same exact problem a couple weeks ago and was absolutely panicking because I was already cutting it close on my certification deadline! What ended up working for me was a combination of things - I waited about 18 hours, then cleared all my browser data (not just cache and cookies, but everything including saved passwords), restarted my computer completely, and then used a different internet connection (switched from WiFi to mobile hotspot). I know it sounds like overkill but I was desperate! Got right in after that. I think sometimes it's not just the account that's locked but your IP address or device gets flagged too. Also pro tip - once you do get back in, immediately write down your exact password character by character because EDD passwords are SO finicky with those similar-looking characters everyone mentioned. Hope this helps someone avoid the stress I went through!

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