EDD account locked - can't reset password or answer security questions

same thing happened 2 me last year. the security questions r stupid bc they make u pick from their weird options. u gotta call the tech support # not the regular edd #. they can verify ur identity different way

You need to call the EDD technical support line at 1-833-978-2511. They're the only ones who can help with password resets when you can't answer the security questions. DO NOT create a new account - this will definitely cause problems with your claim history and could trigger fraud alerts. When you call, have your ID and Social Security number ready. They'll ask several verification questions to confirm your identity before they can reset your account access. They can also help you set up new security questions. The technical support line is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm, but I recommend calling right when they open for the shortest wait times.

This system is SUCH a joke!!!! I got locked out FOUR TIMES last year because their stupid security questions are impossible to remember exactly how you answered them. Did you capitalize? Did you use abbreviations? WHO KNOWS! And then you try calling and it's busy signal after busy signal. I wasted THREE DAYS trying to get through to someone. This is how they treat people who are already stressed about not having income??? The whole thing needs to be completely redesigned!!!

I had this exact problem in January! I tried for days to get through on the technical support line with no luck. I finally used Claimyr to get connected to an EDD agent - it bypasses the busy signals and puts you in the callback queue. Totally worth it when you're desperate. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent reset my security questions and password over the phone after verifying my identity with other questions (address, employer info, etc). I was able to reapply for benefits that same day. Check out claimyr.com if you keep hitting busy signals.

One more important tip - when you do get through, ask them to help you set up your account with ID.me verification. This gives you another way to log in without relying on those security questions in the future. EDD has been transitioning to this method anyway, and it's more secure since it uses your phone for verification.

This happened to my husband last winter! He ended up going to the actual EDD office in person with his ID. Took like 2 hours waiting but they fixed it right there. Might be an option if calling doesn't work out?

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: You'll need to speak with technical support for your UI Online password reset, not the regular EDD agents. When you call 1-833-978-2511, select the options for technical assistance (usually Option 1, then Option 2). They handle account access issues separate from claim questions. After resolving your password reset issue, if you need to file a new unemployment claim, you'll need to handle that separately. Your UI Online access is just the first step before you can submit the new application. The reapplication process requires certifying your eligibility for a new benefit year after your previous claim ended.

UPDATE: I finally got through this morning! Called right at 8am and only waited about 20 minutes. The tech support person was super helpful and verified my identity using my driver's license number, last address, and some employment info instead of the security questions. They reset everything and I was able to log in and start my new claim! For anyone with this issue in the future - definitely call right when they open, and make sure you have your ID and recent employment info ready. Also, I took the advice about setting up ID.me and it works great as another login option. Thanks everyone for your help!

Wow, this thread is a treasure trove of information! I'm currently dealing with this exact same issue - got locked out after forgetting my password and completely blanking on those security questions. I've been stressing about it for days, but reading through everyone's experiences has been so reassuring. The tip about calling right at 8am seems to be the golden rule here, and I love all the practical advice about having documents ready, writing down a script, and even finding good cell service. It's amazing how this community has turned what seemed like an impossible bureaucratic nightmare into a step-by-step solution. Going to follow everyone's advice and call the 1-833-978-2511 number tomorrow morning with everything organized. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it really helps to know you're not alone in dealing with these EDD system issues!

I went through this exact same nightmare about 3 months ago! The security questions are absolutely the worst - I swear they're designed to be forgotten. After getting locked out for almost a month, I finally got through using the strategy everyone's mentioned here. Called the 1-833-978-2511 number right at 8am on a Tuesday and only waited about 15 minutes. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you have any old W-2s or 1099s from employers you listed on your original claim, have those ready too. The rep asked me about my previous year's earnings to verify my identity, which I wouldn't have remembered without the paperwork. Also, they were able to see my entire claim history once they verified who I was, so definitely don't create a new account like others have said - you'll just create more problems for yourself. The whole thing took about 40 minutes once I got through, but being able to access my account again was such a relief. They also helped me set up the ID.me verification as a backup, which is way easier than those impossible security questions. Don't give up - the system is broken but the people on the tech support line are actually really helpful once you reach them!