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!

I went through this same nightmare about 6 months ago! The security questions are definitely the worst part of their system. Just wanted to add that when you call the tech support line, it really helps to have your most recent employer's information handy too - they asked me for the exact company name and dates I worked there as part of the identity verification process. Also, if you have any old EDD correspondence or paperwork from your previous claim, keep that nearby since they might reference claim numbers or benefit amounts to confirm it's really you. The whole process took about 45 minutes once I got through to someone, but it was such a relief to finally get back into my account!

I just went through this exact same situation last month! The frustration is real. One thing I learned that might help others - if you're getting busy signals on the 1-833-978-2511 number, try calling at different times throughout the day. I had better luck around 2-3pm when it seemed less busy than the morning rush. Also, when you do get through, ask them to email you a confirmation that your account has been reset - I didn't do this and got paranoid that it might lock up again. The whole experience taught me to write down my security question answers somewhere safe this time! Hang in there, it's definitely solvable once you reach the right person.

I'm so glad to see Norman got this resolved! I'm actually dealing with something similar right now - my account got locked after I tried to log in with an old password too many times. I've been putting off calling because I was dreading the busy signals, but reading through this thread has given me hope that it's actually fixable. I'm going to try calling the 1-833-978-2511 number tomorrow morning right at 8am with all my documents ready. It's reassuring to know that they have other ways to verify your identity besides those impossible security questions. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is a goldmine of helpful info for anyone dealing with EDD account lockouts!

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm bookmarking it for future reference. One additional tip I'd add - if you're still having trouble getting through on the phone, some local libraries have job resource centers that can help with EDD issues. The librarian at my local branch actually helped me navigate the EDD website when I was having trouble a while back. They're often familiar with these common problems and might be able to suggest alternative approaches if the phone lines stay busy. It's not a replacement for calling tech support, but could be a good backup option for anyone who's really stuck. Great to see this community helping each other out with these frustrating system issues!

I'm currently going through this exact same issue! My account got locked yesterday after I forgot my password and failed the security questions. Reading through everyone's experiences here gives me so much hope. I'm planning to call the 1-833-978-2511 number first thing Monday morning at 8am with all my documents ready - SSN, driver's license, recent employer info, and old EDD paperwork. It's such a relief to know there are other ways to verify identity besides those impossible security questions. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and tips - this thread is a lifesaver for anyone dealing with EDD lockouts! I'll definitely update once I get through to let others know how it goes.

This thread has been SO helpful! I just want to add one more tip that saved me when I went through this same lockout nightmare last year. If you have an old smartphone or tablet lying around, try calling from that device instead of your main phone. I found that sometimes the EDD system recognizes different phone numbers differently in their queue system, and I actually got through faster when I called from my old phone with a different number. Also, if you're calling and getting busy signals repeatedly, try hanging up and calling back immediately - don't wait between attempts. Sometimes you can catch a spot that just opened up. The persistence really pays off, and once you get through, the tech support people are usually super understanding since they know how frustrating their system can be. Keep at it everyone - you WILL get through eventually!

I just went through this exact same situation a few weeks ago! The account lockout is so stressful when you're already dealing with unemployment. One thing that really helped me was calling from a quiet location with good cell service - I actually drove to a parking lot near a cell tower because I was paranoid about getting disconnected mid-call. Also, when they ask for your employment verification info, they might want specific details like your exact start/end dates and even your supervisor's name, so having your old pay stubs or tax documents can be a lifesaver. The whole call took about 35 minutes for me once I got through, but the relief of finally accessing my account again was worth every minute of waiting. Don't give up - the system is definitely broken but it IS fixable with persistence!

This thread is amazing - thank you all for sharing your experiences! I'm currently locked out of my account too and was feeling pretty overwhelmed, but reading through everyone's success stories gives me hope. I love how this community comes together to help each other navigate these frustrating system issues. Going to try the 8am calling strategy tomorrow with all my documents organized. It's incredible how much more useful this real-world advice is compared to the generic help pages on the EDD website. Will definitely pay it forward and share my experience once I get through!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been locked out for 3 weeks and finally worked up the courage to call after reading all these success stories. Just wanted to add - if you're calling and getting nervous about what to say, I wrote down a simple script beforehand: "Hi, I'm locked out of my UI Online account and can't answer my security questions. I need help with a password reset." Having that ready helped me not stumble over my words when I finally got through. Also keeping a notepad handy during the call to write down any reference numbers or instructions they give you. This thread has been a godsend - knowing other people have been through this exact situation and made it out the other side makes it feel so much less overwhelming!