EDD account locked - can't reset password or answer security questions
I'm in a tough spot right now! I need to reapply for EDD unemployment benefits since my seasonal job ended again, but I'm completely locked out of my UI Online account. It's been almost 8 months since I last logged in and I've totally forgotten my password. I tried the password reset option but then got stuck because I can't remember ANY of my security question answers (why did I make them so complicated?!). I've called the EDD technical support number twice already but kept getting a busy signal both times. Is there any other way to reset everything when you can't remember the security answers? Do I have to create a whole new account or will that mess up my claim history? Anyone dealt with this before? I really need to get this sorted ASAP since I've already been without income for 2 weeks.
15 comments
Kendrick Webb
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
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Norman Fraser
•Thanks! I've been calling the 1-833 number. Is that the right one? How many times did you have to call before you got through?
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Hattie Carson
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.
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Norman Fraser
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow. Fingers crossed I can get through!
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Destiny Bryant
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!!!
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Dyllan Nantx
•I feel your pain! Their security system is so frustrating. I wish they would just use email verification codes like every other normal website these days.
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TillyCombatwarrior
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.
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Anna Xian
•is this legit? seems sketchy to use a third party service for this kind of thing...
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Hattie Carson
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.
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Dyllan Nantx
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?
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Norman Fraser
•That's good to know! There's an office about 30 minutes from me. I'll try calling first but if that doesn't work I might just do this. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Jungleboo Soletrain
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.
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Norman Fraser
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!
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Hattie Carson
•Great news! Glad you got it resolved. Good luck with your claim!
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Destiny Bryant
•You got LUCKY. Last time I called right at 8am I still waited 2+ hours. The system is still broken even if it worked for you this time.
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