EDD account showing 'locked' message after not using it for a year - rain slowdown forcing us to check benefits

same thing happened to me, they lock accounts for security reasons if u dont use them for a while. u need to call them, theres no way around it

This is a security feature in the UI Online system. After extended periods of inactivity (usually 6+ months), EDD automatically locks accounts to protect claimant information. You'll need to contact EDD directly to verify your husband's identity and unlock the account. For a construction worker experiencing weather-related slowdowns, make sure to mention he's experiencing "lack of work due to inclement weather" when filing the new claim - this is a valid temporary unemployment reason that should qualify quickly. One important note: make sure your husband is the one who calls since it's his account. They'll ask verification questions only he would know, including details from his last claim and employment history.

I'd recommend trying Claimyr if you need to get through to an EDD representative quickly. When my account got locked after months of inactivity, I spent DAYS trying to call with no luck. Claimyr got me connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. Just go to claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent was able to verify my identity and unlock my account while I was on the phone. Saved me so much frustration!

The EDD computers are SO ANNOYING!!!!! My husband had the EXACT same thing happen but it was because we moved and had a new IP address. The system flagged it as suspicious activity and locked us out. We had to call like 57 times before getting through, then they asked him all these verification questions about his employment history and the last certification he did. SO FRUSTRATING!!!!!

To properly address this issue, you need to understand what's happening with the account. The "locked" message you're seeing is part of EDD's fraud prevention system that automatically restricts access to dormant accounts. Here's what you should do: 1. First, try the password recovery option on the UI Online login page. Sometimes this will trigger a reset email that can bypass the lock. 2. If that doesn't work, your husband will need to contact EDD directly. For construction workers experiencing rain-related work stoppages, this qualifies as temporary unemployment due to weather conditions. 3. When reopening a claim after a period of employment, he'll need to provide: - Detailed information about his most recent employer - Last day worked (be precise about when the rain stopped his work) - Reason for separation (specify "lack of work due to inclement weather") 4. For account unlocking, he'll need to verify his identity with: - Social Security Number - California ID/Driver's License - Employment history - Previous claim details One important note: Construction workers often qualify for expedited claims processing during seasonal downturns. Make sure he mentions he's in construction specifically when he speaks with a representative.

u should try login at like 3am sometimes the system resets the lock overnight thats what worked for me

When you do get through to EDD, make sure your husband asks about the work sharing program if his hours are just reduced rather than completely eliminated. My brother-in-law is in roofing and they use this during rainy seasons - the company reduces everyone's hours and EDD pays partial benefits to make up some of the difference. It's better than full unemployment in some ways because he doesn't have to do the job search requirements. Just something to consider!

I went through this exact same situation last year! My account got locked after about 8 months of not using it when my seasonal job ended unexpectedly. The key thing is that your husband absolutely has to be the one to call - they won't unlock it for anyone else, even spouses. When I finally got through (took about 2 hours of calling), they asked me tons of verification questions including my previous employers, the exact dates of my last claim, and even details about my last certification. Have him gather all that info before calling. Also, since he's in construction and it's weather-related, that's actually one of the fastest types of claims to process once the account is unlocked. They understand seasonal construction layoffs are legitimate and usually don't require as much documentation. The rep told me weather-related work stoppages are pretty routine for them to handle. One tip that helped me: call right at 8am when they open. The wait times are usually shortest then before everyone else starts calling.