EDD added phone verification codes - Makes horrible wait times even worse!
So I've been trying to resolve an issue with my Paid Family Leave claim for like 3 weeks now. The wait times were already INSANE (like 2+ hours if you're lucky enough to not get disconnected), but now they've added this stupid verification code system to the phone menu!? Are you kidding me?? I finally got through yesterday after calling 16 times, waited 1 hour 45 minutes, then the system asks for a verification code I never received. When I couldn't provide it, the call automatically ended! I'm losing my mind here. I have bills due and my claim is still pending. Has anyone successfully navigated this new verification code nonsense? Do they text it? Email it? I never got anything. Do I need to set something up in my account first? This is ridiculous!
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Edison Estevez
omg SAME!! got disconnected 4 times yesterday bc of this. so annoying!!
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Jibriel Kohn
•It's seriously the worst. Did you ever figure out how to get the verification code?
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
The verification codes are actually sent to the email or phone number listed in your UI Online account. You need to make sure your contact info is up to date in the system. They implemented this as an extra security measure about a month ago. If you're not receiving them, double check your spam folder if you selected email, or make sure your phone can receive SMS if you chose text messaging.
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Jibriel Kohn
•Thanks for the info. I checked my UI Online account and realized my phone number had a typo (last digit was wrong). Fixed it now but I'm dreading having to call again and wait forever just to see if I get the code this time.
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James Johnson
this whole EDD system is designed to make us give up!!!! they WANT us to stop calling so their numbers look better. its all about statistics for them not actual PEOPLE. i waited 3 hours last week and then they hung up on me right when someone answered. the verification thing is just another hoop to jump thru
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Sophia Rodriguez
•While the system is definitely frustrating, I don't think it's actually designed to make people give up. The verification codes are meant to reduce fraud (which has been a huge problem). But I agree they've implemented it poorly. The best approach is to make sure your contact info is 100% correct in your UI Online account, and be ready to enter the code quickly when you call.
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Mia Green
After dealing with similar issues for weeks with my disability claim, I started using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at EDD. It's this service that calls EDD for you and then connects you when they get through - saved me HOURS of frustration with busy signals and disconnects. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km They got me through in about 25 minutes instead of spending all day redialing. Just go to claimyr.com. Even with the verification code system, it still worked because I made sure my contact info was correct in UI Online first.
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Jibriel Kohn
•I've never heard of this before. Did it really work with the new verification system? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.
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Mia Green
•Yes, it worked with the verification system. As long as your phone number is correct in UI Online, you'll get the text with the code when it's your turn. The service just handles the endless redialing and waiting in the queue part.
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Emma Bianchi
To clarify about the verification codes, since there seems to be some confusion: 1. They were implemented for both UI and PFL claims as a security measure 2. Codes are sent either via text or email depending on your UI Online communication preferences 3. You must update your contact info in UI Online (not the separate SDI account for PFL claims) 4. The code is only sent when you're actually connected to a representative (not while in the queue) 5. Each code expires after 10 minutes If you're calling about PFL but have both UI and SDI accounts, make sure your contact info matches in both systems. It's a common issue that's causing problems for many people.
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Lucas Kowalski
•wait do we need to have the same phone # in both accounts? i have different emails for my UI and SDI... is that why im not getting my codes??
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Jibriel Kohn
Update: Finally got through today! For anyone dealing with this same issue, here's what worked for me: 1. Fixed my phone number in UI Online (had a typo) 2. Called right when they opened at 8am 3. When I finally got through the queue (still took 45 mins), I got the verification code texted to me 4. Entered the code and actually spoke to someone! The rep told me there was a flag on my claim because my employer submitted some conflicting information. They're going to contact my employer to verify my leave dates and should have my payments processed within 5-7 days. Still a ridiculously inefficient system, but at least I'm making progress now. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
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Sophia Rodriguez
•That's great news! Yes, calling right at 8am is definitely the best strategy. The verification code system is frustrating, but it does seem to be reducing fraud according to the rep I spoke with last week. Glad you got your issue resolved!
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James Maki
Wow, thanks for the detailed update! This is super helpful. I've been struggling with the same verification code issue for my UI claim. I'm definitely going to check my contact info in UI Online tonight and try calling right at 8am tomorrow. It's encouraging to hear that you actually got through and resolved your issue. The fact that it was an employer documentation problem makes sense - seems like a lot of these "pending" claims are just waiting for some kind of verification or correction that could be handled much more efficiently. Fingers crossed I have similar luck!
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Jacinda Yu
•Good luck! One thing I learned is to have your verification code ready to enter as soon as you get the text - apparently they expire pretty quickly. Also, if you have any documents ready (like medical forms or employer info), have them handy because the reps can sometimes resolve multiple issues in one call. Hope you get through tomorrow!
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