EDD alternative application method when ID.me verification keeps failing

Yes, you absolutely can apply by mail! I had to do this in February when my ID.me kept getting stuck in an endless loop. You need to download and print Form DE 1101I (Initial Claim Application) from the EDD website. Fill it out completely and mail it with copies of your identity documents (driver's license, social security card, birth certificate). Mail everything to the EDD office address listed on the form instructions. Just know that mail applications take longer to process - mine took about 3 weeks before I saw anything in the system.

id.me is completely broken system!!! I tryed 6 TIMES and nothing worked. always technical error or timeout. waste of my time!!! 😡😡😡

I work as an employment counselor, and I've been helping clients with this exact issue. You have two options when ID.me isn't working: 1. Mail application: Use Form DE 1101I as mentioned above. Also include a cover letter explaining your ID.me difficulties. 2. Phone application: You can also apply by phone, but getting through to EDD is extremely difficult right now. If you go this route, you'll still need to verify your identity, but they can help initiate alternative verification methods. For mail applications, include copies (NOT originals) of: - Photo ID (driver's license or passport) - Social Security card - Proof of address (utility bill, lease) - Employment documents (W-2, pay stubs) Mail applications typically take 3-4 weeks to process versus 1-2 weeks online, so be prepared for a longer wait.

If you're still trying to get ID.me to work, I had success after multiple failures by using a different device. My laptop camera wasn't working well with their system, but when I tried with my phone it worked first try. Also make sure you're in a well-lit area with no shadows on your face and a plain background.

Have you tried reaching EDD directly? I had the same nightmare with ID.me and finally gave up trying to do it online. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD agent on the phone. They have this service that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. I was skeptical but it worked - got through in about 40 mins instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD agent was able to help me verify my identity over the phone and get my claim processed. Saved me weeks of waiting for mail processing.

I was in your exact situation last month! So frustrating! The mail application worked for me, but here's what I wish someone had told me: 1. Make PHOTOCOPIES of everything - don't send originals 2. Send it via certified mail so you can track it 3. Include your phone number on EVERY page 4. Keep checking your mail - they'll send you a paper form to complete your first certification Also, you should include Form DE 1326C (Claim Statement of Facts) with a brief explanation of why you're applying by mail. I wrote "Unable to complete ID.me verification after multiple attempts; video referee call never connected." My claim took 25 days to appear in the system after mailing, so be prepared to wait. Good luck!

i herd that if u apply by mail they make u wait longer on purpose. my cousin did this and they made him wait 2 months. the whole systems rigged tbh

WHY CANT EDD JUST MAKE A SYSTEM THAT WORKS??????? We pay taxes for this garbage service!!! I had to drive 80 miles to nearest office after id.me kept failing me!!!!

Quick update on my earlier comment - I just helped my brother apply by mail last month (May 2025), and it seems they've updated the process a bit. The address to mail your application is now: Employment Development Department P.O. Box 989000 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9000 Also, make sure you sign and date the form! My brother's application was returned because he forgot to sign it, which added another week to his waiting time.

Update: I tried one last time with ID.me using all the suggestions here - different device, perfect lighting, etc. Still failed! So I'm going with the mail option. I've printed all the forms, made copies of my documents, and will send everything certified mail tomorrow. Thank you all for your help! Will update once I hear something from EDD.

I'm dealing with the exact same ID.me nightmare right now! Been stuck for over a week with the facial recognition failing every single time. The "trusted referee" calls are a complete joke - they scheduled me twice and never called either time. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope that the mail option actually works. Quick question for everyone who went the mail route - did you have to include any proof of your previous employment attempts or job search activities with the initial application, or do they ask for that stuff later? I've been keeping track of everything but wasn't sure if I need to send it all at once or wait for them to request it. Thanks for sharing all your experiences - this thread is more helpful than anything I've found on the official EDD website!

@Darcy Moore - I went through the mail application process in April and you don't need to include job search activities with your initial application. The DE 1101I form is just for establishing your claim and identity verification. Once your claim is processed and approved, they'll send you separate paperwork for your first certification where you'll need to report your job search activities for that two-week period. Just focus on getting the basic application and identity documents in first - driver's license copy, social security card copy, and any employment records like your most recent pay stubs or W-2. The job search stuff comes later in the certification process. Hope this helps and good luck with your application!

Just wanted to add another perspective - I went through this same ID.me hell last month and actually found success with a hybrid approach. After failing the online verification multiple times, I started the mail application process BUT also kept trying to get through to EDD by phone using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I got lucky and connected with an EDD rep after about 2 hours on hold, and they were able to bypass the ID.me requirement entirely. They had me answer some verification questions based on my employment history and SSN, then sent me a secure email link to upload my documents directly to their system. My claim was processed within 5 days instead of waiting weeks for the mail application. So my advice would be to start the mail application as your backup plan, but also try calling EDD directly or using the callback service. Sometimes having multiple approaches going at once increases your chances of getting through faster. The key is not putting all your eggs in one basket when you're dealing with these broken systems!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 weeks ago and it was absolutely maddening! The ID.me facial recognition failed on me 8 times, and like you, I had multiple "trusted referee" appointments where they just never called. It's like they set these appointments and then completely forget about them. I ended up doing the mail application route and it worked, but here are some tips I wish I had known: 1. Use the most recent version of Form DE 1101I - I initially downloaded an older version and had to resubmit 2. Write "ID.me VERIFICATION FAILED - APPLYING BY MAIL" in big letters at the top of the first page so they know why you're not applying online 3. Include a brief cover letter explaining your ID.me issues and listing everything you're including in the package 4. Make copies of EVERYTHING before you send it - keep a complete backup set for yourself My timeline: Mailed application on a Tuesday, they received it that Friday (certified mail tracking), got my EDD customer account number in the mail 3 weeks later, and my claim showed up online 4 days after that. Total time was about 25 days from mailing to seeing benefits. Don't give up! The mail option definitely works, it's just slower. Your financial situation will improve once this gets processed. Hang in there!