EDD identity verification message disappeared then got disqualified - appeal required?

omg this same exact thing happened to me 2 months ago!! EDD's system is totally broken. they gave me like 1 day to submit docs then disqualified me before i could even gather everything. so frustrating!!!

This sounds like a system glitch in their automated notifications. What you need to do is file the appeal immediately using the link in your disqualification notice. In the appeal, explain exactly what happened with the timeline of messages. Make sure to attach all the identity verification documents they were originally requesting with your appeal. The good news is that these kinds of administrative errors usually get corrected once a human reviews your case. The bad news is that appeal processing is taking about 4-6 weeks right now based on what I've seen in other cases.

I dealt with something similar last year. The problem is that their automated system sometimes sends the disqualification notice almost at the same time as the document request, especially if they're upgrading their system or having IT issues (which seems like always). If you call, you might be able to get someone to fix it without going through the whole appeal process. But getting through to an actual person at EDD is nearly impossible. After 2 weeks of trying, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD agent was able to see that it was a system error and reinstate my claim on the spot. Saved me from waiting through the whole appeal process.

It's totally legit - they basically just help you get through the phone systems. I tried calling myself for days and couldn't get past the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. With Claimyr I got through on the first try. When you're about to lose weeks of benefits over a stupid system error, it's worth it to actually talk to someone who can fix it immediately.

ur wasting time with appeals imo. just call them directly!! sometimes the message disappears cuz they already got what they needed and their system is slow to update. happened to my roomate and she panicked for no reason lol

This is a classic EDD technical issue. Their identity verification system has been problematic since they updated to the new ID.me integration. Here's what you need to know: 1) File the appeal immediately - you have 30 days from the disqualification notice 2) Include ALL possible identity documents (driver's license, passport if you have one, birth certificate, social security card, utility bills) 3) In your appeal explanation, provide the exact timeline with dates/times of when you received each message 4) While waiting for the appeal, call EDD directly to explain the situation - sometimes they can fix it over the phone 5) Keep certifying for weeks as normal even while disqualified If your appeal is successful (and it should be if this was indeed their error), you'll receive all back payments. Current appeal processing time is averaging 5 weeks, though some are resolved faster if they're clear administrative errors.

Update: I took everyone's advice and tried calling EDD this morning. After 23 attempts (seriously counted), I couldn't get through. So I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and got connected to an EDD rep within about 15 minutes. The representative confirmed it was a system error on their end! Apparently they had a batch of verification requests go out with incorrect due dates. She was able to see that I had no reasonable time to respond. She removed the disqualification and reset the verification request with a proper 10-day timeframe. I've already uploaded all my documents. Thank you everyone for the advice - especially about Claimyr because I don't think I would have gotten through otherwise. What a relief!

This whole system is just designed to make people give up on getting benefits they deserve. First they make the website confusing, then they don't give proper time to submit docs, then they make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone by phone. I've been fighting with EDD for THREE MONTHS over a similar issue. It's criminal how they treat people who are already struggling!!

For anyone else who encounters this issue in the future: This appears to be related to the 2025 system update EDD implemented for their identity verification process. They're now using an automated flagging system that sometimes generates verification requests with extremely short timelines that aren't even in compliance with their own policies (which require minimum 10 days notice). If you receive a verification request, take screenshots immediately and upload your documents as soon as possible. Don't wait until the deadline, even if it seems reasonable. The system has been known to accelerate disqualifications unpredictably.