EDD login issues when trying to file new claim after 2 years - account restoration problems

Yep, this EXACT thing happened to me in January. Their system is so messed up! After 18 months of not using my account, it basically locked me out permanently. I spent 3 days trying to get through on the phone line before giving up. Finally called right at 8:00am and got through after only 45 minutes on hold. The rep had to manually reset something on their end - apparently there's some kind of automatic security lockout after long periods of inactivity that you CAN'T fix yourself no matter what you try online.

I went through this last month! The EDD system automatically deactivates accounts after 18 months of inactivity for security reasons. No matter what you do online, you HAVE to call to get it fixed. Try calling exactly at 8:01am when they open - that's when I finally got through. Also, make sure you have your old EDD Customer Account Number ready when you call. They'll ask for it along with your SSN and ID verification. If you don't have it, they might transfer you to another department which just adds more waiting time.

I'm going through this right now too! Super annoying. According to the EDD rep I finally reached, this is normal security protocol. After approximately 18-24 months of inactivity, accounts get flagged in their system and require manual verification to reactivate. You absolutely need to speak with a representative - there's no online fix for this. I was struggling to get through for days until I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that holds your place in line and calls you when an EDD agent is available. Saved me hours of redial hell. Check out their demo video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through, the rep fixed my account in about 5 minutes. Then I was able to file my new claim immediately.

This is a standard account security measure implemented in late 2022. When accounts are dormant for 18+ months, they're automatically secured and require representative intervention to reactivate. Here's what you'll need to have ready when you call: 1) Social Security Number 2) Previous EDD Customer Account Number (if you have it) 3) Driver's License or State ID 4) Address history for the past 3 years 5) Employment information from your previous claim After verification, they'll reset your access and you can create a new password. It usually takes about 24 hours for the reset to fully process in their system. Also important: you MUST file a new claim - your old claim information won't automatically transfer even after reactivation.

omg the SAME THING happened to me and it was a NIGHTMARE!!!!!! i had to call like 67 times before i got thru. the stupid system kept saying my SSN already existed (DUH OF COURSE IT DOES) but wouldn't let me log in with my old info either. when i finally got someone on the phone they said its some stupid security thing and they had to verify my identity AGAIN even tho i already did all that before with my first claim. waste of time!!! the worst part is after they fixed my account i STILL had problems with the website not working right for like 3 days after. keep calling until you get someone helpful, some of them don't know what they're doing!!!

i think they do this on purpose to make it harder for ppl to get benefits tbh... my brother had the same issue and ended up having to go to the actual edd office in person to get it fixed bc he could never get through on the phone. if u have an office nearby that might be faster

Just to follow up on the in-person option - most EDD offices require appointments now. You can't just walk in anymore like in the old days. You need to call the main EDD number and request an in-person appointment, which kind of defeats the purpose if you can't get through on the phone. When I had this issue, I finally got through by calling at 8:01am on a Wednesday. For some reason mid-week seemed to have slightly lower call volume than Mondays or Fridays. The representative I spoke with confirmed this is a very common issue. Once they manually verify your identity and reset your account access, you'll receive an email with instructions for setting up a new password.

I remember when i had this problem the rep told me that even after they reset your account, you gotta wait like 24-48 hours before you can actually log in again. So don't panic if it doesn't work right away after they help you. Also make sure when you DO get back in that you update all your contact info right away. Sometimes they still have old phone numbers and emails from years ago which can cause MORE problems later.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Got laid off from my tech job last week and trying to file a new claim after my last one was in 2022. The endless loop of "account exists but can't log in" is driving me crazy. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like calling is the only solution. I'm going to try the 8:01am Wednesday strategy and have all my documents ready. Really frustrating that they don't have a self-service option for this - seems like such a common problem that they should have figured out by now. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! At least now I know I'm not alone in this nightmare and there IS a way to fix it.