EDD phone number verification problem - can't proceed with UI application
I'm having a frustrating issue with EDD's verification system. I recently tried filing for unemployment after being laid off from my restaurant job, but I'm stuck at the phone verification step. My cell number changed about 3 months ago, and the system keeps rejecting my application because it doesn't match what they have on file from a previous claim I filed back in 2023. The error message says something about 'unable to verify identity' and won't let me proceed at all. I've tried calling the EDD helpline about 20 times over the past week but keep getting the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message and then it hangs up! Has anyone else dealt with this phone number mismatch problem? What did you do to get past it? I'm getting desperate since rent is due next week.
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Liam O'Sullivan
You need to speak with an actual EDD representative to update your contact information in their system. The online system won't let you proceed because it's a security feature to prevent fraud. When your previous info doesn't match current details, you're essentially locked out until a rep manually updates your profile. The trick is actually getting through on the phone. Call right when they open at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday or Wednesday (their slowest days). Keep hitting '2' and then '4' when the automated system answers to get to the claims department faster.
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Mei Liu
•Thanks for the tip about the Tuesday/Wednesday timing - I've been trying Monday mornings and getting nowhere. Do you know if there's any way to update my info through UI Online, or do I absolutely have to talk to someone? It's literally impossible to get through!
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Amara Chukwu
OMG I HAD THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE!!! The system is SO BROKEN. It kept saying my identity couldn't be verified and I was stuck for like 3 weeks. Ended up having to borrow money from my parents just to pay bills while I figured it out. EDD needs to get their act together seriously.
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Mei Liu
•3 weeks? That's terrifying. I can't wait that long. How did you finally resolve it? Did you have to keep calling or was there another way?
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Amara Chukwu
•finally got through on like my 50th call lol. had to talk to THREE different people before someone actually knew how to fix it. total nightmare!!!
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Giovanni Conti
I've helped several people with this exact issue. Here's what you need to do: 1) You cannot fix this online - it requires speaking with a tier 2 specialist 2) The verification issue is flagged as a potential identity theft concern in their system 3) Have your ID, Social Security card, and proof of address ready when you call 4) Ask specifically for the "claimant information update department" when you get through Most importantly, don't keep calling the main EDD number - it's almost impossible to get through. I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that connects you with an EDD rep without the endless calling. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me hours of frustration when I had a similar verification issue last month.
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Mei Liu
•Thank you SO much for this detailed info! I've never heard of Claimyr before but I'm willing to try anything at this point. Did you need to have any specific information ready when they finally connected you with EDD? And how long did it take for them to actually update your phone number in the system?
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Giovanni Conti
•Yes, definitely have your ID, SSN, and previous address on hand. They'll ask security questions to verify it's really you. Once I got through to the right person, the update was immediate in their system. I was able to log back in and continue my application about 30 minutes later. The key is getting to a tier 2 specialist who has the authority to override the verification block.
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
have u tried the id.me thing? maybe that would work insted of the phone? i had to do that when i filed last year and it let me change my contact info i think
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NeonNova
•ID.me verification is for identity verification but it doesn't update your contact information in the EDD system. Those are two separate issues. I went through ID.me successfully but still had outdated info in my EDD profile that I had to call to update.
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
•oh ok my bad. guess i got lucky cuz mine just worked after i did the id.me thing
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Dylan Campbell
When I had this problem I checked the EDD website FAQ and found out you can also send a secure message through UI Online after you log in. Go to "Contact Us" and select "Update Personal Information" as the category. I sent details about my phone number change and they fixed it within 3 business days. Much easier than calling! But you need to be able to at least login to your account first. Can you get that far?
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Mei Liu
•That would be amazing if it works! I can log into my UI Online account from my previous claim, but the problem happens when I try to file a new claim - that's when it stops me at the phone verification step. I'll try sending a secure message right now and hope they respond quickly. Thanks for this suggestion!
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Sofia Hernandez
•I tried the secure message route too but they just sent back a generic message saying I needed to call. Maybe it depends on which rep gets your message? The whole system seems really inconsistent.
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NeonNova
Your situation reminds me of what happened to my brother. He moved and changed his phone number, then when he tried to file a new claim, he got stuck in verification hell. He ended up going to an in-person EDD office with all his documents. Took about 2 hours of waiting but they fixed it on the spot. Might be worth checking if there's an office near you if the phone route isn't working.
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Mei Liu
•I didn't even realize they had in-person offices still open! Do you know if I need an appointment or can I just walk in? There's one about 30 miles from me that I could try if the secure message doesn't work out.
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NeonNova
•Some require appointments, others take walk-ins. Check the EDD office locator on their website. But definitely bring ALL your documentation - ID, SS card, proof of address, previous claim info if you have it. My brother said they were actually pretty helpful once he got to talk to someone face-to-face.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
I'm dealing with EDD right now for a totally different issue (certification problems), but I've learned that persistence is key. The system is overwhelmed and understaffed. For updating phone numbers specifically, I found out they have a dedicated Identity Alert section you can call at 866-401-2849, which sometimes has shorter wait times than the main line. Might be worth trying that number too.
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Mei Liu
•Thank you for that specific number! I'll add it to my list of options to try. Really appreciate everyone's suggestions - I feel like I have an actual game plan now!
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Liam O'Sullivan
Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? The secure message option or the alternate phone number might be your best bets if you're still stuck.
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Mei Liu
•Update: I tried the secure message route first, waited 2 days with no response, then broke down and used the Claimyr service someone mentioned. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes (after weeks of trying on my own!) and they updated my phone number in the system. Was able to complete my application yesterday and it's now showing as 'processing.' Thanks to everyone for the help - truly saved my sanity!
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Amara Chukwu
•glad u got it fixed!! now get ready for the next nightmare: certification issues 😂
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