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Mia Roberts

EDD security questions forgotten - can I reset by phone with other verification?

I'm completely stuck with my UI Online account! EDD is forcing me to change my password (probably part of their new security updates), but before I can do that I need to answer the security questions I set up like 2 years ago. Problem is, I have ZERO recollection of what answers I gave. Not even a clue. Has anyone dealt with this? If I call EDD and can verify my identity with my SSN, ID, and other personal info, will they let me reset those security questions? Or am I basically locked out of my account forever? Really stressing since I just got laid off and need to reopen my claim ASAP.

The Boss

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omg same thing happened to me!! those security questions are so stupid, like who remembers that stuff from years ago? i ended up locked out for 2 weeks

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Mia Roberts

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2 WEEKS?? I can't wait that long! Did you eventually get it fixed or did you have to create a new account?

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You're not screwed, but it's gonna take some patience. Call the EDD technical support line at 1-833-978-2511 (not the regular UI line). They can verify your identity through other means and reset your security questions. Make sure you have your ID, SSN, and address ready. I recommend calling right when they open at 8AM for shortest wait times.

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Mia Roberts

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Thank you! I'll try calling that number tomorrow morning. Did you have to wait on hold for hours? That's been my experience with EDD in the past.

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When they asked me security questions I just kept guessing until I got locked out completely lol! But then I had to go through ID.me verification all over again which was a huge pain. Don't do what I did!

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Mia Roberts

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Yikes, I definitely don't want to get completely locked out. I've already been through the ID.me process once and it was enough of a headache the first time!

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Jasmine Quinn

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I had this exact same problem last month! So frustrating. I called for DAYS and couldn't get through to anyone at EDD. I was about to lose my mind when someone suggested I try Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's this service that basically calls EDD for you and gets you connected to a real person. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Totally saved me when I needed to reset my security questions. The EDD rep verified my identity over the phone and reset everything in about 10 minutes once I actually got through.

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Mia Roberts

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I've never heard of Claimyr before but I'll definitely check it out if I can't get through tomorrow morning. Did you have to wait long after using their service?

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The Boss

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is that service legit?? sounds too good to be true tbh

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Oscar Murphy

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This is a common issue, especially with the EDD's recent security updates. When you call, make sure you specifically tell them you need a "security question reset" - using those exact words helps get you to the right department faster. Also, they'll likely need to verify additional information beyond just your SSN: - Full name and DOB - Last employment details - Last certification date - Last payment amount I also recommend checking if you can access your account through ID.me first, as sometimes that provides an alternate verification path when security questions fail.

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Mia Roberts

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Thank you for the detailed information! I'll definitely use those exact words and have all that verification info ready. Do you know if they'll be able to reset it during the same call, or is it a multi-step process?

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Oscar Murphy

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In most cases, they can reset it during the same call if you have all the verification information ready. You'll create new security questions immediately, and they'll send a temporary password to your email. The whole process usually takes about 15-20 minutes once you reach a representative.

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Nora Bennett

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why does EDD make EVERYTHING so complicated???!!!!! i swear they WANT us to fail at getting our benefits. the whole system is designed to be frustrating. security questions from 2 years ago? really??? who remembers that stuff!!!! i bet they're laughing at us struggling just to log in

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Ryan Andre

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I don't think they're intentionally making it difficult. The security measures are there to prevent fraud, which was a huge problem during the pandemic. But I agree they could definitely improve their account recovery processes to be more user-friendly while maintaining security.

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Ryan Andre

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Good news - I just helped my sister with this exact issue last week. Once she got through to an EDD representative, they were able to verify her identity using her driver's license number, last employer information, and the last few digits of her bank account where benefits were deposited. They reset her security questions right there on the phone. One important tip: when setting up new security questions, choose answers you'll actually remember or better yet, write them down somewhere secure. Many people create elaborate or tricky answers thinking it's more secure, but then forget them. Simple, memorable answers stored in a password manager are your best bet.

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Mia Roberts

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That's exactly what I did wrong - created "clever" answers I thought I'd remember but clearly didn't! This time I'll definitely write them down in my password manager. Thanks for the advice!

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I think they've started allowing you to reset thru the website.. go to 'forgot password' and check for a new option maybe?

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Oscar Murphy

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Unfortunately, EDD specifically requires answering the security questions when using the 'forgot password' option. That's the exact problem the original poster is experiencing. There's no self-service option to reset security questions - it requires calling EDD directly.

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Just wanted to update that I called the technical support number this morning using the advice here, and they reset my security questions! Took about 35 minutes on hold but the rep was super helpful once I got through. Now I can access my account again. Thanks everyone for your help!

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Mia Roberts

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Wait, are you me? I'm the original poster lol. But I'm glad it worked out for you too! I'm calling first thing tomorrow.

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Oops sorry! I thought I was on a different thread about the same issue. Getting confused with all these EDD problems! Good luck tomorrow!

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I went through this nightmare about 6 months ago! Pro tip: before you call, gather ALL your documentation - W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements showing EDD deposits, etc. The more verification info you have ready, the faster they can help you. Also, if the first rep can't help, politely ask to be transferred to a "tier 2" specialist - they have more authority to reset account security settings. Don't give up after one call if it doesn't work out!

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This is really helpful advice! I definitely don't have all my documentation organized yet. Quick question - do you remember roughly how long the whole process took once you got through to a tier 2 specialist? I'm trying to plan my day around making these calls since I know EDD wait times can be unpredictable.

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Leo McDonald

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I actually just went through this exact same situation last week! The technical support line at 1-833-978-2511 is definitely your best bet. I called at 8:02 AM and only waited about 25 minutes, which was way better than I expected. The rep was able to reset my security questions after verifying my SSN, address, last employer, and the email associated with my account. The whole process took maybe 15 minutes once I got through. One thing that really helped - I had my last benefit payment amount ready (you can check this in your bank account if you remember when you last got paid). They asked for that as additional verification. Also, when you set up your new security questions, pick answers you'll actually remember! I learned my lesson and went with simple, straightforward answers this time instead of trying to be too clever. Good luck tomorrow morning - you've got this! The stress is totally understandable but it's definitely fixable.

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Anthony Young

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This is so reassuring to hear! I'm definitely calling tomorrow at 8 AM sharp. I have my last payment amount saved in my bank app so that should help with verification. Really appreciate you sharing the timeline too - knowing it only took 15 minutes once you got through makes me feel way less anxious about this whole situation. I'm definitely going with simple answers this time around!

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Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, you can also try visiting a local EDD office in person if there's one near you. I know it's not convenient, but sometimes the in-person staff can help with account issues like this when the phone lines are swamped. Bring all your ID documents and any paperwork you have from your previous claim. They were able to reset my security questions on the spot when I had a similar issue last year. Worth considering as a backup option if the phone calls don't work out!

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That's a great backup option to know about! I actually hadn't thought of going in person. Do you know if most EDD offices handle these kinds of account issues, or do I need to look for a specific type of office? I'm worried about making the trip and then finding out they can't help with security question resets. Also, did you need to make an appointment or was it walk-in service?

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Paolo Rizzo

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I went through this exact same frustration about 3 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I called the EDD technical support line (1-833-978-2511) at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday and got through in about 20 minutes. The rep was really helpful once I explained I needed a "security question reset" due to forgotten answers. They verified my identity using my SSN, full name, DOB, last employer info, and surprisingly they also asked for my mother's maiden name (which was one of my original security questions I couldn't remember - ironic!). The whole reset process took about 10 minutes once they confirmed my identity. Pro tip: When you set up your new security questions, use your phone's notes app to write down both the questions AND answers immediately. I made that mistake the first time thinking I'd remember, but honestly who remembers what their "first pet's name" was from 2 years ago when you've had multiple pets? Also bring up your bank account while on the call - they might ask for your last payment date or amount as extra verification. Having all that info ready speeds things up significantly. You should be able to get back into your account the same day. Hang in there!

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