EDD system rejecting my SSN - keeps saying 'invalid' when filing new claim
I've been trying to file a new UI claim for 3 days and keep hitting a brick wall. Every time I enter my SSN on the UI Online registration page, I get an error message saying my SSN is invalid or doesn't match their records. I triple-checked that I'm entering it correctly. I've had this SSN my entire life and filed taxes with it last year without issues. I even pulled out my physical social security card to make sure I wasn't misremembering a digit. I've tried clearing my cache, using a different browser, and even my phone. Same error every single time. The automated phone system does the same thing - says my SSN doesn't match any records. I've called the regular EDD number about 40 times but never get through to anyone. Has anyone else run into this SSN problem? Did you eventually get it fixed? I'm seriously stressing because my last paycheck from my job is running out and I need to get this claim started ASAP.
17 comments
Ethan Anderson
omg this happened to me back in January!! the system kept rejecting my ssn too. so frustrating!!
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Ava Kim
•Did you eventually get it fixed? What did you have to do?
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Layla Mendes
This typically happens for one of three reasons: 1. There might be a discrepancy between your name as it appears on your Social Security card and how you're entering it in the system (including hyphens, middle initials, etc.) 2. Your employer might have reported your SSN incorrectly to EDD on your wage records 3. There could be a technical issue with your specific account in the EDD database The fastest solution is to speak directly with an EDD representative who can verify your information in their system and make corrections. Unfortunately, as you've discovered, getting through to someone is extremely challenging right now.
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Ava Kim
•Thank you for this detailed explanation. I'm pretty sure my employer reported everything correctly since I've been at the same job for 3 years and my W-2s have always been fine. But I'll double-check the exact spelling of my name against my SS card.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
the EDD system is complete garbage!! i had the same issue and had to wait 6 WEEKS before someone fixed it. by that time i was so behind on bills i almost got evicted. the whole thing is designed to stop people from getting benefits they deserve!!!!
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Ethan Anderson
•Exactly!! The system is rigged to make it as frustrating as possible. they WANT people to give up trying.
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Aria Park
I had this exact issue in February. After trying to call for two weeks, I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that basically calls EDD repeatedly for you and then connects you when they get through. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got connected to an EDD rep, it turned out there was a typo in my birthdate in their system that was causing the SSN validation to fail. The rep fixed it on the spot and I was able to file my claim immediately afterward. Saved me weeks of frustration.
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Ava Kim
•This is really helpful, thanks! I hadn't heard of this service before but at this point I'm desperate enough to try anything. Did they connect you pretty quickly or did it still take a while?
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Aria Park
•It took about 35 minutes for them to get through, which was SO much better than the days I spent trying on my own. Once connected, the actual EDD rep fixed the issue in about 10 minutes.
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Noah Ali
Have you checked your credit report recently? Not trying to scare you, but sometimes SSN rejection can happen if someone else is using your SSN fraudulently. Might be worth checking just to be safe. You can get free reports at annualcreditreport.com
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Ava Kim
•Oh god, I hadn't even considered identity theft. That's terrifying. I'll check my credit report right away. My credit score has been fine but I guess that doesn't mean someone couldn't be using my SSN for employment.
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Chloe Boulanger
When I had this problem in 2025, I found out it was because I had previously filed for disability (SDI) and there was some weird flag on my account. The regular unemployment reps couldn't even see the issue but when I finally got transferred to a tier 2 specialist they found and fixed it. Make sure you ask for a tier 2 rep when you get through!
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Ethan Anderson
•omg this is probably what happened to me too! I was on disability last year before trying to file for unemployment!
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James Martinez
I work in HR and sometimes see this issue with our former employees. Often it's because there's a name mismatch - like if you got married/divorced and your name changed on your SSN records but the EDD still has your old name. Or vice versa. Worth checking!
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Ava Kim
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD this morning using that Claimyr service someone suggested. It actually worked! The rep found that somehow my birthdate was entered incorrectly in their system (off by one digit in the year). She fixed it and I was able to file my claim immediately afterward. For anyone else with this issue, definitely try to speak with an actual representative because it seems like these SSN problems are usually data entry errors in their system that only they can fix. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!
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Layla Mendes
•That's great news! I'm glad you got it resolved. This is actually a common issue - small data entry errors in their system that cause validation failures. For future reference, whenever you get an error that doesn't make sense (especially with identity verification), it's almost always worth getting a live representative to look at your account.
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Ethan Anderson
•congrats!! one less person dealing with EDD nightmares!
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