EDD won't verify me after creating second ID.me account for SSI application - need help fixing this mess
I seriously messed up and now I'm stuck in ID.me hell with my EDD claim. I already had an ID.me account that I used for something else last year, but completely forgot about it. When I went to apply for unemployment benefits this week, I couldn't remember my login so I just created a whole new account with the same personal info but different email. Now EDD is saying my identity verification failed because of 'multiple accounts detected' and my claim is on hold! I've tried calling ID.me support at least 15 times but can't get through to a real person. Has anyone dealt with this multiple account issue before? How do I get ID.me to merge my accounts or delete one of them so EDD can process my claim? I'm getting desperate since rent is due next week and I really need this unemployment payment to come through.
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Zainab Khalil
u can only have 1 ID.me account per person its in there terms... u need 2 delete the new 1 and use ur original account thats the only way
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Miguel Ortiz
•But that's the problem - I can't remember which email I used for the original account! Is there a way to recover that? And how do I delete the new one if I can't even talk to anyone at ID.me?
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QuantumQuest
Same thing happened to my cousin! He was locked out for like 3 weeks because of the multiple accounts. So frustrating that they make it so hard to fix simple mistakes.
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Miguel Ortiz
•3 WEEKS?? I can't wait that long! Did your cousin ever get it resolved? What did he end up doing?
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QuantumQuest
•Yeah he eventually got through to someone. I think he did a video chat verification thing where he had to show his ID and explain the situation. They deleted the newer account and restored access to the original one.
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Connor Murphy
You'll need to contact ID.me's support directly through their help portal. They have a specific process for handling duplicate accounts. Here's what you should do: 1. Go to help.id.me and submit a support ticket specifically about account recovery/duplicate accounts 2. Be prepared to verify your identity again through their trusted referee video call service 3. They'll need to verify which account should be kept and which should be deleted 4. Once that's resolved, you'll need to contact EDD again to have them re-process your identity verification The frustrating part is that ID.me support can take 3-5 business days to respond to tickets, and EDD won't proceed until this is sorted out. Document all communication carefully for your records.
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Miguel Ortiz
•Thank you for the detailed steps! I'll try submitting a support ticket right now. Is there any way to expedite this process? 3-5 days plus whatever time EDD needs is going to put me in a really tight spot financially.
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Connor Murphy
•Unfortunately, ID.me doesn't have an expedited process that I'm aware of. This happens often enough that they have a standard procedure, but they're not known for quick resolution. After you submit the ticket, check your email frequently (including spam folder) as they may request additional information or verification.
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Yara Haddad
This is EXACTLY why the whole system is broken!! They make everything SO complicated and then when u make one small mistake ur screwed for weeks!!! I had to wait 2 MONTHS last year for a simple issue that could have been fixed in 5 minutes if anyone actually answered their phones!!! The whole EDD/ID.me system is designed to make people give up, I swear!!!
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Keisha Robinson
•While the system certainly has flaws, the ID.me verification requirement was implemented to reduce the massive fraud that occurred during the pandemic. The duplicate account issue is frustrating but actually a security feature working as designed. The real problem is their limited customer support resources making resolution difficult.
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Paolo Conti
I went through this exact nightmare in February! Here's what finally worked for me: 1. I used the 'forgot password' feature on ID.me and entered every email address I could think of until one worked (found my original account this way) 2. Once I got into my original account, I contacted ID.me support through the help center and explained I accidentally created a duplicate account 3. They made me verify my identity again (super annoying) with a video call where I showed my driver's license and social security card 4. After they confirmed I was the rightful account owner, they deleted the newer account and kept the original 5. Then I had to call EDD and explain the situation so they could re-run the identity verification It took about 10 days total, but my claim finally processed after that. Good luck!
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Miguel Ortiz
•This is super helpful, thank you! I'm going to try the forgot password trick with all my email addresses right now. Was there a specific number or option you used to reach EDD in step 5?
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Paolo Conti
•I called the main EDD number at 1-800-300-5616 but it took about 30 attempts over 3 days to actually get through. Once I reached someone, I asked specifically for a claims specialist who could reprocess my identity verification. Regular reps seemed confused about how to handle ID.me issues.
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QuantumQuest
did you try making an ID.me video chat apointment? i think theres a option for account issues somewhere on there website
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Miguel Ortiz
•I've been looking for that option but can't find it. Do you remember where exactly on the site it was?
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QuantumQuest
•not sure exactly but i think it might be under help or support and then theres some options about account problems. my friend said they have weekend appointments too if you cant do weekdays
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Keisha Robinson
This is a common issue that has a specific resolution path. ID.me has a dedicated process for handling duplicate accounts tied to the same identity verification information: 1. First, determine which account you want to keep (typically your original one) 2. Contact ID.me through their support portal at help.id.me and select "I have a different question" option, then explain your situation 3. They'll ask you to verify your identity, likely through their Trusted Referee video call service 4. After verification, they'll deactivate the duplicate account and ensure your original account is properly linked to your identity 5. Once resolved, contact EDD to inform them the ID.me issue has been fixed and request they re-run your identity verification The process typically takes 7-10 business days to fully resolve. For your EDD claim, make sure you continue to certify for benefits while this is being resolved so you don't miss out on any weeks you're eligible for. Your payments will be retroactive once the identity issue is fixed.
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Miguel Ortiz
•Thank you for such thorough instructions! I've started the process and found my original account. One question - should I continue with my weekly certifications even though my claim shows as 'pending' due to the ID verification issue?
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Keisha Robinson
•Yes, absolutely continue your biweekly certifications! This is crucial. Even though your payments will show as pending until the identity issue is resolved, you must keep certifying on time. Once your ID.me issue is fixed and EDD re-verifies your identity, all eligible weeks you've properly certified for will be paid retroactively. Missing certifications could result in having to file additional paperwork or potentially losing benefits for those weeks.
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