EDDCAN registration problems - system keeps rejecting my number
I've been trying to register my EDDCAN number for the past 3 days and the system keeps giving me an error message saying 'number not recognized' or sometimes 'account already exists'. I'm 100% sure I'm typing it correctly from the letter they sent me. My benefits were just approved last week after waiting for almost 2 months, and now I can't even access my account to certify! I already missed one certification period because of this. I've called the main EDD number like 50 times but either get disconnected or told 'all representatives are busy'. Anyone know if there's a special tech support number for EDDCAN registration issues? Or any tricks to get this fixed without waiting another month??
19 comments
Cedric Chung
same thing happened to me!!! the stupid system kept saying my EDDCAN was invalid when I KNOW it wasn't. turns out there's a difference between the Customer Account Number (CAN) and the EDD Customer Account Number (EDDCAN). r u sure ur using the right one? the EDDCAN should be 10 digits.
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Hailey O'Leary
Thanks for responding. Yes, I'm definitely using the 10-digit number from the letter that specifically says EDDCAN at the top. It starts with 999-XXXXXX. I even tried entering it with and without the dash, still no luck. Did you ever get yours to work?
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Talia Klein
This is actually a pretty common issue with new claims in 2025. The EDD system sometimes has a 24-48 hour delay between when your claim is approved and when your EDDCAN becomes active in the registration system. A few things to try:\n\n1. Wait until exactly 3 business days after your approval letter's date (not when you received it)\n2. Try registering very early in the morning (around 5am) when system traffic is lowest\n3. Clear your browser cache completely or try a different browser\n4. Make sure you're on the official UI Online registration page (https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm)\n\nIf none of that works, you'll need to speak with an EDD representative. They can manually verify your EDDCAN and fix registration issues on their end.
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Hailey O'Leary
Thanks for these tips! My approval letter is dated 5 days ago so it should definitely be active by now. I've tried different browsers too. Looks like I need to talk to an actual person at EDD somehow...
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Maxwell St. Laurent
OMG the EDD phone system is THE WORST!!!!! i spent 3 weeks trying to get through about my identity verification last month. would call at 8:01am and still got the 'too many callers' message. such bs.
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Hailey O'Leary
Exactly! How can every single representative always be busy? They clearly don't have enough staff. Did you eventually get through to someone?
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Maxwell St. Laurent
ya but only bcuz i got desperate and called like 63 times in one day. started at 8am sharp and just kept redialing til 3pm. finally got through around 2:30. total waste of a day
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PaulineW
I work with UI claims and can tell you that the 'account already exists' error usually means one of two things:\n\n1. You previously had an EDD account (maybe years ago) and need to use the account recovery process instead of new registration\n\n2. There's a mismatch between the personal info you're entering and what's in their system (even small differences like using your full name vs. nickname or a previous address)\n\nThe 'number not recognized' error typically means the EDDCAN hasn't fully propagated in their system yet. \n\nWhat I recommend is calling the technical support line directly at 1-833-978-2511. They handle EDDCAN registration issues and are usually less busy than the regular claim line.
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Hailey O'Leary
This is so helpful, thank you! I did have unemployment about 6 years ago, so maybe that's the issue. I'll try the account recovery process first, and if that doesn't work I'll call the technical support number you provided. Really appreciate the insight!
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Annabel Kimball
I had the same problem with my EDDCAN number last month and it was driving me CRAZY!! I tried calling that tech support number someone mentioned but they just transferred me to regular EDD and I waited for 2 hours before getting disconnected. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr to connect with an EDD rep. I found this service at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km\n\nBasically they navigate the phone system and call you back when they get a representative on the line. The rep I got was able to reset my account and validate my EDDCAN in about 5 minutes. Way better than spending days trying to get through myself.
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Chris Elmeda
sounds sketchy. why would u trust some random service with ur edd info?
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Annabel Kimball
They don't ask for any personal info or account details - they just connect the call. You talk directly with the EDD representative yourself. I was skeptical too but it actually worked and saved me days of frustration.
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Hailey O'Leary
Thanks for the suggestion! I'm getting desperate at this point so I'll check out that video. If I can't get the account recovery to work or reach someone through the tech support line, this might be my best option. I can't afford to miss another certification period.
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Jean Claude
Actually have you tried accessing account recovery as someone mentioned? Look on the login page for
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Hailey O'Leary
That's exactly what I'm trying now based on the advice above! I'm waiting for the recovery email to come through. Fingers crossed this works!
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Cedric Chung
another thing u should know is that if u miss certification deadlines they might close ur claim and make u reapply!!!! happened to my cousin. make sure u call and explain the tech issues so they dont penalize u for late certification
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Hailey O'Leary
Oh no, I didn't know that! That makes it even more urgent to get this fixed. Thanks for the warning.
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PaulineW
Just checking back - were you able to resolve this through account recovery? If not, definitely try the technical support line tomorrow morning right when they open. If you're still having issues, request that they escalate to a Tier 2 specialist who has more system access to resolve EDDCAN registration problems. The key is explaining clearly that this is preventing you from certifying so they understand the urgency.
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Hailey O'Leary
UPDATE: The account recovery process worked!! I feel kinda silly now, but you were right - I had completely forgotten about my old EDD account from years ago. Once I got through the recovery process and reset my password, I was able to log in and see my current claim. Thank you so much everyone for your help! Going to certify for benefits right now before anything else goes wrong!
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