Finally got paid after EDD system upgrade nightmare - what worked for me
Been stuck in unemployment limbo for almost 3 weeks since EDD rolled out their stupid system "upgrade" last month. NOTHING was working! My UI Online account kept saying "system maintenance" or just straight-up crashing whenever I tried to certify. Called like 80+ times and couldn't get through to anyone. My rent was due yesterday and I was seriously panicking. But I FINALLY figured out what worked!! Tried logging in at 4:30am (literally set an alarm) and the site was actually responsive. Was able to certify for both weeks and the money hit my Money Network card THIS MORNING! $1,240 total for the missed weeks. If you're still locked out, try super early morning or late night when the system isn't overwhelmed. Also cleared my browser cache completely before logging in which might have helped. Just wanted to share some hope for anyone else going through this nightmare. Has anyone else gotten through after the system changes?
18 comments
Natasha Kuznetsova
congrats!! im still locked out and my certification deadline is tomorrow...getting really worried. did u try on phone or computer?
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FireflyDreams
•I used my laptop! Phone app was still crashing for me. Make sure you clear your cache first and try super early morning. Good luck!!
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Javier Morales
The system upgrade is affecting thousands of claimants right now. When these updates happen, there are always issues for the first 3-4 weeks as they work out the bugs. A few additional tips for anyone struggling: 1. Clear browser cache AND cookies (not just cache) 2. Try different browsers - Firefox seems more stable than Chrome with the new system 3. If possible, use a desktop/laptop rather than the mobile app 4. Early morning (4am-6am) or late night (after 11pm) typically has less server load 5. If you get a "session timeout" error, wait 30 minutes before trying again (the system needs time to clear your previous attempt) They're gradually adding server capacity but it will take time. If you're approaching your benefit year end or have a pending interview, make sure you document all your attempts to access the system.
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Emma Anderson
•What happens if we miss certification because of THEIR system problems??? Will they backdate it or am I just screwed? I've been trying for days and keep getting error codes!!
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Malik Thompson
You won't be penalized for missing certification deadlines due to documented system issues. EDD is aware of the problems and has extended the certification window for most claimants. You can still certify for up to 14 days after your regular certification date without penalty during this system transition. If you're still unable to access the system after trying the early morning method, you can request a paper certification form by mail. Call the automated line at 1-866-333-4606 and select option 1, then option 7 to request paper forms.
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Emma Anderson
•Thank you so much! I'll try paper certification if I can't get through by tomorrow. I didn't even know that was an option.
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Isabella Ferreira
im in the EXACT same boat!!! tried at 2am last night and STILL couldn't get in. this is such bs. glad it worked for you tho
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CosmicVoyager
I had the same issue but couldn't get through on the website no matter what time I tried. After 4 days of trying to call with no luck, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes. They have this system that keeps calling for you until they get through, then they call you when an agent is on the line. Saved me so much stress! There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD agent was able to manually certify me over the phone and release my payment. Might be worth checking out if you're still stuck and need to talk to someone ASAP.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•does this actually work?? sounds 2 good 2 be true tbh
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CosmicVoyager
•It worked for me! I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days. The EDD rep told me they're getting flooded with calls because of the system issues. Got my payment 2 days after the call.
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Ravi Kapoor
The new system is completely broken. This is just another example of EDD incompetence. Remember the disaster during COVID? SAME THING ALL OVER AGAIN. They spent $25 million on this "upgrade" that doesn't even work. Meanwhile we can't pay our bills or buy groceries because some programmer can't make a functioning website. Pathetic.
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Isabella Ferreira
•PREACH!!! 👏👏👏
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FireflyDreams
Update: My friend just told me she had success using Internet Explorer (of all browsers!!) to access the system. Apparently the new system has some weird compatibility issues with Chrome and Safari. If you're still stuck, maybe try that? Also hearing from others that direct deposit is processing faster than Money Network cards right now.
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Javier Morales
•Internet Explorer is deprecated and no longer supported by Microsoft. You're probably referring to Microsoft Edge, which is built on the same technology as Chrome (Chromium) but handles some web features differently. The compatibility issue is likely related to how the different browsers handle authentication tokens or cookies. If anyone tries Edge and it works, please update here so others know!
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Natasha Kuznetsova
IT WORKED!!!! just got in using Microsoft edge at 5:15am!!! already certified and got confirmation number. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!
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FireflyDreams
So happy it worked for you! Fingers crossed your payment processes quickly. Mine took about 16 hours to go from pending to paid.
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Emma Anderson
I'm confused about something... I just got into the system but it's asking me about "employment search" requirements but I thought I was exempt because I'm on a temporary layoff with a return date? Do I still need to list 3 job contacts with the new system or does the temporary layoff exemption still apply? I don't want to mess this up and get disqualified when I'm supposed to go back to work in 3 weeks. The instructions are so unclear!!
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Malik Thompson
•If you have a definite return-to-work date within 8 weeks of your layoff, you should select "Yes" when asked if you're exempt from work search requirements. The next screen will ask for the reason - select "I am temporarily laid off with a definite return date" and enter your expected return date. The new system requires you to provide this information each certification period, unlike the old system which carried over your exemption status. This is one of the "improvements" in the upgrade that's causing confusion.
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