How to get EDD benefit verification for utility assistance application?
I'm in a tight spot right now and just applied for some help with my utility bills (SoCal Edison and SoCalGas). The assistance program is asking me to provide verification of my unemployment benefits as proof of income. I have no idea how to get this document or where to find it on the EDD website. I've been receiving UI since February after getting laid off from construction work, but I've never needed to prove it before. Is there some kind of official letter I can download? Do I need to call EDD to request it? Any help would be really appreciated since my utilities are threatening to disconnect service next week if I don't submit everything.
19 comments
Lena Schultz
You can get your benefit verification through your UI Online account. Log in, then look for the option that says "Benefit Programs Online." From there, go to "UI Online" and then "History." You should see a link for "View Benefit Verification" which lets you download a PDF showing your claim info and payment history. You can use that for your utility assistance application.
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Caesar Grant
•Thank you! I'll check that right now. Do you know if it shows the actual payment amounts? The utility assistance form specifically asked for proof of how much I receive bi-weekly.
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Gemma Andrews
just call edd they'll mail u one
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Pedro Sawyer
•Calling EDD is nearly impossible these days - they'll put you on hold for hours and then disconnect you. I tried calling for THREE DAYS straight last month for a different issue. The UI Online method is definitely easier and faster if you can access your account.
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Mae Bennett
I just went through this exact thing for my LIHEAP application!! The EDD verification you need is under UI Online > History > Payment History. That shows each payment with dates and amounts. Then there's a button to download a PDF version - that's what I submitted and it worked fine for LIHEAP. Took about 2 minutes once I found the right place. BTW make sure you're applying for all the assistance you can get. If you qualify for utility help you probably also qualify for CalFresh.
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Caesar Grant
•That's exactly what I'm doing - LIHEAP for my electric and gas! Thanks for the specific directions on where to find it. I did apply for CalFresh last week too but still waiting to hear back.
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Beatrice Marshall
I needed this for my apartment application and tried everything on the website but couldn't find anything that looked official enough. Then I called EDD but could never get through to anyone!!!!! So frustrating!!!! The system is DESIGNED to make it impossible to get help. I finally got through using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this system that calls EDD for you and gets you in the call queue, then calls you when an agent is about to pick up. Saved me days of frustration. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Melina Haruko
•Is that service legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly
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Beatrice Marshall
•It worked for me! The EDD rep I talked to sent me the verification letter the same day. Got it in the mail 3 days later.
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Dallas Villalobos
Everyone saying to use UI Online is assuming your UI Online account is working properly. Mine has been glitching for MONTHS where I can log in but half the features don't work right. The history page just shows a spinning wheel forever. I've reported it multiple times but EDD tech support is useless. If your online account works, great. If not, you'll need to call or visit an office in person. Also, some assistance programs want the OFFICIAL award letter that shows your full claim amount and weekly benefit amount (WBA), not just payment history. So make sure what you're downloading matches what they're specifically asking for.
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Caesar Grant
•You make a good point. I'm not sure exactly what document they want - the form just says 'proof of unemployment benefits'. I'll try the website first and if that doesn't work I guess I'll have to call. My UI Online has been working OK except for that one week when everyone got logged out because of that maintenance thing.
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Gemma Andrews
i had to do this for my landord last month. just screenshot ur payment history page thats wat i did and it workd fine
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Lena Schultz
•Screenshots might work for some landlords, but utility assistance programs and government agencies usually require an official document, not a screenshot. The PDF from the benefit verification section is timestamped and has the EDD letterhead, which makes it an official document they'll accept.
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Mae Bennett
Once you submit the verification, how soon do you need the utility assistance? When I did LIHEAP it took like 6 weeks to process! Just wondering if you have a backup plan since you mentioned disconnection threats.
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Caesar Grant
•Oh no, I didn't realize it would take that long! The disconnection notice says I have 8 days left. I'll call the utility company tomorrow to see if applying for assistance puts a hold on the disconnection. Thanks for the heads up!
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Lena Schultz
One more thing - when you get the verification document, make a few copies or save the PDF somewhere safe. You'll probably need it again for other assistance programs. Also, once you submit your proof to the utility company, call them and let them know you've applied for assistance. Most utility companies have policies that prevent disconnection while assistance applications are pending, but you need to notify them. Don't just submit the paperwork and assume they'll connect it to your account situation automatically.
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Caesar Grant
•That's really helpful advice, thank you! I'll definitely call them after I submit everything. And saving multiple copies is smart - I'll probably need this for other things too.
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Pedro Sawyer
I see a lot of confusion in this thread. Let me clarify the EXACT process: 1. Log into UI Online at https://portal.edd.ca.gov/ 2. Select "UI Online" 3. Click on "History" 4. Select "Payment History" 5. Look for the button that says "View Printable Payment History" 6. The PDF it generates is an official document with your name, claim ID, benefit amounts, and EDD letterhead This document works for LIHEAP, CARE/FERA utility discount programs, housing assistance, CalFresh verification, and pretty much any program that needs proof of unemployment income. I've helped dozens of people navigate this exact process. If for some reason the website method doesn't work, THEN you can try calling, but expect long wait times. The EDD Contact Center opens at 8:00 AM and that's the best time to call if you need to get through.
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Caesar Grant
•Thank you SO MUCH for these detailed steps! I just followed them and found the document. It shows everything I need with all my payment history and the official EDD letterhead. You're a lifesaver!
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