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ID.me account suspended but need to file EDD claim - stuck in limbo!

I'm in a complete mess right now with EDD and ID.me. My workplace shut down last month (retail bankruptcy), and I've been trying to file for unemployment, but my ID.me account got temporarily suspended right when I started the application process! I've sent THREE separate emails to ID.me support since last Thursday and haven't heard ANYTHING back. Meanwhile, I'm watching my savings disappear daily. Has anyone dealt with this nightmare before? Can I somehow bypass the ID.me verification temporarily to get my claim started? Or is there another way to contact ID.me besides their seemingly useless support email? I'm seriously panicking about making rent next month if I can't get this resolved soon.

Unfortunately, you can't bypass ID.me verification to start your claim. It's a required security step for EDD applications now. Three things you should try immediately: 1. Call ID.me directly at (866) 775-4363 instead of just emailing. Their phone support can often resolve suspension issues faster than email. 2. Try their video chat verification option through their website. Sometimes account suspensions can be overridden through direct verification with a representative. 3. If you're still stuck, you might need to contact EDD directly to explain your situation. They might have alternative verification procedures.

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Thanks for the quick reply! I tried calling that number this morning but got stuck in their automated system that just kept telling me to email support...but I'll try again tomorrow. I didn't see a video chat option when I logged in (probably because my account is suspended), but I'll look for it again. Do you know if EDD has a specific department that handles ID.me issues?

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OMG ID.me is THE WORST!!! My account got locked for 3 weeks last year and I almost lost my apartment waiting for them to fix it!!! email is useless

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3 WEEKS??? Omg I can't wait that long. Did you end up doing anything special to get it fixed, or did they eventually just respond to your emails?

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they finally fixed it after i kept calling and calling. dont just rely on email!!!

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I work at an unemployment advocacy group, and this is a common issue we're seeing. There's a specific process to follow when your ID.me account is suspended during an EDD application: 1. First, check if you can still log into ID.me at all - if you can, immediately request a "Verification Review" under your account settings. 2. If completely locked out, request a manual verification through ID.me's trusted referee video call option. Look for "Verify with an ID.me Trusted Referee" on their website. 3. Document everything - screenshot error messages, save email communications. 4. If it's not resolved in 5 business days, you can file an interim claim with EDD by calling them directly and explaining that you're experiencing ID.me technical difficulties. The key is persistence and documentation. EDD can sometimes use alternative verification methods if ID.me is causing extended delays.

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This is super helpful! I can log in, but it just says "Account temporarily suspended - contact support" with no other options. I'll look for that verification review option though. I'll definitely start documenting everything too. Thank you!!

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my sister had similar issue, she said ID me locked her out cuz she tried too many times with wrong password maybe?? idk but she had to wait like 10 days i think??? then she had to upload her docs all over again

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That's not exactly the same issue. The OP's account is suspended, not just locked from too many password attempts. A suspension usually requires manual review by ID.me's security team, which is why contacting them directly is so important.

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Have you tried making a completely new ID.me account with a different email address? I know someone who did that when their account got stuck in verification limbo. Not saying it's officially allowed, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do when rent is due...

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I strongly advise against creating multiple ID.me accounts. This violates their terms of service and could potentially flag both accounts as fraudulent, making the situation much worse. ID.me uses SSN verification, so they would likely detect duplicate accounts anyway. Stick with resolving the suspension on your original account.

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I was actually wondering about this but was worried it might make things worse. Thanks for the clarification - I'll stick with trying to fix my current account.

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I went through this exact nightmare in February! After a week of frustration, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me reach an actual EDD agent who was able to guide me through an alternative verification process while my ID.me issues were being resolved. It wasn't free, but it saved me weeks of delays. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD agent I spoke with confirmed they have procedures for people with ID.me technical issues, but you HAVE to speak with a tier 2 specialist to get it handled. Regular customer service reps will just tell you to wait for ID.me to resolve it.

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Thank you! I hadn't heard of this service before. I just watched the video and it looks promising. It would be worth it if I can actually talk to someone who can help. Did the EDD agent actually walk you through an alternative to ID.me, or did they just help you start your claim while waiting for ID.me to fix things?

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They didn't completely bypass ID.me, but they added notes to my account about the technical difficulties and helped me submit identity documents directly to EDD in the meantime. This allowed my claim to be processed while ID.me was still resolving my account issues. The key was getting to a tier 2 specialist who knew the workaround procedures.

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Has anyone noticed that EDD's requirement to use ID.me creates these single points of failure that completely block people from accessing benefits they're entitled to? It's ridiculous that you can't even START a claim if ID.me is having issues. The system is designed to make it difficult to get benefits, change my mind.

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PREACH!!! 👏👏👏 the whole system is broken on purpose!

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While I understand the frustration, ID.me was implemented to reduce the massive fraud EDD experienced during the pandemic. Over $30 billion in fraudulent claims were paid out. The system isn't perfect, but there are legitimate reasons behind the verification requirements.

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One important update: As of January 2025, EDD has implemented a temporary verification exception process for cases where ID.me verification is delayed more than 7 business days. You need to: 1. Contact EDD's technical support line at 1-855-327-7057 2. Request the "ID Verification Exception Form" (DE 1326E) 3. Submit the completed form with copies of your ID documents 4. Continue working with ID.me to resolve the suspension This exception process won't fully approve your claim, but it will allow EDD to begin processing it while you resolve the ID.me issues. Your first payment may be delayed until full verification is complete, but at least your claim will be in the system.

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This is EXACTLY what I needed to know! Thank you so much! I'll call that number first thing tomorrow. I had no idea this exception process existed. Hopefully I can get that form and at least get my claim started while dealing with ID.me.

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Just curious - what do you think caused your ID.me account to get suspended in the first place? Did you get any specific error message or explanation?

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Honestly, I have no idea! I created the account, verified my email, and was in the process of uploading my driver's license when I got logged out. When I tried to log back in, I got the suspension message. No explanation at all, which is making this even more frustrating. I'm wondering if maybe their system flagged something because I was using a new computer?

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Based on your situation and timeline, I'd recommend taking these steps in this order: 1. Tomorrow morning, call EDD technical support (1-855-327-7057) first to request the ID Verification Exception Form 2. Then try ID.me's direct support line again, but this time when you hit their automated system, try pressing 0 repeatedly or saying "agent" - sometimes this bypasses the automation 3. While waiting for responses, gather all your identity documents (driver's license, passport if you have one, social security card, and a utility bill or lease with your name and address) 4. Document all your attempts to resolve this with dates and times The good news is that once your claim is eventually processed, you'll receive all backdated payments from your original filing date. So while this is incredibly stressful now, you won't lose any benefits you're entitled to.

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Thank you for laying out a clear plan! That's exactly what I needed. I'll start with EDD tomorrow and then try the ID.me line with your tips. It's reassuring to know I won't lose any benefits once this gets sorted. I'll gather all my documents today so I'm ready to go.

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