Need customer account number to check claim status - never received EDD mail
I helped my son file for unemployment benefits about 3 weeks ago, and now we're trying to check the status of his claim online. The EDD website is asking for a 'customer account number' but he hasn't received ANYTHING in the mail from EDD yet. No paperwork, no confirmation, nothing. We've tried calling but can't get through to anyone. How are you supposed to get this account number if they haven't sent you anything? Is there another way to check claim status without it? His rent is due next week and we're getting really worried. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
21 comments
Join the conversation
Zara Ahmed
The Customer Account Number (CAN) is typically mailed to you within 10 business days after filing your claim. It comes in a document called the 'Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim Filed.' Since it's been 3 weeks, your son should have received it by now. A few things to try: 1. Check if he can log in to UI Online without the CAN using just his SSN, email, and creating a login ID 2. Check if his mailing address was entered correctly when filing 3. If he filed online, try to log in with his email and password from when he created his profile 4. Look through ALL mail carefully - the EDD document sometimes looks like junk mail Unfortunately, without accessing the account, it's hard to know if there are issues with the claim that need to be addressed.
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•Thanks for the detailed response! We just double-checked and his address was entered correctly. We've gone through all his mail multiple times and definitely nothing from EDD. When trying to register for UI Online, it's specifically asking for that customer account number to set up the account. It's frustrating because we can't check if there are issues with his claim since we can't access anything!
0 coins
StarStrider
my brothers claim took FOREVERRRR to get the papers in mail. EDD is so backed up right now!!! try calling the 833 number first thing at 8am, thats how he finally got thru
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•Thanks for sharing! That's actually a bit reassuring to hear we're not the only ones. We'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow. Did your brother have to wait on hold for a long time?
0 coins
Luca Esposito
i waited 4 weeks for my paperwork lol they r so slow. check ur spam folder for emails too, sometimes edd emails end up there
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•Good point about checking spam! Just had him check and unfortunately nothing there either. Seems like the wait times are ridiculous right now.
0 coins
Nia Thompson
I work at a career center and help clients with EDD issues regularly. Some important points: 1. The 10-business day timeframe for receiving EDD paperwork is pre-pandemic guidance. Currently, many claimants are waiting 3-5 weeks for their initial paperwork. 2. Without the Customer Account Number, your options are limited but not impossible: - You can try registering for UI Online by selecting "I don't have a Customer Account Number" - Some people have success using their SSN, zip code, and DOB 3. Most importantly, even without online access, your son's claim IS still being processed. The delay in paperwork doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem with the claim itself. 4. If it's been 3+ weeks, I strongly recommend trying to speak with EDD directly. Morning calls (8:00-8:30am) have the best success rates.
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•Thank you so much for this professional insight! We tried the "I don't have a Customer Account Number" option but it still asks for additional verification information we don't have. It's reassuring to know the claim might still be processing despite not getting paperwork. We'll definitely try calling first thing in the morning.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
After trying to call EDD for 2 weeks straight with no luck, I finally used Claimyr and got through to a rep in under an hour. It's a service that basically calls EDD for you and connects you when they get through. Saved me days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep was able to verify my claim status and tell me why I hadn't received my paperwork (address typo). Might be worth it in your situation since you need to find out what's happening with your son's claim.
0 coins
Luca Esposito
•is that service legit?? seems sketchy to pay someone to call for you
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•Thanks for the suggestion! After trying all morning to get through with no luck, we might try this. At this point, we just need to know what's going on with his claim before his rent is due.
0 coins
Aisha Abdullah
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!! i filed in january and didnt get ANY mail until MARCH. they hope people just stop trying so they dont have to pay. my advice - keep calling EVERY DAY and document everything. when you finally reach someone ask for a TIER 2 specialist because the first people you talk to cant actually do anything!!
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•That's awful you had to wait so long! Thanks for the tip about asking for a Tier 2 specialist - we didn't know there were different levels of representatives. We'll definitely ask for that when we finally get through.
0 coins
Ethan Wilson
Hey there - i was in this EXACT situation last month! Here's what worked for me: 1. I went to the EDD office in person (bring ID and SSN card) 2. They printed my customer account # right there 3. I could then register online immediately Much faster than waiting for mail or trying to call forever. Just google your nearest EDD office and check their hours. Most don't require appointments for simple stuff like this. Hope this helps!
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•This is BRILLIANT! I didn't even think about going in person. There's an office about 30 minutes from us. We'll try that tomorrow morning. Thank you so much for sharing what worked for you!
0 coins
Nia Thompson
Just to follow up on the in-person office suggestion - that's an excellent option. However, be aware that not all EDD offices provide UI claim services. Many are employment service offices only. Before making the trip, call the office first to confirm they handle unemployment insurance issues. The America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) locations are your best bet for in-person UI assistance.
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•Thanks for that clarification! I'll definitely call ahead to make sure they can help with UI claims before we make the trip. Really appreciate all the helpful advice everyone has provided here.
0 coins
NeonNova
Omg this happened to me too my mail got sent to old address even tho I updated it! Make sure ur son checks his old address if he moved recently. EDD systems are SO outdated they sometimes pull old address info.
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•He hasn't moved recently, but that's a good thing to check for others in this situation! Thanks for sharing your experience.
0 coins
Zara Ahmed
Just wanted to update everyone with what EDD told me recently about the expected timeframes in 2025: - Initial claim paperwork: 2-4 weeks (including Customer Account Number) - First payment after certifying: 7-10 days - ID verification with ID.me: 24-48 hours processing - Phone wait times: 2-3 hours on average The system is still catching up after all the pandemic changes. If your son hasn't received anything after 4 full weeks, that's when you should be concerned and definitely need to contact them.
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
•Thank you for sharing these updated timeframes! It's helpful to have realistic expectations. We're going to try the in-person office tomorrow, but if that doesn't work, at least we know we should start getting really concerned after the 4-week mark.
0 coins