Need help with certifying without online access - who should I contact at EDD?

You can absolutely certify by phone! It's called TeleCert and the number is 1-866-333-4606. You'll need your SSN and PIN to access it. For general claim questions, the best number is 1-800-300-5616 but it's always jammed. I had the same issue trying to reach them last month and I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - it seriously saved me weeks of frustration. Good luck!

u can also certify by mail they should of sent u the paper forms when u first applied. if not call and ask 4 paper DE 4581 forms

OMG I feel your pain!! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through to someone at EDD last month for my disqualification issue. I must have called 300 times. The system is completely broken!! 😡 Would literally hang up on me every single time after saying they had too many callers. Absolutely ridiculous that a government agency can just not answer the phone!!

Let me clarify some options for you: 1. TeleCert (1-866-333-4606): You can certify by phone 24/7. Have your SSN and 4-digit PIN ready. It's automated but straightforward. 2. Paper Certification: You can request DE 4581 forms be mailed to you by calling 1-800-300-5616. Once you receive them, fill them out and mail them back. Allow 10-14 days for processing. 3. EDD Contact Options: Besides the main number (1-800-300-5616), you can try the UI Self-Service line at 1-866-333-4606 during business hours. Sometimes different numbers have different wait times. 4. Local EDD Office: If you can't reach anyone by phone, you might want to visit your local EDD office in person. They can help with certification issues. The most important thing is to keep certifying on time, even if your previous certifications seem delayed. Missing certification periods can cause bigger problems with your claim. If your payment status is pending after certifying, that's a separate issue that needs resolution by speaking with a representative.

I was in this exact situation last year when my laptop died! What I learned: TeleCert works but it's super annoying because the automated system reads EVERYTHING so slowly. Set aside a good 20 minutes to get through all the questions. The paper forms are reliable but slow - I had a 2-week delay in payment when using them. What a lot of people don't realize is that if you miss your certification window, you can still certify late! You just need to call and speak with a rep to reopen those weeks for certification. They don't make this clear anywhere on their materials, but it's absolutely possible. Call right when they open at 8:00 AM for the best chance of getting through. Mondays and Tuesdays are absolute nightmares for call volume.

Your EDD Customer Account Number (from any EDD correspondence) and your 4-digit UI Online PIN should work for TeleCert. If not, you might need to request a new PIN. Also important: once you regain internet access, check your UI Online inbox regularly. EDD often sends time-sensitive notices that require action within 10 days, and they rarely contact you any other way. Missing these notices can lead to claim problems. For your immediate situation, TeleCert is definitely your best option. It processes immediately just like certifying online. The paper DE 4581 forms are only recommended as a last resort because of the significant processing delays involved.

i tried using that claimyr thing someone mentioned above a few months ago when i couldnt get thru to edd for 3 weeks. it actually worked for me too. got me connected to a rep in like 25 min when id been trying for weeks with no luck. just saying it does work if you need to actually talk to someone.

Update: I used TeleCert yesterday and it went through! The automated system is painfully slow but at least it worked. Still having trouble getting through to an actual person though. I have questions about why my last payment was less than I expected. Going to try the Claimyr thing as a last resort if I can't get through by Friday. Thanks everyone for all your help!