SDI account error: Can't submit new FMLA claim due to existing account link
I'm having trouble accessing my SDI account to submit a new FMLA claim. When I try to register as a claimant, I get an error saying I'm already linked to an account based on my driver's license. This is true for my older claims, but I need to submit a new one for FMLA and bonding. Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas on how to fix it?
26 comments


Omar Hassan
Ugh, I've been there. The SDI system is a nightmare sometimes. Have you tried calling their tech support? They might be able to unlink your old account or create a new one for you.
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Freya Pedersen
•I've been trying to call for days, but the lines are always busy. It's so frustrating!
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Chloe Anderson
•Pro tip: call right when they open. I got through after only 30 minutes on hold that way.
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Diego Vargas
•30 minutes? Luky you! I was on hold for 3 hours last week ðŸ˜
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CosmicCruiser
I had a similar issue last year. What worked for me was clearing my browser cache and cookies, then trying to register again. It's worth a shot!
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Anastasia Fedorov
Have you tried using a different browser or device to access the site? Sometimes that can bypass weird glitches in the system.
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Freya Pedersen
•I'll give that a try, thanks for the suggestion!
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Sean Doyle
This is a common problem with the SDI system. Here's what you need to do: 1. First, try logging in with your existing account credentials. If that doesn't work: 2. Contact SDI directly and explain the situation. They may need to manually unlink your old account. 3. If you can't get through on the phone, try emailing them at [email protected] 4. Be persistent! Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to get this resolved. 5. While waiting, gather all your FMLA and bonding claim documents so you're ready to submit once the account issue is fixed. Remember, you have a limited time to file for FMLA, so don't let this technical issue delay you too long. If all else fails, you might need to visit an SDI office in person to get it sorted out.
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Zara Rashid
•This is great advice! I wish I had known this when I was dealing with my claim last year.
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Luca Romano
•visiting an office in person is a good last resort. just be prepared to wait ALL day 🙄
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Nia Jackson
I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI
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NebulaNova
•Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Mateo Hernandez
•20 bucks to skip the hold time? Sign me up! 💸
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Nia Jackson
•I was skeptical at first too, but it really did work for me. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Aisha Khan
•Is this even legal? Seems like it might be unfair to people who can't afford it.
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Nia Jackson
•As far as I know, it's legal. It's just automating the hold process. But I get your point about fairness.
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Ethan Taylor
Have you tried reaching out to your HR department? Sometimes they can help navigate these SDI issues, especially for FMLA claims.
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Freya Pedersen
•That's a good idea, I'll check with them tomorrow. Thanks!
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Yuki Ito
This whole system is broken af. Why do we even have to jump through all these hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to? 🤬
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Carmen Lopez
•Preach! 🙌 The government needs to get its act together and fix this mess.
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AstroAdventurer
•ikr? its like they WANT us to give up and not claim our benefits smh
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Andre Dupont
Hey OP, any luck resolving this yet? I'm curious because I might be in the same boat soon.
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Freya Pedersen
•Not yet, still working on it. I'll update when I figure it out!
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Chloe Harris
I ran into this exact same issue a few months ago! What finally worked for me was creating a completely new account using a different email address, then calling SDI to have them merge my old claims history with the new account. It took about 2 weeks to get sorted out, but the rep was able to transfer everything over. Make sure you have your old claim numbers handy when you call - that speeds up the process significantly. Good luck, and don't give up! The system is frustrating but it can be fixed.
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Sadie Benitez
•This is really helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now. When you called SDI to merge the accounts, did you have to provide any specific documentation or was having the old claim numbers enough? Also, did you run into any issues with the new account not recognizing your employment history initially?
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Miguel Hernández
•@Chloe Harris This sounds like exactly what I need to do! Just to clarify - when you created the new account with a different email, were you able to use the same SSN and driver s'license info? I m'worried the system might still flag it as a duplicate even with a new email address. Also, do you remember roughly how long the phone call took to get the accounts merged? I want to set aside enough time when I finally get through to someone. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
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