Stuck on EDD identity verification step - need help!

I found a way to solve unemployment identity verification issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_U0JNHb5tw

Ugh, I feel your pain. The online system is a nightmare. I had the same problem last month. Have you tried uploading clearer photos of your ID? Sometimes that helps.

The identity verification step is the worst. I swear they make it difficult on purpose to discourage people from applying. 🙄

I found a way 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 about it: https://youtu.be/0UZGuPWGErg

Here's what worked for me with the identity verification: 1. Make sure all your info matches EXACTLY what's on your ID 2. Use a desktop computer instead of your phone 3. Try using a different browser (Chrome worked best for me) 4. If all else fails, request a paper application Hope this helps! The system is a pain, but don't give up!

am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we have to jump thru all these hoops just to get the benefits we deserve? 😤

Has anyone tried calling the Spanish line? I've heard it's faster, even if you don't speak Spanish.

I went through this same nightmare a few months ago! What finally worked for me was going to a local EDD office in person. I know it's a pain, but they were able to help me get through the identity verification on the spot. You can also try uploading your documents during off-peak hours (like early morning or late evening) when the system isn't as overloaded. The whole process is incredibly frustrating, but hang in there - you'll get through it!

I just went through this last week! One thing that really helped me was making sure my photos were taken against a plain background with good lighting. Also, try clearing your browser cache and cookies before attempting again - sometimes the system gets glitchy if you've tried multiple times. If you're still having issues, you might want to try the ID.me verification option if it's available in your area. It's a bit more involved but tends to work better than the standard upload process. Don't give up - I know it's super frustrating but you'll get through it!

I had the exact same problem a few weeks ago! What finally worked for me was using a scanner instead of taking photos with my phone. The image quality was much better and it went through on the first try. Also, double-check that your name on the application matches your ID exactly - even middle initials matter. If you don't have access to a scanner, try using a scanning app like CamScanner or Adobe Scan on your phone - they usually produce clearer images than the regular camera. The whole process is super frustrating but don't give up!

I just went through this exact same issue last month! Here's what finally worked for me: make sure you're using a strong internet connection (not mobile data if possible), take photos in bright natural light near a window, and most importantly - make sure there's no glare on your ID. I also found that typing in all my info manually instead of relying on auto-fill helped avoid any formatting errors. The system rejected my application 3 times before I figured this out, so don't get discouraged! One more tip - if you have any name changes or discrepancies between your current name and what's on old tax records, gather those documents beforehand because they might ask for them later in the process.

I'm dealing with the same frustrating issue right now! Reading through all these responses is really helpful. I've been stuck on this verification step for over a week now. I tried uploading photos from my phone multiple times but they keep getting rejected. Based on what everyone's saying here, I think my main problems are probably the lighting and image quality. I'm going to try using a scanner at the library tomorrow and make sure to do it during off-peak hours like someone suggested. It's so ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get the help we need, but I appreciate everyone sharing what worked for them. Fingers crossed one of these solutions works for me too!

I just went through this exact same nightmare! What finally worked for me was actually calling the technical support line specifically for the online system (not the general EDD line). The number is harder to find but they can actually see what's going wrong with your verification on their end. In my case, there was a glitch where my photos were uploading but not being processed properly. The tech support person was able to clear my application and let me start fresh. Also, make sure you're not using any browser extensions or ad blockers - they can interfere with the upload process. I know it's incredibly frustrating but don't give up! Sometimes it's a technical issue on their end, not something you're doing wrong.

I just successfully got through the identity verification after being stuck for almost two weeks! Here's what finally worked for me: I used the desktop version of Chrome with ALL extensions disabled, made sure my internet connection was stable (used ethernet instead of WiFi), and took new photos of my ID on a white piece of paper with natural daylight from a window - no flash or overhead lights. The key was making sure there were absolutely no shadows or reflections on the ID. I also made sure to type in all my personal info manually rather than copy/pasting. It went through on the first try after I made these changes! Don't lose hope - the system is definitely finicky but there is a way through it. Good luck everyone!

I'm going through this exact same issue right now! Been stuck on identity verification for over a week and it's driving me crazy. Thank you everyone for sharing your tips - I'm going to try the scanner approach and make sure to use a desktop with good internet connection. Has anyone had luck with calling during specific times of day? I've been trying to get through to someone but the wait times are insane. Also wondering if anyone knows - do they send you any kind of confirmation email when your identity verification actually goes through, or do you just have to keep checking back on the website?

I just want to add my experience to help others who might be struggling with this! I was stuck on identity verification for about 3 weeks and tried everything - different browsers, better photos, calling during off-peak hours, you name it. What FINALLY worked for me was a combination of several tips I saw mentioned here: I went to a local library with a high-quality scanner, scanned my documents at 600 DPI, used a completely fresh browser session (cleared all cache and cookies first), and made sure my name matched EXACTLY including any middle names or suffixes. The whole process took less than 5 minutes once I had the right setup. I know it feels impossible when you're in the thick of it, but don't give up! The system is definitely broken and way more complicated than it should be, but there IS a way through. Sending good vibes to everyone still fighting this battle! 💪

I just got through this after being stuck for 2 weeks! What worked for me was a combination of tips I saw here - used my local library's scanner at 300 DPI, made sure to scan against a white background with no shadows, and most importantly used an incognito/private browser window with all extensions disabled. I also made sure my Wi-Fi was strong and did it around 7 AM when the system was less busy. The photos uploaded perfectly on the first try! Don't give up everyone - this thread has been a lifesaver with all the practical advice. The system is definitely broken but these workarounds really do help! 🙌

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been trying for over a week and getting so frustrated. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful though - I had no idea there were so many technical factors that could affect the upload process. I'm definitely going to try the library scanner method that several people mentioned, and I love the tip about using an incognito browser window. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to become tech experts just to prove our identity for benefits we're entitled to, but I really appreciate everyone sharing what actually worked for them. This gives me hope that I'll finally get past this nightmare step! 🤞

I'm new to this community but going through the exact same frustrating experience right now! I've been stuck on identity verification for about 5 days and was starting to feel hopeless, but reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring. It's clear the system has serious issues, but seeing so many people share what actually worked for them gives me hope. I'm planning to try the library scanner method this weekend along with the incognito browser tip - those seem to be the most consistent solutions mentioned here. Thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences and help fellow community members navigate this broken system. It really makes a difference knowing we're not alone in this struggle! 🙏