TeleCert phone system closed - alternative ways to certify for EDD benefits?

I had the same issue last month. The regular TeleCert line (1-866-333-4606) sometimes has 'technical difficulties' or maintenance periods they don't announce ahead of time. Try calling 1-833-978-2511 instead - that's the general EDD customer service line. They can help you certify over the phone if you explain your situation. I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through quickly instead of spending hours trying to reach them. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. It saved me so much time when I was in this exact situation!

telecert is only open certain hours i think. not 24/7 anymore. they cut back on a lot of stuff since covid ended.

I absolutely HATE how EDD just changes their systems without properly notifying anyone!!! I had the same problem 3 weeks ago and ended up missing my certification window because I kept trying TeleCert. When I finally got through to a rep after calling 43 TIMES, they told me I should have just used UI Online. Well DUH, my internet was out because I couldn't pay the bill BECAUSE I WASN'T GETTING MY BENEFITS!!! The whole system is designed to make us fail.

I've been on unemployment for about 6 months now, and I've learned some workarounds. The TeleCert system is only available from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday now. They changed this about 2 months ago but didn't update all their recordings or website information. If you need to certify urgently and don't have internet, here are your options: 1. Call the main EDD line at 1-833-978-2511 (8am-8pm) 2. Use the AskEDD form to request retroactive certification if you miss your window 3. Go to an America's Job Center location with your EDD Customer Account Number 4. Use a friend or family member's internet to log into UI Online Don't wait too long - if you miss your certification period, it can delay your payments by 1-2 weeks while they process the late certification.

i think u can also text to certify now? my neighbor said he does it that way. not sure how to set it up tho

Just wanted to update that I was able to use Claimyr this morning to get through to EDD in about 10 minutes. The agent was able to help me certify over the phone and said my payment should process normally. So relieved! They also told me the TeleCert system is having ongoing technical issues that they're working on, and confirmed the new hours are 8AM-8PM weekdays only.

Just to clarify some misconceptions in this thread: 1. TeleCert hours are now 8AM-8PM Monday-Friday (this changed in March 2025) 2. There is NO text certification option available currently 3. If you miss your certification window, you can still certify late by contacting EDD 4. The main EDD customer service line CAN help with certifications if you explain your situation Also, if your internet is down, most EDD offices have self-service kiosks available during business hours. This might be the most reliable option if you're having trouble with TeleCert and don't have internet access.

So glad you were able to get it sorted out! The public library is such a great backup option that many people don't think of. For anyone else reading this thread, I'd also recommend downloading the EDD mobile app if you have a smartphone with data - it's not perfect but can be a lifesaver when your home internet is down. Also, if you're ever in this situation again, some coffee shops and fast food places offer free WiFi that you could use to quickly certify through UI Online. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops, but at least there are multiple backup options available.

I've been dealing with EDD for over a year now and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help others in similar situations. First, if you're having trouble with both TeleCert and don't have internet access, you can actually call your local EDD office directly - they often have shorter wait times than the main customer service line. Second, if you're tech-savvy, you can use your smartphone's hotspot feature to create internet for a laptop/computer if you have unlimited data. Third, many community centers and workforce development offices also have free computer access specifically for unemployment-related tasks. The key is having multiple backup plans because, let's be honest, EDD systems go down more often than they should. Also, always screenshot or write down confirmation numbers when you successfully certify - I've had payments "disappear" and having that documentation saved me weeks of headaches trying to prove I certified on time.

Another option that worked for me when I was in a similar bind - if you have a smartphone, you can often find free WiFi at McDonald's, Starbucks, or even some gas stations. I've certified for benefits sitting in a McDonald's parking lot before when my home internet was out. Also, if you're really desperate and it's close to your certification deadline, some EDD offices have extended hours on certain days. I'd call ahead to check, but the San Francisco office used to stay open until 7 PM on Thursdays. One more thing - if you use UI Online, make sure to certify early in your window (like Sunday morning) rather than waiting until the last day. The system gets overloaded toward deadlines and you might face technical issues. Hope this helps someone avoid the stress you went through!

Just wanted to add another resource that saved me when I was in a similar situation last month. If you have a public library card, many library systems now offer mobile hotspot lending programs where you can actually check out a WiFi device for a few days, just like a book! I borrowed one from the LA Public Library when my internet was cut off and it was a lifesaver for keeping up with my certifications and job search requirements. Also, for anyone struggling with the phone systems - I found that calling right at 8 AM when they open gives you the best chance of getting through quickly. The wait times get progressively worse throughout the day. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in workarounds just to access basic services, but I hope sharing these tips helps someone avoid missing their certification window like I almost did!

I'm going through a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea about so many of these backup options. One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're a student or know someone who is, many college campuses have 24/7 computer labs that are open to the public or have guest access policies. I used the computer lab at my local community college last week when I was having internet issues at home. They usually have fast, reliable internet and it's a quiet place to handle important stuff like EDD certifications. Also, some Walmart locations have free WiFi that reaches into their parking lots if you need a late-night option when other places are closed. It's really frustrating that we have to get creative just to access our benefits, but I'm grateful for communities like this where people share practical solutions!

This thread is such a goldmine of practical advice! As someone who's been on unemployment for about 8 months, I wish I had known about half of these workarounds earlier. I wanted to add one more option that helped me recently - many senior centers and community centers also have free computer access during the day, and they're often less crowded than libraries. The staff there is usually really helpful too if you need assistance navigating the UI Online system. Also, pro tip: if you do end up using public WiFi anywhere, make sure to log out completely when you're done and consider changing your EDD password afterward for security. I learned this the hard way when someone tried to access my account after I used an unsecured network. It's sad that we have to become tech support experts and security specialists just to get our benefits, but the collective knowledge in this community is amazing. Everyone's suggestions could literally be the difference between someone making rent or not!

Reading through all these solutions is incredibly eye-opening! I've been on unemployment for just 2 months and had no idea there were so many backup options when the main systems fail. One thing I'd like to add that saved me recently - if you have a local One-Stop Career Center (America's Job Center), they not only have computers and WiFi, but the staff there are specifically trained to help with EDD issues. They walked me through the entire certification process when I was confused about some of the questions. Also, many of these centers offer workshops on navigating unemployment benefits that can be really helpful for newcomers like me. The fact that we need this many workarounds just to access basic services is pretty ridiculous, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people share real solutions instead of just complaining. Definitely bookmarking this thread - it's like a survival guide for dealing with EDD's technical issues!

This entire thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone who's been dealing with EDD for about 4 months now, I can't believe how many backup options I didn't know about. I've had to deal with the TeleCert system going down twice, and both times I just kept calling back hoping it would work - never occurred to me to try the main customer service line or look for alternative internet access. The library mobile hotspot lending program mentioned earlier sounds amazing - I'm definitely going to check if my local library offers that. It's really frustrating that we have to become experts in workarounds just to access our own benefits, but this community is incredible. Everyone sharing practical solutions instead of just venting makes such a difference. I'm saving this whole conversation as my "EDD emergency backup plan" reference guide. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and tips - you might be saving someone from missing rent or other essential payments!

Wow, this thread is absolutely incredible! As someone who just started collecting unemployment benefits last week, I had no idea there were so many backup options when the main EDD systems fail. I was panicking thinking I'd have to choose between certifying on time or having internet at home. The suggestions about public library WiFi, mobile hotspot lending programs, community centers, college computer labs, and even McDonald's parking lot WiFi have completely changed my perspective on how to handle these situations. I'm definitely going to map out all the free WiFi locations and computer access points in my area as a backup plan. The tip about calling right at 8 AM is golden too - I'll remember that for next time. It's really unfortunate that we have to become creative problem-solvers just to access basic government services, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing practical solutions. This thread is like the ultimate EDD troubleshooting guide that should be required reading for anyone navigating unemployment benefits. Thank you all for taking the time to help each other out - it really restores faith in people looking out for one another during tough times!