TeleCert phone system closed - alternative ways to certify for EDD benefits?
I tried to certify for my weekly benefits using the TeleCert system today and got a recording saying they're closed! It's only Thursday afternoon - aren't they supposed to be available 24/7? My internet is down so I can't use UI Online right now. Is there another phone number I can call to certify? My rent is due next week and I REALLY need this payment to go through on time. Has anyone else had this problem recently?
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Dylan Evans
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!
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•Thanks! I didn't realize there was a customer service number that could help with certification too. I'll try calling them tomorrow. Has anyone used this Claimyr thing before? Is it legit?
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Sofia Gomez
telecert is only open certain hours i think. not 24/7 anymore. they cut back on a lot of stuff since covid ended.
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StormChaser
•This is correct. TeleCert hours changed recently. If your internet is down, you can also try certifying at an EDD office with their self-service kiosks. Some public libraries also offer free internet access where you could use UI Online. Always keep track of your certification weeks regardless of which method you use - documentation will help if there are any problems with your claim later.
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Dmitry Petrov
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.
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Ava Williams
•Omg same thing happened 2 me. So frustrating!!! 😡
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Miguel Castro
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.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I had no idea they changed the TeleCert hours. The recording I got didn't mention new hours, just said the system was currently closed. I'll definitely try the main EDD line tomorrow morning.
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Zainab Ibrahim
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
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StormChaser
•The EDD does have a text message notification system, but you cannot actually certify via text message. You still need to use UI Online, TeleCert, or paper forms. The text system only sends you reminders when it's time to certify.
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Dylan Evans
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.
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Dmitry Petrov
•How much did that Claimyr thing cost you? I bet EDD is getting kickbacks from them. The whole system is rigged to make us pay just to get our OWN MONEY that we're entitled to!!! It's disgusting.
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Dylan Evans
•It wasn't that expensive compared to the stress of not getting my benefits. The time I saved was worth it for me since I needed to certify before the deadline. But yes, it's unfortunate we have to use workarounds just to access a government service that should be functioning properly in the first place.
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StormChaser
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.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•Update: I was able to certify! I ended up going to the public library to use their internet and logged into UI Online. Everything went through normally. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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