What's the current EDD phone number for certifying UI benefits by phone?
Can someone please tell me the phone number for certifying my unemployment benefits over the phone? My internet is being super unreliable and I'd rather just call in this time. I tried looking on the EDD website but it's so confusing with all those different numbers. I'm worried about missing my certification window and having my payments delayed. Thanks in advance!
13 comments
Liam Murphy
The EDD Tele-Cert phone number is 1-866-333-4606. You'll need your Social Security number and your PIN to certify over the phone. Make sure you have a pen and paper handy to write down the confirmation number they give you when you're done!
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Sasha Ivanov
•Thank you! Do you know what hours the phone certification is available? I want to make sure I call when the system is up and running.
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Amara Okafor
i think its actual 1-866-333-4606 but u need ur EDD customer acct # not social security
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Liam Murphy
•You actually need both - they'll ask for your SSN first, then your EDD Customer Account Number (which is different from your PIN). Sorry if I wasn't clear about that!
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CaptainAwesome
The phone certification system (Tele-Cert) is available 24/7 at 1-866-333-4606. You'll need your Social Security number, EDD Customer Account Number, and the 4-digit PIN you created. Just follow the automated prompts. I'd recommend calling during off-hours (evenings or early mornings) since the system can sometimes be busy during peak hours. That said, phone certification can be a bit tedious since you have to go through all the questions by listening to each option. If your internet starts working again, the UI Online certification is much faster and you get an immediate confirmation.
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Sasha Ivanov
•Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! I'll try calling tonight when it's hopefully less busy. If my internet stabilizes, I'll switch back to the online system next time.
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Yuki Tanaka
Is anybody else having trouble getting thru on the regular EDD phone number? I've been trying to talk to a representative about a problem with my last payment for DAYS but keep getting the "too many callers" message. The certification number works fine but I need to talk to an actual person!
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Esmeralda Gómez
•I was in the same boat last month - couldn't get through for over a week! I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They basically call EDD for you using their system that gets past the busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Totally worth it when you're desperate to talk to someone at EDD.
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Klaus Schmidt
I just want to add that if you're certifying by phone, make sure you WAIT for the confirmation number at the end! My neighbor hung up too early once and her certification didn't go through, which delayed her payment by two weeks. Also, the automated system speaks really slowly which drives me crazy lol
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Aisha Patel
Just to clarify some important points about phone certification: 1) The correct Tele-Cert number is 1-866-333-4606 2) The system is available 24/7, but occasionally has maintenance periods (usually posted on the EDD website) 3) You'll need your SSN, EDD Customer Account Number, AND your 4-digit PIN 4) Write down your confirmation number 5) For the 2025 certification year, you must also be prepared to provide information about your work search activities Phone certification works well for simple certifications, but if you have variable income, part-time work, or other special circumstances, the online system gives you more flexibility to review and verify your answers before submitting.
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Sasha Ivanov
•This is super helpful! One more question - if I certify by phone this time, can I go back to certifying online next time? Or will I be locked into the phone system?
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Aisha Patel
•You can switch back and forth between phone and online certification methods each time! EDD doesn't lock you into one method or the other. Use whatever is most convenient for your situation each certification period.
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LilMama23
I tried certifying by phone last year and the system kept hanging up on me when I tried to enter my work search information. something about "too many attempts" but I was only trying to enter 3 job contacts! ended up having to go to the library to use their computers and certify online. phone system seems buggy sometimes.
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