Changed direct deposit info and ESD triggered fraud verification - what to expect?

This is completely normal and actually a good security feature! The same thing happened to me in February when I got a new checking account. It took them exactly 3 business days to verify my ID and approve the new direct deposit info. Just make sure you uploaded clear photos where all the info on your ID is readable. Keep filing your weekly claims as normal during this time - they'll get processed once your account is verified.

Thanks for the quick response! That's reassuring to hear it only took 3 days for you. Did you get any confirmation email after they verified your ID, or did the system just start working again?

omg ESD is literally THE WORST with this stuff!!!! i changed my bank info last month and they froze EVERYTHING for TWO WEEKS!!!! no warning, no nothing. called them 500 times and nobody picked up. meanwhile bills piling up and they dont care AT ALL

Unfortunately I had a similar experience. I uploaded my ID verification docs and heard nothing for 9 days. When I finally reached someone (after dozens of calls), they said my photos weren't clear enough even though they never notified me! Had to resubmit everything and wait another 5 days. Document EVERYTHING and keep detailed notes of when you uploaded your verification.

Does anyone know if we need to verify identity again if we switch banks a second time? My current bank is being acquired by another one, so I might need to update my direct deposit info again soon and I don't want to go through this hassle twice in one year.

Yes, ESD's system automatically flags for verification anytime banking info changes - it's a fraud prevention measure. Bank mergers sometimes don't trigger it if the routing numbers stay the same, but be prepared just in case. Better to be safe than sorry with unemployment benefits.

Ugh that's frustrating but makes sense I guess. Thanks for the info!

I had to go through this same ID verification thing back in March when I updated my banking info. It was annoying but I will tell you what worked for me to speed things up. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3\n\nOnce I got through to someone, they were able to check my verification status and actually process it while I was on the phone. Saved me a ton of stress since I was also worried about rent.

Thanks for the tip! If I don't hear anything by Monday, I'll definitely check this out. Did you have to explain your situation multiple times or were they able to see the pending verification in their system right away?

They could see it in their system right away. The agent just asked for my SSN to pull up my account, then confirmed they could see I had uploaded verification documents. She put me on a brief hold, reviewed them while I was on the phone, and approved everything. Super easy compared to waiting for weeks!

my cousin works for esd (not supposed to tell anyone lol) but she says they're SUPER backed up right now with these verifications. like hundreds per day because of some big fraud ring they caught last month. she said best thing is to call first thing when they open at 8am and specifically ask for the identity verification team.

I need to correct some information here. ESD doesn't have a specific \

Thank you for the accurate information! I'll make sure to file my weekly claim on Sunday as usual. I'll give it a week before I start really worrying then. Appreciate everyone's help!

Quick question to add to this discussion - does anyone know if updating your mailing address also triggers the same ID verification process? I'm planning to move next month and wondering if I should update my bank info and address at different times to avoid multiple verification delays.

Yes, changing your address can also trigger verification, though not always. It depends on ESD's current security protocols. I'd recommend updating both at the same time so you only have to go through verification once. But give yourself plenty of buffer time before you need your next payment, just in case there are delays.

That makes sense, thank you! I'll plan to make both changes right after receiving a payment to maximize the time buffer.

i dont get why everyone complains about the verification????? would you rather have your identity stolen and someone else getting your benefits??? this happened to my brother and it took MONTHS to fix. the few days delay is worth the security imo

easy to say when ur not about to get EVICTED bc of ESD delays!!! some of us live paycheck to paycheck and cant just wait weeks for \

Both perspectives are valid here. The security measures are necessary to protect everyone, but ESD could definitely improve their communication about the process and expected timelines. When you're depending on that money for basic needs, even a few days delay can be really stressful without proper notice.

UPDATE: Just wanted to close the loop on this for anyone who finds this thread later. My ID verification was completed today (took 4 business days). I received an email notification, and when I logged in, I could see my payment status had changed from

That's great news! Thanks for coming back to update us. It's really helpful for others to see real timelines for these processes.

lucky you!!! glad it worked out faster than mine did!