ESD identity verification failed - got the OSI 800 number message

Don't panic yet, this happened to me in January. It's usually just a verification issue with your SSN or ID info, not actual fraud suspicion. Call that number ASAP though - the longer you wait, the longer it'll take to resolve. Bring your ID, SS card, and latest paystub when you call because they'll probably ask for additional verification docs.

yeah this isnt nessessarily fraud, its just there stupid systems. my wifes claim got this message cause her drivers license had her maiden name not her married name that she filed under. took like 4 days to fix after she called

I got this same message when I applied last year. The OSI number is extremely difficult to get through on - I spent 3 days trying to reach someone. When I finally got through, they just needed to verify some information because there was a mismatch between my current address and what was on file with some other government database. DO NOT WAIT to call them. The verification hold will prevent your claim from being processed at all until it's resolved. If you can't get through on the phone, try going to your local WorkSource office in person - sometimes they can help escalate these issues.

When you get this message, it means their automated identity verification system couldn't match your information across multiple databases. This happens for many legitimate reasons: 1. Recent name change 2. Address mismatch 3. SSN typo when entering 4. Recent change in immigration status 5. Credit freeze that blocks verification The OSI phone line is extremely busy since they handle all verification issues. I recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they have a system that keeps dialing until it connects you. Saved me hours of redial frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once you get through, they'll ask for additional documentation. Have ready: - Photo ID - Social Security card - Recent paystub - Birth certificate (sometimes) - Address verification (utility bill

In 2025, ESD has been using a stricter identity verification system to prevent the fraud issues they had during COVID. Here's what you need to know: 1. This message is common and doesn't mean you're suspected of fraud - it's just a verification flag 2. The OSI team handles ALL identity verification issues, not just fraud cases 3. You should continue filing your weekly claims even while this is being resolved 4. Resolution typically takes 3-10 business days after you successfully reach them 5. Once verified, benefits are typically paid retroactively The most important thing is documenting your call attempts. Note the date/time of each attempt in case you need to request backdating due to their delays.

KEEP CALLING THAT NUMBER!!!! Don't give up! I got this same message and it took me 47 CALLS to get through. The system is DESIGNED to make you give up. Once I finally got through, the agent took care of it in 10 minutes. They asked for my ID and last paystub. Had to email photos of them while on the phone. Benefits started 5 days later. DON'T listen to people saying to wait or that WorkSource can help. ONLY THE OSI TEAM can fix this and you MUST get through on that number!!!

Any update? Were you able to get through to OSI? Curious how it worked out since I'm helping my brother with the same issue right now.

Great to hear you got through! For anyone else dealing with this, I want to add that timing matters a lot when calling OSI. I had the same identity verification issue last month and found that calling right at 8:00 AM when they open gives you the best chance. Also, if you're using a VPN or have recently traveled out of state when filing, that can sometimes trigger their fraud detection systems too. The whole process is frustrating but once you get past the verification hurdle, everything moves pretty smoothly. Glad your issue is getting resolved!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago. The OSI verification process is definitely scary when you first see that message, but it's way more common than you'd think. In my case, it was triggered because I had recently gotten married and changed my name, but hadn't updated it everywhere yet. One thing I learned that might help others - when you finally get through to OSI, they can actually expedite your case if you explain that you have immediate financial hardship (like rent due soon). They have a priority queue for people in urgent situations. Also, make sure to ask for a case reference number when you speak with them so you can follow up if needed. The whole ordeal took about a week from start to finish for me, and I did get all my back benefits once it was resolved. Hang in there - it's stressful but very solvable!

I went through this exact same situation in December! Got the OSI message and completely panicked thinking I was being investigated. Turns out it was just because I had recently updated my address with the post office but not with all my other accounts, so there were mismatches in their system. A few tips that helped me get through faster: - Call right at 8:00 AM sharp when they open (as others mentioned) - Have ALL your documents ready before calling: driver's license, social security card, recent paystubs, utility bills - Write down exactly what information you entered on your claim so you can reference it - Be prepared to potentially email documents while you're on the phone with them It took me about 12 attempts over 3 days to get through, but once I did, the actual verification only took about 15 minutes. The agent was actually pretty nice and explained everything clearly. Got my benefits approved 4 days later with full back pay. Don't let the scary language in that message freak you out too much - it's really just their standard identity verification process, not an actual fraud investigation. You'll get through this!