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ESD identity verification failed - got the OSI 800 number message

Ughhh I'm freaking out right now. Just tried filing my initial unemployment claim and got this scary message: "We are unable to verify your identity. Please call our Office of Special Investigations at 800-246-9763." Has anyone else seen this? What does it mean? I've never had ANY issues with ESD before and all my ID info is 100% correct. I worked at PNW Manufacturing for 3 years and got laid off last week when they downsized. I'm worried this will delay my benefits for months and I have rent due in 2 weeks. The number sounds like I'm being investigated for fraud or something! Should I be worried??

Giovanni Ricci

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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.

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Amara Eze

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Thanks for responding. Did they resolve it when you called? How long did that take? I'm really worried because I keep hearing horror stories about claims getting stuck for weeks.

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NeonNomad

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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

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Amara Eze

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That's a relief to hear! My DL is current but maybe it's because I moved apartments last month? Though I did update my address with DMV...

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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.

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Dylan Mitchell

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WorkSource can't help with OSI issues directly - they're separate departments. I had to deal with this in February and WorkSource just told me to keep calling. Took me almost a week of calling NON-STOP to get through. The system is completely BROKEN!

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Sofia Martinez

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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

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Amara Eze

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Thank you for this detailed explanation! This makes so much more sense now. I think it might be the address change causing the problem. I'll check out that service - I've been trying to call all morning and just getting busy signals.

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Dmitry Volkov

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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.

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Ava Thompson

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This happened with my son's claim too, another thing that can trigger it is if you've been victim of identity theft in the past. His info was compromised in that big data breach last year and now he gets flagged for extra verification on everything government related.

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Dylan Mitchell

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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!!!

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This is a bit dramatic. Yes, you need to contact OSI, but the system isn't 'designed' to make you give up. They're just understaffed. I got through after about 15 calls spread over 2 days, just by calling right when they opened at 8am.

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Giovanni Ricci

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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.

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Amara Eze

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Finally got through yesterday! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it worked pretty well. The agent said it was flagged because my previous employer had a different address on file than what I entered (I moved during my employment). They just had me email a copy of my driver's license and a utility bill for verification. Said it should be resolved in 3-5 business days. Thanks for checking in!

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