California EDD – How do I verify my identity for the California Employment Development Department?

Fraud alert for Californians

Scammers continue to prey upon those in need of assistance during this pandemic. EDD has reports that individuals are impersonating EDD and ID.me to get individuals to divulge their personal identifying information. Californians should be aware that EDD does not send representatives to homes and neither EDD nor ID.me will contact individuals via social media and other websites.

• If EDD calls claimants, the caller ID may show “St of CAEDD” or the UI Customer Service number 1-800-300-5616 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• If individuals opted in for SMS text alerts, messages are sent from 510-74 or 918-06 to the phone number listed on the unemployment claim.
• For the latest developments involving benefit fraud, visit EDD’s new consolidated “Help Fight Fraud” webpage.

ID.me has partnered with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to help verify your identity for unemployment insurance (UI).

To verify your identity:

1. Visit the California EDD site and click the Benefits Login button as shown.Sign in with an existing EDD account or click the Register Now button to create an account.
2. Next, click the UI Online button pictured below, then File New Claim.
3. When prompted, click Verify with ID.me to create an ID.me account or use your existing account.
4. You will be directed to the ID.me sign-in page.You can sign in to your existing ID.me account or create a new one.
5. Confirm your email address.
6. Select a multi-factor authentication option (MFA).You can receive a passcode via text message or phone call. You can also choose one of the other listed methods which use a phone app or physical key fob to securely send the passcode.
7. Verify your identity.Select Driver’s license or state ID, Passport, or Passport card to upload.You can take a photo with your mobile device or upload from your computer.
8. If you chose to take a photo with your device, follow the onscreen prompts.You’ll be asked to input your phone number. ID.me will send you a text message with a link to your smartphone to take photos of your ID.If you don’t have a smartphone, click here to learn how to verify your identity without a smartphone.
9. When prompted, take and submit a selfie.
10. Enter all other requested information, including your Social Security number.
11. Review and confirm to make sure all your information is accurate.Then click Continue at the bottom of the screen. After ID.me verifies your identity, you will receive a confirmation text message as a way to protect you from fraud.
12. At the end of the process, be sure to click Allow and continue.This step shares your identity information with the EDD.
13. Next, you will be redirected to the EDD site.Some fields will be filled in based on your verified identity, and you will be able to resume your UI claim.If the redirect is unsuccessful, you may need to return to the EDD site and select File a New Claim. Click the Verify with ID.me button and login to your existing account, and you should be successfully redirected to your claim.

Trusted Referee

If you are not able to complete the verification process due to an issue with your documentation, you will be routed to verify your identity over a video call with a Trusted Referee. Wait times may vary. You will need to show your identity documents to a Trusted Referee along with a selfie (a photo of yourself) to complete your verification. 

To learn more about Trusted Referees, click here.

After you’ve completed your verification with a Trusted Referee, follow the steps below to continue with your claim:

1. Return to the California EDD site.
2. Log in to your California EDD account.
3. Return to the File a New Claim process.
4. Fill out the information requested.
5. Provide your ID.me credentials when prompted.
6. Follow the steps for California EDD, then click to Allow them to use your verified identity information.
7. Finalize and submit your new claim.