Where to log in and what you need

California's unemployment system uses a single login portal called UI Online, run by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). You reach it at uionline.edd.ca.gov. You will need either your Social Security number or your EDD customer account number, plus a password you create or reset.

The login page itself is straightforward, but many people get stuck because they have forgotten their password or never set one up in the first place. If you filed a claim by phone or in person years ago, you may not have a UI Online account yet — the system does not automatically create one for every person who receives benefits.

Before you try to log in, gather your Social Security number and have a working email address ready. The system will send you password reset links and notifications to that email, so if you use an email you no longer check, you will have trouble recovering access later.

Key Takeaways

  • UI Online at uionline.edd.ca.gov is the only official California unemployment login portal; do not use any other website claiming to be EDD.
  • You need either your Social Security number or your EDD customer account number plus a password to log in.
  • If you have never logged in before, you must create an account first by clicking "Create Account" on the login page.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page and follow the reset steps sent to your email address.
  • The EDD customer service line at 1-833-675-0064 can help if you cannot reset your password or do not know your account number.

Creating a new UI Online account

If you have never logged into UI Online before, you must create an account even if you already filed a claim with EDD. Click the "Create Account" button on the login page. The system will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. You will then create a username and password.

Your username can be anything you choose — it does not have to match your name. Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character (like ! or @). Write this password down somewhere safe, because resetting it later requires access to your email.

After you submit the account creation form, EDD sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. You must click the link in that email within 24 hours to set up your account. If you do not see the email, check your spam folder. If the link expires, go back to the login page and click "Create Account" again to request a new confirmation email.

Resetting a forgotten password

On the UI Online login page, click "Forgot Password." The system will ask you to enter either your Social Security number or your EDD customer account number. If you do not know your customer account number, use your Social Security number instead.

EDD will then send a password reset link to the email address on file with your account. Click that link within 24 hours. You will be taken to a page where you create a new password using the same rules as before: at least 8 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character.

If you do not receive the reset email, wait a few minutes and check your spam folder. If it still does not arrive, the email address on your account may be wrong. Contact EDD at 1-833-675-0064 to update your email address before trying again.

What to do if you cannot log in after trying these steps

If you have created an account, reset your password, and still cannot log in, the problem is usually one of three things: you are using the wrong Social Security number or account number, your account has been locked after too many failed login attempts, or there is a technical issue with the UI Online system itself.

Wait 30 minutes after a failed login attempt, then try again. If your account was locked, waiting usually clears it. If you still cannot log in after waiting, call EDD at 1-833-675-0064. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the email address you used to create your account ready. EDD staff can verify your identity and either unlock your account or help you create a new one.

EDD's phone lines are busiest early in the week and early in the morning. Calling on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon usually means shorter wait times. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Staying safe when you log in

Always type uionline.edd.ca.gov directly into your browser address bar instead of clicking a link in an email or text message. Scammers send fake emails that look like they come from EDD and direct you to fake login pages designed to steal your password and Social Security number.

EDD will never ask you to log in through a link in an email. If you receive an email claiming to be from EDD with a login link, do not click it. Instead, go directly to uionline.edd.ca.gov in your browser. If the email looks suspicious, you can report it to the California Attorney General's office, but do not respond to the email itself.

Once you are logged in, do not share your password with anyone, including EDD staff. Real EDD employees will never ask for your password. If someone calls claiming to be from EDD and asks for your password, hang up and call EDD directly at 1-833-675-0064 to report it.

What you can do once you are logged in

After you log in to UI Online, you can view the status of your claim, see payment history, update your contact information, and certify for benefits if you are required to do so weekly or biweekly. You can also upload documents if EDD has asked you to provide proof of income, identity, or other information.

If you filed a claim and it shows a status of "pending," that means EDD is still reviewing it. If it shows "disqualified" or "denied," there is a reason listed on the page. You can file an appeal through UI Online if you disagree with the decision.

The UI Online system is also where you receive notices from EDD about changes to your claim, requests for information, or decisions about your case. Check your account regularly — missing a important date to respond to a notice can result in your claim being denied or your benefits being stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have an email address?

You need an email address to create a UI Online account and to reset your password. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Once you have an email address, you can create your UI Online account. If you do not have internet access, call EDD at 1-833-675-0064 to ask about phone-based options.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. UI Online works on phones and tablets as well as computers. The website automatically adjusts to fit your screen size. You can log in the same way — go to uionline.edd.ca.gov and enter your username and password.

How long does it take to create an account?

Creating an account takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The longest part is waiting for the confirmation email from EDD, which usually arrives within a few minutes but can take up to an hour. You cannot log in until you click the confirmation link in that email.

What if I filed a claim but cannot find my account number?

Your EDD customer account number appears on any notice or letter EDD sent you about your claim. If you do not have that letter, use your Social Security number instead when you log in or reset your password. You can also call EDD at 1-833-675-0064 and they will give you your account number.

Is UI Online the same as the EDD website?

No. The EDD website (edd.ca.gov) has general information about unemployment programs. UI Online (uionline.edd.ca.gov) is where you actually log in to manage your claim. Make sure you are on the correct site before entering your password.