EDD Expands Online Identity Verification, Streamlining Benefit Access for California Residents

LAPost/Sacramento, Calif. (July 29, 2026) — The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has expanded its online identity verification system, allowing customers applying for Unemployment Insurance, State Disability Insurance (SDI), and Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits to verify their identities directly through Socure within the myEDD portal.

The new process is designed to improve security while making it faster and easier for Californians to access benefits. According to EDD, more than 80% of customers complete identity verification within seconds, helping reduce processing delays and improving the overall customer experience.

EDD first introduced Socure for unemployment insurance applicants in August 2025. The system was expanded in June 2026 to include all online applicants for unemployment, disability, and Paid Family Leave benefits. Since its launch, more than 415,000 customers have successfully verified their identities using the platform.

For most applicants, identity verification is completed entirely within myEDD without requiring multiple logins or navigating to separate websites. Socure verifies customer information by securely matching data with multiple trusted sources in real time.

If additional review is required, customers may be directed to ID.me for enhanced identity proofing, which can include document uploads and credential verification. Applicants who are unable to complete verification through either platform will have their information manually reviewed by trained EDD staff, who make the final determination regarding identity verification.

EDD emphasized that protecting customers’ personal information remains a top priority. The department said all verification procedures comply with strict state and federal privacy requirements, and only the minimum amount of personal information necessary to confirm identity for benefit eligibility is shared during the verification process.

The department noted that automating routine identity verification enables staff to dedicate more time to complex claims and customers requiring additional assistance. Officials described the approach as one that combines modern technology with human oversight, ensuring that while digital tools enhance efficiency and fraud prevention, final decisions and customer service continue to rely on trained EDD personnel.

EDD also encouraged Californians to stay informed about new services, program updates, and agency improvements by subscribing to its Benefiting Californians newsletter.