EDD PFL application stuck due to legal name change - how to update account?
Hey everyone, I need some advice. I recently changed my name legally and now I'm trying to update my account info with the unemployment office. The problem is, I can't apply for Paid Family Leave because my account still has my old name. Has anyone gone through this process before? What should I do when I finally get through to someone on the phone? I'm worried about messing up my application or delaying my benefits. Any tips would be really appreciated!
26 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve EDD name change issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpHwTKKbjBk
0 coins
Amina Diop
Lol good luck. I changed my name 6 months ago and I'm STILL trying to get everything updated. The EDD is living in the stone age I swear 🦕
0 coins
Oliver Schmidt
•6 months?! That's insane. Have you tried contacting your local representative? Sometimes they can help push things through.
0 coins
Amina Diop
•Nah, haven't tried that yet. Might have to give it a shot tho. This whole process is making me lose my mind 🤪
0 coins
Natasha Volkov
•It might seem outdated, but sometimes patience and persistence pay off. Keep pushing!
0 coins
NightOwl42
ugh the EDD is such a nightmare. i've been trying to fix an issue with my claim for MONTHS. good luck with your name change, youre gonna need it 🙄
0 coins
Sofia Rodriguez
•Same boat here. Its like they dont even want us to get our benefits. The whole system is broken af
0 coins
Giovanni Marino
•Oof, that sounds rough. Hope you get your issue sorted out soon!
0 coins
Dmitry Ivanov
•It's really frustrating, but persistence is key. Keep at it!
0 coins
Yara Nassar
Pro tip: When you finally get through, ask for a reference number for your call. That way, if you get disconnected or need to follow up, you have proof of your previous contact. Saved my butt more than once!
0 coins
StarGazer101
•Excellent advice! A reference number can also help speed up the process if you need to call back.
0 coins
Javier Torres
Navigating name changes with the unemployment office can indeed be tricky, but it's manageable if you follow the right steps. Firstly, make sure all your legal documents are in order, including your name change court order and updated identification. When you call the EDD, have these documents handy as you may need to fax or email them. Keep track of all communications with them by noting down reference numbers and the names of the agents you speak to. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, Claimyr is a legitimate tool that many have found useful to bypass wait times, albeit for a fee. However, always weigh the cost against the potential stress and time saved. Remember to remain calm and polite with the representatives; often their systems are slow due to high demand, but a composed approach can make the process smoother. Lastly, if issues persist, consider reaching out to your local representative for assistance. Balancing patience with persistence is key in dealing with bureaucracies. Good luck!
0 coins
Keisha Jackson
have you tried updating your info online? sometimes you can do that stuff without calling. might be worth a shot before you spend hours on hold
0 coins
Giovanni Marino
•I looked into that, but for legal name changes, they require you to call in. Thanks for the suggestion though!
0 coins
Paolo Romano
•For minor updates, online changes can be convenient. Too bad legal ones aren't included.
0 coins
Ava Thompson
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
0 coins
Miguel Herrera
•Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit? Anyone else tried it?
0 coins
Zainab Ali
•$20 just to talk to someone? That's ridiculous. The government should fix their broken system instead of us having to pay extra 🤬
0 coins
Ava Thompson
•I get the skepticism, but it really did work for me. After weeks of trying to get through, I was desperate. Yeah, it sucks to pay, but it saved me so much time and stress. Just sharing what worked for me 🤷♂️
0 coins
Connor Murphy
•It's unfortunate that the system requires such workarounds, but sometimes it's worth it if time is of the essence.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Sayed
Congrats on the name change! I went through something similar last year. Here's what you need to do: 1. Gather all your legal name change documents (court order, new ID, etc.) 2. Call EDD and explain the situation 3. They'll update your info in the system 4. Once that's done, you can apply for Paid Family Leave Be patient, it might take a few days for the changes to reflect in their system. Good luck!
0 coins
Giovanni Marino
•Thanks for the advice! Did you have any trouble getting through to someone on the phone? I've been trying for days 😩
0 coins
Fatima Al-Sayed
•Oh man, getting through is the worst part 😅 I had to call like 50 times before I got through. Try calling right when they open or just before closing time. Sometimes that works!
0 coins
Dylan Hughes
•I second this! Also, you can try calling on weekdays instead of weekends. There's usually less traffic.
0 coins
Connor O'Brien
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Just went through a legal name change and trying to navigate all the government systems is such a headache. From what I've researched, you'll definitely need your certified copy of the name change decree from the court, plus your updated Social Security card and driver's license. When you do get through to EDD (fingers crossed!), make sure to ask them to put a note in your file about the name change so if you have to call back, the next agent will see what's going on. I've heard it can take 1-2 weeks for the system to fully update once they process it. Stay strong - we'll get through this bureaucratic maze eventually! 💪
0 coins
Jessica Nolan
•Thanks for sharing your experience! It's good to know I'm not alone in this struggle. I actually just got my updated Social Security card yesterday, so I'm getting all my documents together. The tip about asking them to put a note in the file is really smart - I wouldn't have thought of that. 1-2 weeks for the system to update sounds reasonable, I was worried it might take months like some horror stories I've heard. Really appreciate the encouragement, this whole process has been so stressful! 😅
0 coins