EDD SDI Online 'Other Last Names' error blocking my disability claim - system says I used names I never had
After a recent surgery, I need to file for SDI disability but I'm stuck at the verification stage! I logged into my account, completed the ID.me verification, and everything seemed fine until I hit this screen asking about 'other last names used.' I've NEVER changed my last name or used any aliases, so I selected 'NO' but then got an error saying 'that information doesn't match with our records.' What?! The system thinks I've used other names when I haven't! I've tried refreshing, logging out and back in, even tried a different browser, but keep hitting the same wall. Has anyone else dealt with this weird verification issue? I'm getting desperate as my doctor already submitted the medical certification and I can't even get past this bizarre name error to complete my claim!
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Mikayla Davison
omg this happened to me in january!! its probably because you checked the wrong box somewhere else in the application and the system is being stupid about it. try going back to the beginning and double-check every single answer especially the personal info section. sometimes the system thinks your middle name is a last name or something dumb like that.
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Max Reyes
AuthorThanks for responding! I tried starting over twice now and I'm super careful with every field. I don't even have a middle name to confuse things! 😩 It's driving me crazy because my bills are piling up and I can't work after this surgery.
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Adrian Connor
This is a known issue with the new EDD SDI Online verification system. The problem might be in their database, not something you entered wrong. Two possibilities: 1. If you've ever filed unemployment (UI) with a slightly different name spelling or format, the systems sometimes don't reconcile correctly 2. There could be a maiden name or previous married name in your Social Security records that you need to acknowledge You need to call EDD directly and have them manually verify your identity. Unfortunately, the EDD Contact Center is extremely backed up right now with the recent system changes.
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Max Reyes
AuthorThank you for this detailed explanation! That makes sense - I did file for UI about 3 years ago, but my name hasn't changed. I'll try calling them, though I've already tried twice and couldn't get through.
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Aisha Jackson
NOBODY EVER GETS THROUGH ON THE REGULAR LINE!!! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to reach someone about my claim. EDD is a complete disaster. They expect us to jump through all these hoops but then make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to anyone when their system screws up. So frustrating!!!!!
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Ryder Everingham
I understand your frustration, but there actually is a way to get through to an EDD disability representative fairly quickly. I had a similar issue last month with identity verification and used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The EDD agent was able to manually override the verification issue in my account. For this specific "other last names" problem, you need to speak with someone who can access your full record and fix the database mismatch.
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Lilly Curtis
I think the error might be happening because if u have EVER gone by a nickname or abbreviated name on ANY official document (like if ur Elizabeth but sometimes use Liz on paperwork) the system might be looking for that. When I filed for PFL last yr I had to include my maiden name even tho I got married 20 yrs ago!
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Max Reyes
AuthorThat's an interesting point - I do sometimes use a shortened version of my first name, but never anything different for my last name. I'll try including my nickname when I finally get through to someone at EDD.
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Leo Simmons
Try checking the box that says you HAVE used other names, then enter your exact current name again in that field. Sounds counterintuitive but it worked for me when I had this exact same error. The SDI system is extremely glitchy since they updated it in February. If that doesn't work, check if any of your identification documents (license, passport, etc.) have even slightly different spellings of your name.
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Max Reyes
AuthorHmm, I'll give that a try right now! That's a really creative workaround. I didn't think about checking my ID documents for spelling differences either. My driver's license just renewed so maybe there's something different there.
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Lindsey Fry
my cousin works for edd and she says theres a HUGE backlog right now with the disability claims because of the new system update. its not just you having problems!! apparently the new system is matching against credit records too which is causing all kinds of weird errors for people.
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Max Reyes
AuthorThank you - that's actually somewhat reassuring to know it's a widespread issue and not just me doing something wrong! The credit record thing makes sense too as I did have to correct some information on my credit report last year.
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Ryder Everingham
I work with disability claims professionally, and here's what's happening: The 2025 SDI Online system upgrade included integration with multiple database systems, including DMV, Social Security, and credit reporting systems. The "other last names" field is notorious for creating false positives. Here's my advice: 1. Try the workaround suggested above (say yes and enter your current name again) 2. If that fails, you need to speak directly with an EDD representative who can override the system flag 3. Request a "manual identity verification" - they can bypass the automated system 4. Make sure to mention you've already had your healthcare provider submit the medical certification (DE 2501) so they understand the urgency Important: Your claim effective date is based on when your doctor certified your disability, not when you complete the online portion, so you won't lose benefits due to this delay. Focus on getting the identity issue resolved.
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Max Reyes
AuthorThank you so much for this detailed explanation! I tried the workaround and it actually got me to the next screen, but then I hit another error at the final submission. I'll definitely try to reach an agent and ask specifically for the manual identity verification. That's reassuring about the effective date too - I was worried I'd lose benefits while dealing with this technical issue.
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Lilly Curtis
did u try using Claimyr like someone suggested above? I used it last month when my disability payment randomly stopped and it seriously worked. got through to someone in like 15 min after spending days trying on my own. worth it when ur desperate
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Aisha Jackson
Not everyone wants to use some random service just to access a GOVERNMENT AGENCY we already pay taxes for!!! EDD should fix their broken system instead of us having to find workarounds!!!
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Max Reyes
AuthorI'm going to try one more time on my own tomorrow morning right when they open, but if that doesn't work, I might try the Claimyr service. At this point I'm willing to try anything because I need this claim processed. Will update here with what ends up working in case it helps someone else!
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Leo Simmons
UPDATE: I checked with a colleague who experienced the same issue last week. The current workaround is to select "YES" to other names used, then enter your CURRENT name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. The system has a bug where it sometimes requires you to enter your current name as both your current AND "other" name. Seems like the 2025 system update created this problem. Once you get past this screen, the rest of the claim process should work normally.
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Max Reyes
AuthorIT WORKED!!! Thank you so much! I entered my current name as an "other name" even though that makes no sense, and the system accepted it and let me continue. I was able to complete my entire claim! I'm so relieved. For anyone else having this problem, definitely try this workaround!
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Sophia Clark
So glad to see you got it resolved @Max Reyes! This is exactly the kind of helpful community problem-solving that makes this forum valuable. I'm bookmarking this thread because I have a feeling this "enter your current name as other name" workaround is going to help a lot of people dealing with the buggy 2025 SDI system update. Thanks to everyone who contributed solutions - especially the detailed explanations about the database integration issues. It's frustrating that we have to figure out these workarounds ourselves, but at least we're helping each other navigate EDD's broken system!
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