EDD SDI name change process - will my disability claim be delayed?

congrats on getting married! when i changed my name last yr the EDD system actually matched everything through my SSN like u mentioned. BUT u should update ur name with social security first if u havent already, then EDD will eventually sync with that. my doctor put my new name on the form and it was fine

You need to make sure your name is updated with Social Security Administration first (which you've done - good!). When you file your SDI claim, there will be a section where you can indicate "name has changed" and provide your previous name. This helps EDD match your records. Your SSN is the primary identifier they use, so as long as that's consistent, the system should process your claim correctly. One tip: when you complete your DE 2501 claim form, I recommend noting your recent name change in the "Additional Comments" section as well. This creates another reference point for the claims examiner.

The previous advice is correct, but I want to add that you should also bring a copy of your marriage certificate or court order for the name change when dealing with EDD, just in case there are any verification issues. While most claims with name changes process smoothly, I've seen cases where EDD requests additional documentation if there are discrepancies in their system. Also, when your doctor submits the medical certification form, make sure they include both your new name AND your SSN to ensure proper matching. If the doctor only includes your new name without the SSN, this is where delays sometimes happen.

I had this EXACT same situation last year and it turned into a NIGHTMARE!! My claim was pending for 6 weeks because of the name discrepancy! I called EDD like 50 times and couldn't get through to anyone to explain. Ended up having to resubmit all my paperwork with both names listed. So frustrating!!

Yeah I did update with Social Security first but there was some lag time I guess?? The EDD computer system flagged my claim for "identity verification" and then it just sat there. Nobody called me to tell me there was a problem - I had to figure it out myself after waiting forever.

I work in HR and deal with this frequently. Here's the correct process: 1. Update your name with Social Security first (which you've done) 2. When filing your SDI claim, indicate your name has changed 3. List BOTH names on your claim form - new name as primary, maiden name as previous 4. Make sure your doctor includes your SSN on their certification form 5. If possible, have a digital copy of your marriage certificate ready The SDI system is separate from regular unemployment, so even if you previously had EDD unemployment under your old name, the systems don't always communicate perfectly. Don't panic though - most name change issues resolve automatically with minimal delay.

has anyone had issues with their weekly benefit amount being calculated wrong after a name change? i filed after getting married and they somehow pulled old wage info from like 2 years ago instead of my current earnings. took forever to fix.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful advice! I'm going to: 1) Note both names on my claim form, 2) Make sure my doctor includes both my name and SSN on the medical certification, 3) Have my marriage certificate handy just in case, and 4) Double-check my benefit calculation when it comes through to make sure they're using my current wages. This community is amazing - I was really stressed about this!