How to update name on SDI account? What documents needed?
Hey everyone, I need to update my name on my SDI account. Has anyone gone through this process recently? What documents do I need to have ready when I call? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
28 comments


Anastasia Popova
I just went through this last month! Make sure you have your marriage certificate or court order ready when you call. They'll ask for it to verify the name change. Good luck!
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Diego Mendoza
•Thanks so much! Did they ask for anything else besides the certificate?
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Anastasia Popova
•Nope, just the certificate was enough. But have your SSN and claim number handy too, just in case.
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Sean Flanagan
•congrats on the name change btw! 🎉
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Zara Shah
Ugh, good luck getting through to anyone on the phone. I've been trying for weeks and keep getting disconnected. 😤
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NebulaNomad
•I found a way to 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. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Luca Ferrari
•Wait, seriously? Is that even legit? Sounds too good to be true.
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NebulaNomad
•I was skeptical too, but I tried it and it actually worked. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Nia Wilson
•$20 tho? 😬 That's kinda steep just to talk to someone...
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NebulaNomad
•I get it, but for me it was worth it. Time is money, ya know? 🤷♂️
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Mateo Martinez
Here's a detailed guide for updating your name on SDI: 1. Gather necessary documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) 2. Call SDI office (be prepared for a long wait) 3. Provide your SSN and claim number 4. Explain you need to update your name 5. They'll ask for your document details 6. They might request you to fax or mail a copy 7. Follow up in a week if you don't hear back Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
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Diego Mendoza
•Wow, thank you so much for this detailed guide! Really appreciate it. 💯
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Aisha Hussain
•This is great info! Saving this for later, thanks!
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Ethan Clark
am i the only 1 who thinks its rediculous we have to jump thru so many hoops just to change our name? 🙄 the system is broken af
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StarStrider
Quick question - does anyone know if changing your name affects your benefit amount or payment schedule? Just wanna make sure I'm not screwing myself over here lol
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Yuki Sato
•Nah, you're good. Name change doesn't affect your benefits. It's just administrative stuff.
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StarStrider
•Phew, thanks for the info! One less thing to worry about 😅
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Carmen Ruiz
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling right when they open in the morning. I got through in like 10 minutes doing that!
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Andre Lefebvre
•What time do they open? Might have to set an alarm lol
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Carmen Ruiz
•I think it's 8am Pacific Time. Don't quote me on that tho, double check their website to be sure!
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Zoe Alexopoulos
Anyone else feel like they're playing phone tag with the government? 🏓 It's like, can we get a callback system or something? Welcome to 2023, SDI! 🙄
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Jamal Anderson
•LOL for real tho. Sometimes I wonder if they're still using rotary phones over there 🤣
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Ezra Collins
Just wanted to add - if you need to fax documents, some UPS stores and FedEx locations offer fax services if you don't have access to one at home. Usually costs a couple bucks but it's convenient. Also, keep copies of everything you send them for your records!
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Edwards Hugo
Just went through this process myself a few months ago! In addition to what others have mentioned, I'd recommend having a backup form of ID ready too - they asked me for my driver's license number to verify my identity before processing the name change. Also, if you're doing this because of marriage, they might ask for the date of the ceremony, so have that handy. The whole process took about 2 weeks for the change to show up in their system. Good luck! 🍀
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QuantumLeap
•Thanks for sharing your experience! That's super helpful to know about having the driver's license number and marriage date ready. I would have totally forgotten about those details. Two weeks sounds reasonable for the system update - I was worried it might take months! Really appreciate the practical tips 😊
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Emma Morales
I actually had to do this last year when I got divorced and went back to my maiden name. One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure you update your name with Social Security FIRST before calling SDI. They cross-reference everything and if there's a mismatch, it can delay the process. Also, if you're changing back to a previous name (like maiden name), they might ask for additional documentation showing the connection. The rep I spoke to was actually pretty helpful once I got through - she walked me through everything step by step. Hang in there, it's not as scary as it seems! 💪
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Camila Jordan
•Oh wow, this is such important info about updating with Social Security first! I had no idea they cross-reference like that. Thanks for sharing your experience with going back to your maiden name - that gives me hope that the process isn't as intimidating as it seems. Really appreciate you mentioning that the rep was helpful too, makes me feel better about making that call! 🙏
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Miguel Herrera
One thing that helped me was calling multiple numbers if the main SDI line was busy. Sometimes the general EDD number can transfer you to disability services and the wait times can be shorter. Also, if you have to mail documents, I'd recommend using certified mail with tracking so you have proof they received everything. The peace of mind is worth the extra few dollars! And definitely keep calling back if you don't hear anything within their promised timeframe - sometimes things get lost in their system and a follow-up call can get things moving again.
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