SDI application name too long for online form - how to convert paper app to EDD account?

Thanks so much! That's really helpful. Did they give you any trouble when you asked?

Nah, they were pretty cool about it. Just be polite and explain the situation clearly. You got this! 👍

This is why the system is so messed up. Why can't they just make the online form accomodate longer names? 🙄

I hadn't thought of that! How do I find my assemblymember?

Just google "find my california assemblymember" and you'll get a website where you can enter your address. They usually have a form on their website for contacting them about EDD issues.

This is solid advice. My assemblymember's office helped me resolve an issue I'd been fighting with for weeks!

Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?

$20 just to talk to someone? That's ridiculous. The system is so broken 😤

I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Sometimes you gotta pay to play, ya know? 🤷‍♂️

I've used it too. Expensive, but worth it when you're desperate to get through.

This! I always do my EDD stuff at like 2 AM and it's so much smoother.

Haha, don't tempt me! At this point, I'm considering it 😂

New name, who dis? 🤣

Wow, thank you so much for this detailed response! This is incredibly helpful. I'll definitely follow these steps.

This should be pinned to the top of the subreddit. So many people could benefit from this info!

This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing your experience. Do you remember which specific EDD disability line you called? I want to make sure I'm calling the right number. Also, did they give you access to the online portal right away, or did it take a few days to activate?

@Ella Cofer This is super helpful! I m'definitely going to try calling with my paper application confirmation number ready. Did you have to wait long to get through to someone, or did you have any tips for getting past the phone menu system? I ve'heard horror stories about being on hold for hours.

@Ella Cofer Thank you so much for sharing this! This gives me hope that there s'actually a solution. I ve'been so stressed about this whole situation. Quick question - when you called, did you mention the character limit issue right away, or did you wait for them to ask why you submitted a paper application? I want to make sure I explain it clearly from the start so they understand the situation.

@Ella Cofer This is so reassuring to hear! I ve'been stressing about this for weeks. When you called, did they ask you to verify any specific information from your paper application, or was the confirmation number enough? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I call so I don t'waste the representative s'time or have to call back multiple times.

@Ella Cofer This is so helpful, thank you! I m'in the exact same situation as the original poster. When you called, did you mention that you needed to create an online account specifically, or did they offer that option after you explained the name length issue? Also, once they set up your online account, were you able to log in immediately or did you have to wait for some kind of activation email? I want to know what to expect when I call tomorrow!

@Ella Cofer This is exactly the kind of success story I needed to hear! I m'dealing with the same name length issue and have been putting off calling because I wasn t'sure how to explain the situation. Your approach sounds perfect - I ll'definitely have my paper application confirmation number ready and explain that I need the online account created based on my existing paper submission. Did the representative seem familiar with this type of request, or did you have to explain the character limit problem in detail? Thanks for giving me hope that this is actually solvable!

I feel your pain with the hyphenated name issue! I've found that calling right when they open (usually 8 AM) gives you the best shot at getting through quickly. The wait times are definitely shorter in the morning. Also, have your SSN, paper application confirmation number, and maybe even your date of birth ready - they usually ask for multiple pieces of info to verify your identity before they can help you. The character limit thing is so ridiculous, but at least there seems to be a workaround. Good luck tomorrow!

@Sergio Neal I totally get the hyphenated name struggle! I had a similar issue with my compound first name. One thing that helped me was calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open - I literally had my phone ready and dialed the second the clock hit 8. Also, try calling on Tuesday or Wednesday if possible - Mondays are usually swamped and Fridays people are rushing through cases. When you do get through, be super polite and explain right away that you have a paper application due to the name length issue and need help setting up online access. Most reps are understanding once you explain the technical limitation isn t'your fault. You ve'got this!

This is such great advice about documenting everything! I wish I had thought of that when I was dealing with my UI claim issues last year. Writing down names and reference numbers saved me so much time when I had to call back. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops just because of a character limit in 2025, but at least this thread shows there are solutions. Thanks for sharing these tips - definitely going to use them when I call about my own SDI application next week!

Good luck with your call tomorrow! Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like you're well-prepared with the 8 AM strategy and having all your paperwork ready. It's really frustrating that we have to deal with these outdated system limitations, but at least this thread proves it's definitely fixable. Make sure to be patient and polite with the rep - they're usually pretty helpful once they understand the situation. Hope you get it sorted out quickly and can finally get your online account set up!

@Quinn Herbert I totally feel your frustration! The 18-character cutoff is so arbitrary and ridiculous. You were smart to worry about the name matching your official documents - that could definitely cause issues down the line. I had a similar concern when I was tempted to abbreviate my name just to make it fit. From everything I ve'read in this thread, it sounds like the manual account creation route is definitely the way to go. At least then your full legal name will be properly recorded in their system. I m'in the same boat and planning to call next week - maybe we should check back in and let each other know how it goes? Good luck with your call!