I'm currently going through a name change with EDD myself and wanted to share what I've learned! The most important thing is to be consistent with your current legal name across all documents. Since you've already updated Social Security and your employer has your married name, definitely use that on your SDI claim. Here's what worked for me: I called EDD at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday morning and got through in about 25 minutes (way better than the horror stories!). The representative was actually really helpful and updated my name in their system immediately. She told me that as long as I filed my claim with my current legal name and provided supporting documentation, there wouldn't be any issues. For the DE 2501 form, use your married name and in the additional information section, just mention that your previous EDD account was under your maiden name. Upload your marriage certificate as supporting documentation. The rep I spoke with said they see this situation frequently and have processes in place to handle it smoothly. Don't stress too much about creating timing issues - you're being super proactive by addressing this now! The fact that you've already updated your address and contacted your doctor's office shows you're on top of things. Focus on getting ready for your little one instead of worrying about the paperwork. You've got this! 💕

I'm going through pregnancy disability leave planning right now too and wanted to add something I learned from my HR department that might help! When you update your name with EDD, make sure you also notify your employer's payroll/HR team about the potential name discrepancy. My HR rep told me that sometimes there can be delays in wage verification if the names don't match exactly between EDD's records and what the employer has on file. Since you mentioned your work already has your married name, you should be good, but it's worth double-checking that they'll report your wages under your married name when EDD requests verification. Also, if you have direct deposit set up from your old unemployment claim, make sure that bank account is still active and under the right name! I almost forgot about that detail. Wishing you the best with your claim and congratulations on your upcoming little one! 🍼

Hey OP, any updates? Did you manage to get through or find your claim?

This exact thing happened to my sister a few months ago! Her claim completely disappeared from the portal like it never existed. She was panicking because she needed that money for her newborn's medical expenses. After about 2 weeks of calling daily (literally setting timers to call every 15 minutes), she finally got through to someone who told her it was a "system migration issue" and her claim was still being processed, just not visible online. It magically reappeared a week later with backpay included. Hang in there - the claim is probably still in the system somewhere, just hidden due to their terrible website glitches. Keep calling and don't give up! 💪

I missed an EDD call too about 6 months ago and was totally panicked! Here's what worked for me: I sent a secure message through my EDD online account explaining that I missed their call and asking what they needed. They responded within 3 business days with exactly what documents were missing from my application. Turned out it was just a clearer copy of my doctor's certification form. Sometimes the missed call is just a routine follow-up, not necessarily a major issue with your case. Also, make sure your voicemail is set up and not full - they might try calling again! Keep us posted on how it goes! 🤞

Been in your shoes before! First thing - don't panic, missed calls from EDD are super common and usually not a disaster. Here's what I'd recommend: 1) Check your EDD online portal ASAP for any status updates or messages, 2) Look through all your email folders (including spam) for any correspondence, 3) Try calling the main PFL line early in the morning when wait times are shorter, and 4) If you can't get through by phone, send a secure message through your online account explaining you missed their call and asking for next steps. In my experience, they're pretty understanding about missed calls since their phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate. Keep all your paperwork handy in case they need to verify something. You've got this! 👍

As someone who went through this exact situation, I can tell you that you're absolutely fine waiting until 37-38 weeks! I was also job hunting while pregnant and delayed my SDI start until 37.5 weeks. My doctor had no problem certifying that date on the DE2501 form - she said the timing should be based on when you actually feel disabled by pregnancy, not some arbitrary government deadline. The key things that worked for me: 1) I coordinated with my OB early about my planned start date, 2) I made sure to stop my UI claims the day before SDI kicked in (super important!), and 3) I kept detailed records of everything in case EDD had questions later. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're gaming the system - you're entitled to finish your job search if you're still able to work! I actually ended up landing a great position during that time and was able to negotiate a post-maternity start date. Wishing you the best of luck with both your interviews and your upcoming little one! 🤞

I'm currently 33 weeks and in a very similar situation - was laid off 6 weeks ago and have been on UI while job searching. This thread has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea you could wait past 36 weeks to start SDI. I'm actually in final round interviews with two companies right now and was stressing about having to choose between finishing the process or starting disability benefits. Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel so much better about waiting until 37-38 weeks. Definitely going to talk to my OB at my next appointment about certifying a later start date. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories - it's amazing how much support and practical advice is in this community! Hoping we all land great jobs before our babies arrive! 🤞👶

One thing no one has mentioned - if your wife's employer offers a leave of absence beyond what's legally required, that might be worth exploring too. Some companies have unpaid personal leave policies that could extend her time off without severing employment. It wouldn't provide income, but it would keep her job waiting longer while you both figure things out. Worth checking her employee handbook or with HR.

I'm a newer member here but wanted to share what I learned when researching this for my own situation. One option that might help bridge the gap is if your wife can demonstrate that returning to work would create a "substantial and unreasonable" hardship. While childcare costs alone typically don't qualify, there might be other factors you could document - like if the commute combined with childcare logistics creates genuine safety concerns, or if her employer has made any changes to her position/schedule that weren't there before her leave. Also, has she considered looking into whether her employer participates in any dependent care assistance programs? Some larger employers offer backup childcare or subsidies that could make returning more feasible financially. Even if she ultimately decides not to return, having explored these options might strengthen any future UI claim by showing she made good faith efforts to make it work. Just a thought - this whole system is definitely not set up well for new parents! 😔