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Diego Rojas

EDD name change delay affecting my maternity leave - worried about documentation clash

I got married last month and I'm 34 weeks pregnant. I went to my local EDD office on Tuesday to update my name in their system for my upcoming maternity leave claim. The representative entered everything while I was there and said it would be updated within 24 hours. It's now Sunday and my online portal STILL shows my maiden name! I'm getting really anxious because my doctor is submitting my pregnancy disability paperwork this week, and I'm worried there will be issues since my employment records have my married name but EDD still has my maiden name. When the EDD system asked what other names I've used, I entered my married name but it hasn't made any difference. The EDD actually called me Wednesday to confirm the name change (which gave me hope), but nothing's changed online. Has anyone done a name change with EDD before starting maternity leave? How long did it actually take to update in the system? I've tried calling multiple times but can't get through to anyone. Should I be worried about my claim getting rejected or delayed because of this name mismatch?

I went through this exact situation last year! The name change in the EDD system took almost 10 business days to fully update in their online portal, even though they told me 24-48 hours. The important thing is that you've already initiated the process and they called to confirm - that means it's in their system somewhere. When I filed my PFL claim, I included both names on all the forms (married name with maiden name in parentheses) and wrote a note explaining the situation. My claim processed without issues, just took an extra 3-4 days. Make sure your doctor knows about both names too so they can note it on the medical certification forms. The key is consistency across all your documents.

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Diego Rojas

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Thank you so much for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know it might take 10 business days. I'll definitely tell my doctor to include both names on the forms. Did you have to do anything special when certifying for benefits after the baby was born? I'm wondering if the name issue will continue into the baby bonding portion after my pregnancy disability ends.

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StarSeeker

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omg the edd system is SO slow for everything!! my friends name change took like 2 weeks to show up online but her checks still came on time. dont worry too much just keep checkin the portal

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Diego Rojas

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2 weeks?? That's so frustrating! I wish they'd warned me it would take that long. At least it's good to hear her benefits weren't delayed. Thanks for the reassurance!

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I had a similar issue but mine was because I got divorced right before my maternity leave. The EDD system is PAINFULLY slow with updates - especially around holidays. One thing to consider - when you file your claim, there's a section that asks "Have you used any other names?" Make sure you list BOTH names there. That saved me because my claim went through under my maiden name even though my employer had my married name on file. Also, their computer systems don't talk to each other well, so your online portal might show one name while their internal system shows both names correctly. So frustrating!!! When is your due date?

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Diego Rojas

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I'm due March 3rd, so in about 6 weeks. I did put both names in that section you mentioned! That makes me feel a little better. It's just so stressful because I keep hearing horror stories about claims being delayed for weeks over simple mismatches like this. Did your benefits get delayed at all because of your name situation?

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Zara Ahmed

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The name change delay is a known issue with EDD, but shouldn't affect your claim if you handle it correctly. Make sure you have documentation of the name change (marriage certificate) accessible in case they request it. The most important thing is that your Social Security number matches across all documentation. I recommend trying to reach an EDD representative directly to confirm they have both names linked to your account. If you're having trouble getting through to EDD on the phone, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation and couldn't get through for days, then used their service and got connected to an EDD rep in about 10 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5. The rep I spoke with was able to verify that my name change was in process in their backend system even though it wasn't showing online yet.

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StarSeeker

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oh i heard of that claimyr thing from my cousin! she said it was the only way she got thru to edd when her payment was stuck for like 3 weeks

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Also important to note: when you transition from Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) to Paid Family Leave (PFL) for baby bonding, you'll need to file a new claim form (DE2508). Make sure you list both names on that form too. Your PDL claim establishes your base period and benefit amount, so once that's approved, the PFL portion usually processes more smoothly. Just keep all your paperwork showing the name change handy - they might request it during either phase of your claim.

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Diego Rojas

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That's super helpful! I didn't realize I'd need to file a separate form for the baby bonding portion. I'll definitely make sure to list both names there too. I have multiple copies of my marriage certificate ready to go if they need it. Should I also bring a copy to my doctor's office when I get my medical certification completed?

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Luca Esposito

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In my experience, EDD is just incredibly slow with EVERYTHING. I had my name updated last year (not for pregnancy but for regular UI) and it took almost 3 weeks to reflect online but my benefits still processed fine. The fact that you went in person is good - much better than trying to do it over the phone. Did they give you any kind of confirmation number or case number when you visited the office? That might help if you need to follow up.

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Diego Rojas

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Yes, they did give me a confirmation number! I have it written down in my pregnancy planner. I'll keep that handy in case I need to reference it. 3 weeks is such a long time though... I hate all this waiting and uncertainty right before having a baby. It's stressful enough already!

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Nia Thompson

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I work in HR and deal with EDD documentation frequently. Name mismatches are very common and EDD has internal processes to handle them. The key factors are: 1. Your Social Security Number must be consistent across all documents 2. Your employer must report your wages under the correct SSN 3. Your doctor must use the name that matches your ID As long as those align, the claim will process properly even if there's a delay in their online system updating. The EDD's internal database often reflects changes before their customer-facing portal does. When you complete your DE2501 (Disability Claim) form, there's a specific section for "other names used" - make absolutely sure both names are listed there. This creates an official link between both names in their system.

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Diego Rojas

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Thank you for this insider perspective! That's really reassuring. My SSN is definitely consistent across everything, and my employer has all my updated information with the correct SSN. I'll double check with my doctor to make sure they're using the name that matches my ID. On the DE2501 form, I did include both names in the "other names used" section. Hopefully that will be enough to prevent any major delays.

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why does edd make EVERYTHING so complicated?? i swear they do this on purpose to deny people benefits. when i did my maternity leave last year they kept saying they couldn't verify my identity even though i sent ALL the paperwork they asked for. took 6 weeks to get my first payment!!! the whole system is broken!! good luck with your name change, hope it doesnt take as long as mine did!

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Diego Rojas

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Oh no, 6 weeks is terrible! I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. I really hope mine doesn't take that long - we're counting on that income when the baby comes. Did you do anything special to finally get it resolved or did they just eventually process it?

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Hey, just wondering - when you visited the EDD office, did they say anything about needing to update your name with Social Security first? When I got married, I had to update my name with Social Security before EDD would fully process my name change. If you haven't done that yet, it might be causing the delay.

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Diego Rojas

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Yes, I actually did the Social Security update first! I got my new SS card about 3 weeks ago, then my updated driver's license, and the EDD office was the last stop on my name-change journey. The EDD representative even made a copy of my new SS card when I was there. That's part of why I'm so confused about why it's taking so long to update in their system!

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Grace Lee

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I'm going through something similar right now! I changed my name after marriage 2 months ago and I'm dealing with EDD for unemployment benefits (not maternity leave but same system issues). What I've learned is that even though they say 24-48 hours, their online portal can take 2-3 weeks to reflect changes while their internal system updates much faster. The good news is that as long as you have that confirmation number from your in-person visit, you should be fine. I called using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and the rep confirmed my name change was already in their system even though my online account still showed my old name. She said to proceed with filing any claims using both names and include a note about the pending update. The most important thing is that your SSN matches everything else. Since you already updated with Social Security first, you're in good shape! Try not to stress too much - the system is just slow but it will work out.

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Grace Durand

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Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone going through the same thing right now. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service to get through to a rep and confirm my name change is in their internal system. It sounds like having that confirmation number from my in-person visit is key. I feel a lot better knowing that even if the online portal is slow, the internal system updates faster. I'll make sure to use both names on all my forms and include a note about the pending update. Really appreciate the encouragement - pregnancy stress plus EDD bureaucracy is not a fun combination!

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I'm a new parent who went through maternity leave with EDD last year, and I can tell you that name change delays are unfortunately super common but rarely cause major issues with your actual benefits. The most important thing is that you went in person - that creates a paper trail that phone updates don't have. When I filed my pregnancy disability claim, I was in a similar situation where my online portal hadn't updated yet, but I just made sure to list both names everywhere and included a brief note explaining the situation. My claim processed normally, just took maybe 2-3 extra days for initial approval. One tip: when you get your medical certification from your doctor, ask them to write both names on the form if possible, or at least make sure the name matches your current ID. Also, keep checking your online portal but don't panic if it takes another week or two to update - the backend system is usually ahead of what you see online. You've got this! The bureaucracy is frustrating but you're doing everything right.

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Oliver Becker

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This is so helpful to hear from someone who just went through this! I'm feeling much more confident now knowing that the in-person visit creates that paper trail. I'll definitely ask my doctor to include both names on the medical certification forms - that's a great tip I hadn't thought of. It's reassuring to know that even with the delay, your claim only took 2-3 extra days for approval. I think I was getting myself worked up over nothing, but all these responses have really put my mind at ease. Thanks for the encouragement - it means a lot coming from someone who successfully navigated this exact situation!

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Luca Ricci

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I'm currently dealing with a name change situation with EDD too, though mine is for regular disability benefits. What really helped me was keeping detailed records of everything - I took photos of all the paperwork they gave me at the office, including that confirmation number. The representative told me the same thing about 24-48 hours, but when I called back a week later (took forever to get through!), they explained that their online portal and internal systems don't sync in real time. The good news is your claim will likely process fine even with the display delay. One thing that might help - when you submit your pregnancy disability forms, include a cover letter briefly explaining the name change situation and reference your confirmation number from the office visit. That way if there are any questions, the processor has context right away. Also, make sure your employer's HR department knows about both names in case EDD contacts them for wage verification. You're being really proactive by handling this now instead of waiting until you need to file - that should prevent any major delays!

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Danielle Mays

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That's excellent advice about keeping detailed records and taking photos of everything! I did take a picture of my confirmation number but I should probably document more of the paperwork they gave me. The cover letter idea is brilliant - I hadn't thought about including context for the processor upfront like that. I'll definitely write a brief explanation with my confirmation number when I submit my forms. My HR department already has all my updated information, but I'll double-check that they know about both names in case EDD contacts them. It's so reassuring to hear from multiple people that being proactive now should prevent delays later. Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed advice!

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Rami Samuels

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I went through this exact same situation when I was pregnant with my daughter! The EDD name change process is frustratingly slow, but I want to reassure you that it shouldn't affect your actual benefits. When I visited the EDD office for my name change, they told me 1-2 business days, but it ended up taking almost 3 weeks to show up in the online portal. However, my pregnancy disability claim processed without any issues. The key things that helped me: 1) I kept my confirmation receipt from the office visit (sounds like you have this too!), 2) I used both names on ALL forms and included a note about the pending name change, and 3) I made sure my doctor was aware of both names when completing my medical certification. When I called EDD to check on the status, the representative told me their internal system had been updated even though the online portal hadn't caught up yet. Since you're due March 3rd, you still have some time for the system to update, but even if it doesn't, you should be fine as long as you're consistent with documenting both names. The most important thing is that your SSN matches across all your documents, which it sounds like you have covered. Try not to stress too much - you're being incredibly proactive by handling this now!

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Isaiah Sanders

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Thank you so much for this detailed reassurance! It's incredibly helpful to hear from someone who went through the exact same timeline and situation. The fact that your claim processed without issues even with the 3-week portal delay gives me so much peace of mind. I do have my confirmation receipt saved, and I've been documenting both names on everything, so it sounds like I'm on the right track. It's really smart that you had your doctor aware of both names too - I'll make sure to have that conversation this week when I see them. Knowing that their internal system updates faster than the portal makes so much sense and explains why they called to confirm but nothing changed online yet. You're right that I still have about 6 weeks before my due date, so hopefully it'll update by then, but I feel much more confident now that it won't derail my benefits even if it doesn't. Thank you for taking the time to share such encouraging and practical advice - it means the world to a stressed-out pregnant person dealing with EDD bureaucracy!

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Sophia Long

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I'm a single mom who went through this exact situation two years ago! The EDD name change delay is so stressful when you're already dealing with pregnancy anxiety. Here's what I learned: even though the online portal took forever to update (mine took 16 business days!), my benefits weren't delayed at all. The most important thing is that you went in person - that creates an official record in their system that overrides the portal display issues. When I filed my pregnancy disability claim, I wrote "Name change in progress - confirmation #[your number]" at the top of my DE2501 form and attached a copy of my marriage certificate. The EDD processor was able to see the pending change in their internal system and processed everything normally. Also, make sure when you transition to the baby bonding portion later that you reference the same confirmation number on your DE2508 form. You're being so proactive handling this now instead of waiting - that's exactly the right approach! The bureaucracy is frustrating but you've got all the right pieces in place.

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StarSurfer

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This is such helpful and reassuring advice, thank you! 16 business days for the portal but no delay in benefits - that's exactly what I needed to hear. I love the idea of writing "Name change in progress - confirmation #[number]" right at the top of the forms. That seems like such a clear way to flag it for the processor. I definitely plan to attach a copy of my marriage certificate too. It's really smart that you mentioned referencing the same confirmation number on the DE2508 form for baby bonding later - I wouldn't have thought of that continuity detail. You're so right about being proactive now rather than waiting. I was getting really anxious about the timing, but hearing from so many people who successfully navigated this exact situation has been incredibly reassuring. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience - it really helps to know I'm not alone in dealing with EDD bureaucracy during pregnancy!

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Donna Cline

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I'm a new member here and just wanted to say how reassuring this thread is! I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant and was planning to update my name with EDD after getting married next month, but reading about everyone's experiences has me thinking I should do it sooner rather than later. It sounds like the key takeaways are: go in person (not over the phone), keep detailed records including confirmation numbers, list both names on all forms, and don't panic if the online portal takes weeks to update since the internal system works faster. The advice about writing "Name change in progress - confirmation #[number]" on forms and attaching marriage certificates seems really practical. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's so helpful to learn from people who've actually been through this process rather than just guessing what might happen!

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