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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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Sean O'Donnell

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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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Mateo Rodriguez

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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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Sean O'Donnell

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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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