Name change nightmare with EDD - can't file maternity leave because I can't reach anyone!
I'm 32 weeks pregnant and desperately trying to update my name with EDD after getting married last month. I NEED to get this fixed before filing for maternity leave or I'm worried my benefits will be delayed. I've called literally 23 times over the past week and every single time I get the same automated message saying 'the maximum number of callers on hold has been reached' and then it just hangs up on me!!! Has anyone successfully gotten through recently? Any tricks or specific times that work better? This is ridiculous - I'm due in 8 weeks and stressing that I won't have my name updated in time to file my claim without complications. My doctor's already filled out the medical portion of my DE2501 form but I can't submit it with my old name since all my ID/insurance is under my married name now.
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Julian Paolo
Try calling exactly at 8:00:01 am when they first open. That's what worked for me. Also, triple-check that you're calling the correct number for your specific situation - the SDI/PFL phone lines are different from the general unemployment ones, which might be why you're getting bounced.
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Madison King
•Thank you! I've been calling the main number on the website (1-800-480-3287) but usually around 10am. I'll try right at 8am tomorrow.
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Ella Knight
Lol good luck!! I ended up just filing under my maiden name becuz I couldn't get thru on the phone either and my HR said it was fine as long as it matched my w2. Didn't want to risk waiting and missing out on $$$. Their phone system is the WORST!!!!!
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Madison King
•My W-2 will have my married name since I already updated with my employer... ugh, I'm worried that will cause problems if the names don't match.
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William Schwarz
When I was pregnant with my first (she's 4 now), I had a similar name change issue with PFL. I finally got through by using Claimyr.com - it's a service that basically waits on hold for you and then calls you when they have an actual EDD agent on the line. Saved me SO much frustration. There's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 - you'll still talk directly with the EDD agent yourself, they just handle the awful hold system.
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Madison King
•OMG thank you! I've never heard of this but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. I'll check out the video!
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Ella Knight
•Does that actually work? seems sketchy to me but if it works i might try it too
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William Schwarz
•@profile7 Yes, it really does work. All they do is wait on hold for you - when they get through to an agent, they connect you directly. I was skeptical too but it saved me hours of frustration.
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Lauren Johnson
what a mess!! I had my baby 3 months ago and edd is STILL messing up my payments because I got married right before getting pregnant. I submitted all the name change documenst and they STILL keep using both names randomly. One payment comes with maiden name, next one married name. So frustrating!!!!
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Jade Santiago
Here's the correct procedure for name changes with EDD before filing for Pregnancy Disability Leave or PFL: 1. You need to call the Identity Verification Unit at 1-866-401-2849, not the main SDI number 2. Have your marriage certificate and new ID ready 3. You'll need to submit Form DE 1101ID (Identification Verification) with copies of your documentation 4. Allow at least 10 business days for processing before filing your claim Alternatively, you can file your claim with your previous name and include a note explaining your recent name change, attaching a copy of your marriage certificate. The important thing is consistency between your ID numbers (SSN) rather than the exact name spelling. Best time to call the Identity Verification Unit is Tuesday-Thursday between 8:00-8:30am.
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Madison King
•THANK YOU SO MUCH for the specific information! I've been calling the wrong number entirely. I'll try the identity verification number first thing Tuesday morning. Really appreciate the detailed steps.
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Caleb Stone
I'm going through literally the exact same thing right now! 30 weeks pregnant and changed my name after marriage in January. I tried for 2 weeks to call EDD with no luck. Finally I went to my local EDD office in person with my marriage certificate and ID. The woman I spoke with said phone lines are overwhelmed but they can handle name changes in person. Took about an hour of waiting but so worth it! Maybe see if there's an office near you?
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Madison King
•I didn't even think about going in person! There's an office about 30 minutes from me. If I can't get through on Tuesday using the Identity Verification number, I'll definitely try this approach. Thank you!!
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Caleb Stone
•No problem! Just make sure to check their hours before going. Mine was only open Mon-Thurs 8-12. Bring everything - marriage certificate, old ID, new ID, social security card, and your prenatal records just in case. Good luck with everything! 💕
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Ella Knight
Update?? Did u get thru?
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Madison King
•YES! Finally got it sorted yesterday! I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Got connected to an EDD rep in about 20 mins. They're sending me the DE 1101ID form to complete and said I should fax it back with copies of my marriage certificate. The rep assured me this won't delay my maternity claim as long as I get it done before I file. Such a relief!!
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