Name mismatch on EDD PFL claim for baby bonding - missing letter in middle name causing problems!

I had almost the exact same issue last year with my last name (hyphenated on my ID but not in EDD system). What finally worked was submitting form DE1326C - the Claimant ID Verification form. You need to print it out, fill it with your CORRECT name as shown on your ID, attach a copy of your driver's license and social security card, and mail it to the address on the form. Make sure to write your claim ID number on everything! It took about 10 days to process after they received it, but it fixed the issue and they retroactively paid my benefits.

omg the same thing happened to me but with my last name after getting married!!! its ridiculous how one tiny name issue can stop everything!! i tried calling for 2 weeks straight with no luck either. so frustrating!! hang in there mama

I work as an HR benefits coordinator and see this ALL THE TIME with our employees. The DE1326C form is definitely the right approach, but there's also another option. You can try to visit an EDD office in person with your ID documents. Sometimes they can fix it on the spot, though you might need to wait a while. One important thing: make sure when you fill out the DE1326C that you use EXACTLY the name format on your driver's license, including any punctuation, spaces, or capitalization. EDD systems are incredibly picky about this stuff. Also, verify if your employer submitted your wages under the exact same name spelling. If not, that can cause additional complications that might need to be addressed separately.

if ur still trying to reach someone on the phone, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). saved my sanity when i was dealing with a similar name issue. they basically call EDD for you and get you connected to a live agent. costs money but I was desperate after trying for weeks. they have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 i got connected in like 20 mins when i had been trying for weeks with no luck

CALIFORNIA EDD IS THE WORST AGENCY EVER!!! I had FIVE LETTERS wrong in my last name and it took FOUR MONTHS to fix!!!! They kept telling me different forms to fill out and then losing them! I filed a complaint with my state assembly member's office and MAGICALLY my issue was fixed in 3 days after MONTHS of trying. CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLY MEMBER!!!! They have staff dedicated to EDD issues because EDD is so incompetent!!!

While you're working on the name correction, have you completed your continued claim certifications? Even if your identity verification is pending, you should still be certifying every two weeks so that once it's resolved, you can get paid for those weeks. I made the mistake of not certifying while my issue was being fixed and lost out on 3 weeks of benefits because they were outside the certification window.

my cousin had this happen and she just reapplied with the name exactly like its on her id. worked for her lol. might be worth a try.

Update: I mailed the DE1326C form yesterday using certified mail (thanks for that tip!) and am going to try visiting the EDD office tomorrow morning. I've also started certifying for benefits while I wait for this to be resolved. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help - I was feeling completely lost before posting here!

I'm dealing with a similar name issue right now (maiden name vs married name confusion) and wanted to share what my local EDD office told me when I visited last week. They said to bring a "name change timeline" document when you go - basically a simple letter explaining when/why your name might appear differently in various systems (like if you got married, divorced, etc.). Even though your situation is just a typo, they said it helps them understand the discrepancy faster. Also, if you have any old pay stubs or tax documents that show your name the way it appears in the EDD system, bring those too. Sometimes it helps them trace back where the error originated. The office staff seemed way more helpful than the phone reps - hoping your visit goes well tomorrow!

I went through something very similar with my PFL claim last year - had a hyphen missing in my last name and it turned into a 6-week nightmare! Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. The DE1326C form that Vince mentioned is absolutely the way to go, but make sure you also include a brief cover letter explaining the discrepancy and requesting expedited processing due to your newborn. 2. When you visit the EDD office tomorrow, ask to speak with a "Disability Insurance supervisor" specifically - regular staff often can't make these corrections but supervisors have more system access. 3. If the in-person visit doesn't work, try calling the PFL-specific line (1-877-238-4373) instead of the main unemployment line. It's usually less busy and the reps are more familiar with bonding leave issues. 4. Keep a log of every interaction - date, time, who you spoke with, what they told you. This helps if you need to escalate later. The certified mail was smart! You should get tracking confirmation when they receive it. Don't let them tell you it's "impossible to fix" - it's tedious but definitely fixable. Hang in there mama, you'll get through this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress on top of having a newborn! I went through a similar name issue with EDD last year (they had an extra "e" at the end of my first name somehow). What worked for me was actually a combination of several approaches mentioned here: First, I did submit the DE1326C form like others suggested, but I also called my state senator's office (not just assembly member). They have a constituent services team that specifically handles EDD issues and they were incredibly responsive. Within 48 hours of contacting them, someone from EDD called ME directly to resolve it. One thing I learned is that name discrepancies often happen when your employer's payroll system doesn't match what you put on your original EDD account. You might want to check with your HR department to see exactly how they have your name in their system - if it matches the EDD version, that could explain how this started. Also, while you're waiting for resolution, make sure to document everything about your lost income due to this delay. Sometimes they can provide additional compensation for processing delays that weren't your fault, especially when it involves a newborn. Don't let them just say "sorry for the inconvenience" - this is real money you need for your baby! Keep us posted on how your office visit goes tomorrow! 🤞