I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! It's so confusing trying to figure out what documents they actually need. From what I've gathered from everyone's responses, it sounds like I should start with getting my driver's license updated first, then submit everything online rather than mailing it. Has anyone had luck with the online portal recently? I'm a bit worried about technical issues since everyone says their system is so outdated. Also, should I call ahead to let them know I'm submitting a name change request, or just submit everything and wait?

I just went through this process last month and wanted to share what worked for me! First, definitely get your driver's license updated at the DMV - they'll need to see that your ID matches your new name. Then I submitted everything through the online portal instead of mailing (way faster!). You'll need: 1) Legal document showing name change (marriage cert, divorce decree, etc.) 2) Updated ID with new name 3) Completed change of information form from their website. Make sure to scan everything in high quality and write a brief cover letter explaining what you're requesting. The whole thing took about 3 weeks for me. One heads up - my payments did get paused for about a week during the review, but they backdated everything once approved. Don't stress if that happens! The online system is actually pretty reliable now compared to a few years ago. Good luck! 🍀

UPDATE: It worked!!! I used Claimyr this morning and got connected to an EDD rep after only waiting about 10 minutes! The agent confirmed what some of you suggested - reporting those part-time hours triggered an eligibility review but there was a system error that didn't notify me or schedule the interview. She cleared the flag on my account and I'm now able to certify online again! She also processed my pending certifications from the paper forms I'd sent in. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

That's amazing news Miguel! Thanks for coming back to update us - it really helps to know what actually worked. I'm dealing with a similar issue where my online certification suddenly stopped working after I reported some freelance income. Going to try Claimyr today based on your success. It's so frustrating that EDD's system has these glitches but doesn't properly notify us what's happening. At least now I know there's hope of getting it fixed quickly with the right approach!

I wonder if theres a calculator somewhere that shows exactly how much they'll reduce ur benefit by based on what u earn? I'm always trying to figure out if picking up an extra shift is even worth it lol

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this exact same worry! I work at a hotel and had a really busy week during a conference where I made almost double my usual hours. I was terrified to report it because I thought they'd shut down my claim. But everyone here is absolutely right - I reported everything honestly, got $0 for that one week, and then the next week when my hours dropped back down, my benefits resumed like nothing happened. The system really is set up to handle this kind of thing. The key thing I learned is that you HAVE to keep certifying every two weeks no matter what, even if you know you won't get paid that week. Missing your certification is what can actually mess up your claim, not having a good week of earnings. Stay honest and keep certifying - you'll be fine!

Just wanted to add my experience from last month - I was in almost the exact same situation. Filed my claim in December 2024, exhausted benefits in March, got that same confusing message about extensions. After spending 3 days trying to get through to EDD (finally succeeded using the 2511 trick - call at exactly 8:01 AM and press 1-3-4 immediately), the rep confirmed there are NO automatic extensions right now. However, she did mention that if you're willing to enter an approved training program, you might qualify for Training Extension Benefits. The catch is you have to apply BEFORE your regular benefits run out, not after. So for anyone reading this whose balance is getting low - look into this option now, don't wait! Also, make sure you keep certifying if the system lets you, even with a $0 balance. Sometimes there are processing delays and you don't want to lose eligibility for any potential benefits. Good luck OP - this whole system is needlessly confusing.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - my claim balance hit zero last week and I got the exact same message about extensions. After reading through all these responses, it sounds like that message is just outdated and misleading. For anyone else in this situation, I found some additional resources that might help bridge the gap: - Local food banks and community assistance programs (many don't require lengthy application processes) - Gig work apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc. while job hunting (I know it's not ideal but helps with immediate cash flow) - Check if your local library has free job search resources and computer access Also, I called my county's social services office directly instead of trying to navigate everything online, and they were actually really helpful in explaining what programs I might qualify for immediately vs. what has waiting lists. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with job loss. Hang in there everyone! 💪

I went through something very similar last year! Had a fraud flag on my UI account (also completely false) and was terrified it would mess up my maternity leave benefits. Here's what I learned: The fraud case WON'T automatically disqualify you from SDI/PFL, but it might cause delays during processing. What saved me was being super proactive - I called EDD before filing my SDI claim and explained the situation. They put notes on my account that helped prevent the verification delays others mentioned. Also, don't wait to start your appeal process! I made the mistake of putting it off thinking it would resolve itself. File those DE 1000M forms ASAP and include a clear statement that you believe this is identity theft since you never received the funds they claim you owe. One tip that really helped me: when you do file your SDI claim online, include a brief note in the comments section referencing your ongoing UI fraud appeal. This gives the SDI processor context if they see any flags on your account. You've got this! Start working on the appeals now while you have time, and don't let this stress affect your pregnancy. The systems are separate enough that you should still get your maternity benefits.

I work as a benefits advisor and wanted to add some important timing considerations for your situation. Since you're due July 30th, you can typically file your SDI claim starting around May 26th (9 weeks before your due date). Given your fraud case complications, I'd recommend filing exactly at that 9-week mark to give maximum time for any verification delays. Also, while everyone's right that UI and SDI are separate systems, there's one thing to watch out for - if your Social Security number has been flagged for potential identity theft in their system, it could trigger additional verification steps for ANY EDD benefit. This happened to a client of mine last year. Pro tip: When you submit your fraud appeals, request that EDD remove any identity theft flags from your SSN once the appeals are resolved. This will prevent future delays on legitimate claims. You can also ask them to put a note in your file stating that you're expecting and will need SDI benefits soon - sometimes this helps prioritize the fraud case resolution. Don't panic though - even in worst case scenarios, SDI benefits are retroactive, so you'll get paid for the full period you're eligible even if there are initial delays.