EDD address change dilemma - laid off remote worker moving between two registered residences
I've got a somewhat unique situation with my EDD application and would appreciate some guidance. I'm registered as a resident at two different addresses in California (for family reasons). While employed, I was working remotely from City #1, which is what my employer has on file. I was recently laid off and now I'm planning to move indefinitely to my other residence in City #2 to reduce my expenses while I look for new remote work. Should I use my City #2 address (where I'll actually be living) on my EDD application, or should I stick with the City #1 address that my employer has on record? I'm worried this might cause confusion or delays with my claim. Has anyone dealt with an address discrepancy like this before? Will EDD flag my claim if the address doesn't match what my employer reports?
21 comments

Evelyn Rivera
You should use the address where you currently reside and receive mail. EDD needs to be able to contact you, and if you're moving to City #2, that's where your correspondence should go. When you file your claim, there's actually a question that asks if your mailing address is different from the one your employer has on file. Just explain your situation briefly in that section. Make sure to update your address with USPS as well so any EDD mail gets forwarded correctly. This shouldn't cause any issues with your claim as long as you're transparent about it.
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Kolton Murphy
•Thank you! I didn't realize there was a specific question about this on the application. That's really helpful. I'll definitely update my address with USPS too.
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Julia Hall
just use ur city #2 adress if thats where u actually live now. i moved twice during my unemployment last year and just kept updating my address online in UI online account under contact info. never had any problems getting payments or mail
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Kolton Murphy
•That's good to know! Did you have to verify your new address in any way or was updating it online sufficient?
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Julia Hall
•just updated online was enough 4 me. they never asked for proof or anything
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Arjun Patel
BE CAREFUL with address changes! When I changed my address from one city to another, EDD flagged my account for verification and my payments got stuck in pending for THREE WEEKS!!! They thought I might've moved out of state or something suspicious. Had to call them like 50 times before I finally got through to someone who could fix it. If I were you, I'd use your employer's address info when initially filing, then immediately update your address in the UI Online portal after your claim is established. That way your initial claim matches employer records which can help prevent flags.
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Kolton Murphy
•Oh no, that sounds awful! So you think it's better to start with the employer address and then change it? I'm really worried about delaying my benefits.
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Jade Lopez
•I wouldn't recommend this approach. Starting with incorrect information and then changing it could actually trigger more red flags. Be honest from the beginning. The system is designed to handle address changes, and while there can occasionally be delays like what happened to the commenter above, those are exceptions rather than the rule.
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Tony Brooks
When I was trying to get through to EDD about my address change situation (similar to yours!), I couldn't get anyone on the phone for DAYS. I was freaking out because my claim was pending and I had bills due. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes after trying for over a week on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep told me that as long as both addresses are in California, it doesn't matter which one you use initially as long as you keep your contact info updated. They mostly care that you're reachable and still in-state.
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Julia Hall
•is that service legit? seems weird to pay someone just to call edd for u
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Tony Brooks
•Yeah it's legit. They don't call for you - they just help you skip the phone tree and busy signals to actually get in the queue to speak with someone. Still had to talk to EDD myself and answer all their verification questions.
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Ella rollingthunder87
Ugh I hate moving while on unemployment! Such a pain!!! My roommate moved from SF to San Diego last year while on unemployment and EDD put a hold on her account for like 3 weeks because they thought she might have left the state. She had to upload utility bills from her new place to prove she was still in California.
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Kolton Murphy
•That's exactly what I'm worried about. I don't want to deal with payment delays because of this address confusion.
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Jade Lopez
To clarify some confusion in this thread: The important thing is that you remain a California resident, which you are. Here's what you should do: 1. Use your current mailing address (City #2) when you file your claim. This ensures you receive all correspondence. 2. When asked if your mailing address differs from what your employer has on file, select "Yes" and provide a brief explanation. 3. Be prepared with documentation for both addresses if needed (utility bills, lease agreements, etc.). 4. If you're concerned about verification delays, you can proactively upload address verification documents through your UI Online account under "Upload Documents". As long as you're truthful and both addresses are in California, this should not impact your eligibility. The system is designed to accommodate address changes, as many claimants move during their unemployment period.
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Kolton Murphy
•Thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I'll definitely prepare those documents just in case. If they do flag my account for verification, is there a specific number I should call to resolve it quickly?
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Jade Lopez
•Yes, if your claim gets flagged specifically for address verification, call the main EDD customer service line at 1-800-300-5616. When prompted by the automated system, select the option for "claim questions" rather than "general information." This routes you to representatives who can handle verification issues. Call early in the morning (8:00-8:30am) when wait times are typically shorter.
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Yara Campbell
My sister works for EDD (not speaking officially obvs) and she says they deal with address changes ALL THE TIME. It's totally normal. Just make sure both addresses are in CA and you'll be fine. The main thing is they need to be able to mail you stuff and verify you're still in state.
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Arjun Patel
•Wow must be nice to have inside info! When I had my address problem I couldn't get ANYONE to help me for weeks!
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Evelyn Rivera
One more important point: make sure you update your Work Search Record with the correct address too. If you're looking for work from City #2, that's what should be reflected in your work search activities. This helps maintain consistency in your claim and prevents potential issues during eligibility interviews if they occur.
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Kolton Murphy
•That's a great point I hadn't considered. I'll make sure my work search records show my City #2 address since that's where I'll be based while job hunting. Thanks for the tip!
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GalacticGladiator
I had a similar situation when I moved from Sacramento to LA during my unemployment period last year. Here's what worked for me: I filed my initial claim using my new LA address (where I was actually living) and just explained in the additional comments section that I had recently relocated from Sacramento where my employer had my previous address on file. EDD didn't flag my claim at all - I think because I was upfront about it from the beginning. The key is being transparent and making sure all your future correspondence goes to where you're actually living. Also, keep copies of any utility bills or lease agreements for your new address just in case they ask for verification later. The whole process was actually smoother than I expected. Don't overthink it - as long as you're staying in California, you should be fine!
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