< Back to California Unemployment

EDD name change process after marriage - UI Online confusion

Got married last month and need to update my last name with EDD for my ongoing claim. Has anyone successfully changed their name through UI Online? I've looked everywhere on the website but can't find a clear option for name changes. When I go to 'Contact EDD', there's nothing specific about name updates. Do I need to call them (dreading this), submit some special form, or is there a hidden menu somewhere? I'm worried about my payments getting messed up if my name on the claim doesn't match my bank account. Any advice would be super helpful!

I went through this last year! Unfortunately, UI Online doesn't have a self-service option for name changes. You HAVE to call EDD directly and speak with a representative to update your name. They'll need your marriage certificate information and other verification. Make sure you have your Social Security card with your new name too, as they'll ask for that information. The name change has to be processed through their system manually.

0 coins

Ugh, I was afraid of that. Been trying to call for 3 days with no luck. Do you know if I can just keep certifying under my old name for now? I don't want to mess anything up.

0 coins

congrats on getting married!! i didnt change my name with edd until after my claim ended honestly... just kept everything under my maiden name to avoid confusion. less paperwork that way lol

0 coins

Thanks! I'm tempted to do that but my bank account is already under my new name and I'm worried about potential issues with the payments. Did you have your payments going to an account with your maiden name too?

0 coins

You actually need to submit form DE 1101, the "Claimant Name Change" form. You can find it on the EDD website under Forms and Publications. Fill it out completely, attach a copy of your marriage certificate or court order showing your name change, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Keep copies of everything you send. The online system unfortunately can't process name changes - it's an older system with limitations. The form takes about 10-14 business days to process once they receive it.

0 coins

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I was looking for. I'll download the form today and get it sent out asap. Really appreciate the detailed info!

0 coins

That form worked for me too but it actually took them almost a month to process mine last year! EDD is so slow with paperwork stuff, just be prepared to wait.

0 coins

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THE WEBSITE!!! I spent hours looking for a way to change my name online and there ISN'T ONE! I finally got so frustrated I just showed up at the local EDD office with my marriage certificate and ID. They still told me I needed to speak to someone on the phone. The whole system is a JOKE. They make everything 100x harder than it needs to be.

0 coins

omg yes!!!! the website is so confusing, half the links dont even work right

0 coins

While the system can be frustrating, the DE 1101 form that was mentioned above is actually the correct way to handle this. In-person offices generally don't process UI account changes anymore - that's handled by the central UI division.

0 coins

If you can't get through to EDD by phone, I really recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). Saved me hours of frustration when I had to update my personal info a few months ago. They have a service that calls EDD for you and connects you when an agent is available. I was skeptical but it actually worked - check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Much better than redial-hell for days.

0 coins

I've never heard of that service before. Is it legitimate? I'm a bit nervous about using third-party services for something related to my unemployment claim.

0 coins

Totally get the concern! I was hesitant too, but they just help you get through to an actual EDD rep - you still talk directly with EDD yourself. For me it was worth it after wasting 3 days trying to get through on my own.

0 coins

Just wondering - did you already change your name with Social Security? Because that's what you need to do first before updating with EDD. The whole process is a pain, I had to do: 1. Social Security first 2. Then DMV for driver's license 3. Then bank accounts 4. Then EDD If you try to change your EDD name before Social Security, they'll just tell you to come back after SS is updated. Been through this nightmare already!

0 coins

Yes, thankfully I did Social Security first thing! Already got my updated card and changed my license and bank accounts. EDD is the last thing on my list but seems to be the most complicated for some reason.

0 coins

Update to my earlier comment - I just checked and the DE 1101 form is now available for online submission through UI Online Document Upload feature. Login to your account, look for "Upload Documents" option, select "Other" as document type, and attach your completed DE 1101 along with your marriage certificate. This should be faster than mailing it in. Still expect 7-10 business days for processing.

0 coins

This is fantastic news! So much easier than mailing it. I'll try the upload option right now. Thank you for the update!

0 coins

one thing nobody mentioned... make sure ur email is up to date before doing anything else!!! i forgot to update my email when i got married (changed my last name on email too) and missed important EDD notifications cuz they were still going to my old email address

0 coins

That's a really good point I hadn't thought about. I'll double check my contact info is current before submitting anything. Thanks for the tip!

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
7,004 users helped today