EDD name mismatch after marriage - How to file unemployment without getting denied?

I found a way to solve unemployment filing with name change, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhFpA_xQdY4

Congrats on tying the knot! 🎉 I went through something similar last year. Definitely use the name on your Social Security card when filing. That's what matches with the IRS, which is crucial for unemployment claims. When you call, explain the situation right away and mention you have your marriage license as proof. They deal with this kinda stuff all the time, so don't stress too much!

ugh the unemployment office is such a nightmare to deal with. good luck getting anyone on the phone, I've been trying for weeks! 😤

Here's what you need to do: 1. Use the name on your Social Security card when filing. This is crucial as it matches IRS records. 2. Have all your documents ready: marriage license, old ID, new Social Security card. 3. When you talk to an agent, explain your situation clearly and calmly. 4. Ask if they need any additional documentation upfront. 5. If there's a delay due to verification, request backdating of your benefits. 6. Be patient but persistent. Sometimes you might need to call multiple times. 7. Keep a record of all your calls and who you spoke with. Remember, this is a common situation. They have procedures in place for this. Don't stress too much, just be prepared and polite. Good luck!

I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

anyone else think its ridiculous we have to jump through all these hoops just to get unemployment benefits? the system is broken af 🤦‍♂️

Quick question - how long does identity verification usually take? I'm in a similar boat and worried about delays.

PSA: Always ask about backdating your claim if there's a delay due to stuff like this! Don't lose out on benefits because of their slow processing times.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I used my new married name (the one on my Social Security card) when filing online. When I got to the identity verification step, I uploaded both my marriage certificate and my old driver's license as supporting documents with a note explaining the name change. The EDD rep I spoke with said this is super common and they have a standard process for it. My claim went through without any issues, just took an extra week for the identity verification. Don't overthink it - you've got all the right documents! 💪

I actually work at a local Social Security office and can confirm that this is totally routine! The key thing is consistency - always use whichever name is on your Social Security card for ANY government applications, including unemployment. We process name changes after marriage literally every single day. Your marriage certificate is golden proof, and EDD has to accept it by law. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - if you plan to update your driver's license soon, maybe wait until after your unemployment claim is processed to avoid any additional confusion. But honestly, you're in great shape with what you have! 👍

Just wanted to add my experience to help ease your worries! I went through this exact situation last year when I got married in the middle of being laid off. I was so stressed about the name mismatch, but it turned out to be way less complicated than I thought. Like others have said, definitely use your Social Security name when filing - that's what they match everything against. I brought my marriage certificate to the EDD office (this was pre-pandemic when you could still walk in) and they just made a copy for their records. The whole thing was resolved in about 10 days. The EDD staff told me they see this situation constantly, especially during wedding season! You're definitely not the first person to deal with this, so don't let the anxiety get to you. You have all the right documentation and you'll be fine! Congrats on the marriage btw! 🎊