EDD name mismatch after marriage - which name to use for unemployment claim?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle with my unemployment registration. I recently got married and my name on my Social Security card is different from my driver's license and passport. I'm worried this might cause issues with my claim. Has anyone dealt with this before? I have my marriage license as proof, but I'm not sure which name to use when registering. Any advice would be really appreciated!
23 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve unemployment registration after name change, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fkcEhHFZ7s
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Riya Sharma
Congrats on tying the knot! š I've been through this exact situation. Here's what you need to do: ⢠Use the name on your Social Security card when registering. This is super important because it matches your IRS records. ⢠Have all your documents ready: marriage license, old ID, new Social Security card. ⢠When you talk to someone, explain the situation right away. Be clear about the recent name change. ⢠Ask if they need any additional documentation. ⢠If there's a delay in processing due to verification, request backdating of your benefits. Don't stress too much. As long as you have your marriage license, you should be good to go. They deal with this stuff all the time!
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Santiago Diaz
ā¢This is solid advice! šÆ I wish I had known this when I went thru the same thing last year. Saved for future reference!
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Millie Long
ā¢Quick question - how long did the verification process take for you? I'm in a similar boat and getting antsy about the wait time.
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Riya Sharma
ā¢@profile 3 It took about 2 weeks for me, but I've heard it can vary. Just keep following up!
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KaiEsmeralda
ugh the system is so broken. why cant they just have a simple way to update your info across all govt agencies at once? its 2023 ffs š
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Debra Bai
ā¢Preach! š I swear they make it complicated on purpose
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Gabriel Freeman
ā¢Careful what you wish for. You really want all your info linked across every agency? Sounds like a privacy nightmare to me.
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Laura Lopez
Listen up, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. Used this site called claimyr.com - it's a calling tool that dials through the phone menu, stays on hold, and then connects you when a real person picks up. Costs $20 but totally worth it imo. Here's the link: https://www.claimyr.com
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Victoria Brown
ā¢Sounds sketchy af. How do you know it's legit?
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Laura Lopez
ā¢I was skeptical too, but it worked for me. They have good reviews online and a money-back guarantee. Just sharing what helped me š¤·āāļø
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Samuel Robinson
ā¢$20 to save hours of hold time? Sign me up! Thanks for the tip!
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Camila Castillo
whatever you do, DONT use your maiden name. i made that mistake and my claim got denied. took forever to sort out. use whats on ur social security card
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Brianna Muhammad
Has anyone tried updating their license first before filing? Wondering if that would make things easier or just complicate it more š¤
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JaylinCharles
ā¢I wouldn't bother. DMV wait times are insane rn. Just use your SS name and explain the situation
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Eloise Kendrick
ā¢Actually, I did this and it helped! But ymmv depending on your local DMV efficiency
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Lucas Schmidt
pro tip: if theres a delay in processing, make sure to ask about backdating your benefits. dont leave money on the table!
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Freya Collins
ā¢This! š I almost missed out on a month of benefits cuz I didn't know to ask.
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LongPeri
lol welcome to bureaucracy hell. grab a seat, you'll be here a while šš„
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Kristin Frank
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: 1. Use whatever name is on your Social Security card - this is KEY because that's what they cross-reference with your employment records 2. When you file, there's usually a section where you can add notes or explain special circumstances - mention your recent marriage and name change there 3. Have your marriage certificate ready to upload or fax if they ask for it 4. If you get stuck in the system, try calling first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) - better chance of getting through The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, but I got my benefits backdated to my original filing date. Don't stress too much - they see this situation all the time and have procedures for it. Congrats on getting married btw! š
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Adaline Wong
ā¢Thank you so much for the detailed breakdown! š The tip about calling at 8:01 AM is gold - I never would have thought of that timing. Quick question: when you mentioned uploading the marriage certificate, did you have to get it certified/notarized first, or was a regular copy okay?
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QuantumQuester
ā¢@Kristin Frank Just a regular copy worked for me! I was worried about the same thing, but they didn t'need it notarized. I just scanned my marriage certificate and uploaded it through their document portal. The key is making sure it s'clear and readable - I learned that lesson the hard way when they rejected my first blurry photo š Save yourself the extra trip to the notary!
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Oliver Alexander
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just got married last month and I'm about to file for unemployment. This thread is so helpful - I was totally confused about which name to use. Sounds like the consensus is to go with whatever's on your Social Security card. Quick question for anyone who's been through this - how long did it take to get your Social Security card updated with your new name? I'm wondering if I should wait for that to come in first or just file now with my maiden name that's currently on the card. My employer has been paying into the system under my maiden name anyway, so maybe that makes more sense? Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone - makes me feel way less alone in dealing with this bureaucratic maze! š
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