ESD name change process - which phone menu option to choose?
I recently got married and need to update my last name with ESD but I'm hitting a roadblock. I know I have to call for this (can't do it online), but when I get to the phone menu, none of the options seem to fit my situation. I'm not currently on an active unemployment claim - just trying to update my account information for future reference. Has anyone gone through the name change process with Washington ESD recently? Which menu option did you select when calling? I've tried twice but ended up in the wrong departments and got transferred around until I was disconnected. Any tips would be super helpful! Thanks!
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Lily Young
I went through this last year. You need to select the option for 'Account Information' or 'General Questions' (I think it's option 3, but they might have changed it). When you get a rep, immediately explain you need a name change and you're not on an active claim. They'll transfer you to the right department. Make sure you have your marriage certificate handy and your Social Security card with your updated name. They'll ask for those as verification. I also had my driver's license updated first, which helped the process go smoothly.
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Marcus Williams
•Thank you! That's really helpful. I'll try option 3 next time. I do have my marriage certificate and SS card ready to go, and just got my new license last week. Did you have to upload the documents somehow or just verify the information over the phone?
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Kennedy Morrison
good luck getting through lol i tried calling ESD 8 times last month for a different issue and never got to speak to anyone. kept disconnecting me after waiting for like 45 min 😡
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Wesley Hallow
•I had the same problem last month until I tried Claimyr. It's a service that holds your place in line and calls you when an ESD agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works in their video demo here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - their website is claimyr.com. It worked great for getting through to update my address and banking info.
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Justin Chang
When I had to change my name after my divorce, I ended up having to go in person to a WorkSource office. The phone system was completely useless. The in-person staff were able to update everything in about 10 minutes. Just bring all your documentation with your new name. Not all WorkSource offices can do this though - call ahead and ask if they can help with ESD account name changes before going.
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Grace Thomas
•they told me WorkSource cant do name changes anymore since covid!! ESD handles all that stuff centrally now. my sister tried last month.
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Hunter Brighton
The ESD system is so BROKEN. I've been trying to fix my birthdate on my account for 2 MONTHS. Everytime I call I get transferred 3-4 times then disconnected. Their website says "simple account changes can be made online" but then there's NO OPTION to make these changes!!! Why can't they fix this garbage system?? Now I'm scared I'll have issues if I ever need unemployment again because my information is all wrong.
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Dylan Baskin
•I feel your pain! ESD's system is stuck in the stone age. My husband changed his name too (took my last name) and it took him 5 calls to finally get someone who knew what to do. The trick is to call right when they open at 8am. Less wait time.
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Lily Young
Just to follow up on my earlier comment - once you get through to someone, ask them to note in your file that you've legally changed your name. This is important because if you ever need to file for unemployment in the future, having mismatched names in their system can cause all sorts of delays in getting your claim processed. Make sure everything matches what's on your Social Security card.
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Marcus Williams
•That's exactly what I'm worried about! I don't need unemployment now, but I work in a seasonal industry and sometimes file during our slow months. I definitely don't want any delays if I need to file in the future. I'll make sure to specifically ask them to note the change in my file. Thank you!
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CyberSiren
I just went through this exact same process two weeks ago! Call early in the morning (I called at 8:15am) and select option 3 for "General Account Questions." When you get through, tell them right away that you need to update your name due to marriage and that you're NOT on an active claim - this helps them route you to the right person faster. The whole process took about 15 minutes once I got connected. They asked for my SSN, old name, new name, and the date on my marriage certificate. I didn't have to upload anything - they just verified the info over the phone and updated it in their system immediately. They also sent me a confirmation email afterward. One tip: have your marriage certificate in front of you because they'll ask for specific details like the county where you got married and the exact date. Good luck!
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