Can I choose a different EDD SDI base period to increase my WBA? Higher earnings excluded from calculation

From my understanding, the alternate base period (ABP) is only available automatically if you don't qualify for benefits using the standard base period. You can't just choose it because it would give you a higher weekly benefit amount. The ABP uses more recent quarters, but EDD only considers it if you don't have enough wages in the standard period to establish a claim.

Actually, the previous comment isn't entirely accurate. The Alternate Base Period (ABP) is primarily designed for people who don't qualify under the Standard Base Period, but there are some specific circumstances where you can request a different calculation. Have you checked if you qualify for what's called a "Special Base Period"? This is different from the ABP and applies to people who were unable to work during their base period due to a previous illness or injury (which sounds like it might apply to you based on your reduced hours from the previous injury). I'd recommend filling out the DE 2588 form (Special Base Period Request) when you file your claim. You'll need medical documentation of your previous injury that caused the reduced earnings period. Hope this helps!

ive been on sdi 3 times and they ALWAYS use the oldest earnings period not the newest. its so STUPID bc most people make more as time goes on. the system is designed to pay u less its not a mistake!!!! they do it on purpose to save $$$$

I went through something similar last year! Had a baby and my maternity leave claim used quarters when I was working part-time during school instead of my full-time job after graduation. My benefit was like half what I expected. Called and they said nothing they could do, some rule about how the quarters have to be calculated. So frustrating!

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD to ask about this, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation trying to get specific answers about my base period and was going crazy trying to reach someone. Their service connected me to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Definitely worth it for complicated questions like yours where you need actual advice from EDD rather than just guessing.

To give you a more complete answer on this topic: 1. Standard Base Period: Uses earnings from 5-17 months before your claim begins 2. Alternate Base Period (ABP): Uses earnings from 1-13 months before your claim. This is ONLY available if you don't qualify for a claim under the standard base period. 3. Special Base Period: Available if you were unable to work in your base period quarters due to a workers' comp injury, illness, or other covered reason. Requires form DE 2588 and medical documentation. Based on what you've described, the Special Base Period request is your best option. You'll need to: - Complete form DE 2588 when filing your claim - Provide medical documentation of your previous injury - Explain how it affected your work hours/earnings during the standard base period The EDD representative will review your request and determine if you qualify. I recommend filing your claim online, then immediately following up with a phone call (using the service someone mentioned or persistent calling) to make sure they're aware of your special base period request.

Quick question - does anyone know if requesting the special base period delays the processing of your claim? I'm worried about starting this whole process and then having to wait even longer for benefits to start because of the special request.

Update: I was finally able to speak with someone at EDD! The representative confirmed that I can submit the DE 2588 form for a Special Base Period consideration based on my previous injury. She said it's not guaranteed but definitely worth applying for in my situation. For anyone else in a similar situation - make sure you have medical documentation that specifically shows you were unable to perform your "regular or customary work" during the base period quarters due to disability. This doesn't have to be a complete inability to work - reduced hours due to medical limitations can qualify. I'll update again once I find out if my request is approved. Thanks everyone for your help!

That's fantastic news that you got through to EDD and they confirmed you can submit the DE 2588! Your situation is exactly why the Special Base Period exists - to prevent people from being penalized when previous medical issues affected their earnings during the standard calculation period. One tip from my own experience: when you submit your medical documentation, make sure it clearly states the specific time period you were affected and how it limited your work capacity. The more detailed and specific the documentation, the stronger your case will be. Really hoping this works out for you and you get a fair WBA calculation. Your persistence in researching this and following through could help a lot of other people in similar situations who might not know about this option. Best of luck with your surgery and recovery!

As someone who just went through the SDI application process myself, I want to emphasize how important it is to be thorough with your documentation when submitting the DE 2588 form. I had a similar situation where a previous work injury affected my earnings during the base period. What really helped my case was getting a letter from my doctor that specifically outlined the dates I was on work restrictions and how those restrictions impacted my ability to perform my regular job duties. The letter included details about reduced hours, modified duties, and the medical reasons for these limitations. Also, if you have any correspondence with your employer from that time period (emails about schedule changes, HR documentation of accommodations, etc.), include those as supporting evidence. The more you can document the connection between your medical condition and reduced earnings, the stronger your Special Base Period request will be. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, but it was absolutely worth it - my WBA ended up being almost 40% higher than what it would have been under the standard calculation. Don't give up on this, Miguel - it sounds like you have a solid case for the special base period!

As someone new to this community who's been researching SDI options, this entire thread has been incredibly enlightening! Miguel, your proactive approach to researching the base period calculation before filing is really smart - most people probably just accept whatever WBA they're given without realizing there might be options. The information about the DE 2588 form and Special Base Period is something I hadn't come across in any of the official EDD materials I've been reading. Emma's success story with the 40% WBA increase really shows how impactful this can be for people who had legitimate medical reasons for reduced earnings during their base period. One thing that strikes me from reading everyone's experiences is how much the system seems to rely on people knowing to ask the right questions and submit the right forms. It's unfortunate that this isn't more clearly explained upfront, but threads like this are so valuable for helping people navigate the process. Miguel, I hope your Special Base Period request gets approved and your surgery goes smoothly. Thank you for sharing your journey - it's going to help a lot of people who find themselves in similar situations!