EDD SDI using wrong wage calculation period - can I get higher benefits based on recent pay stubs?

same thing happened to my cousin. they used his old job wages from like 1.5yrs ago even tho he was making more at his new place. he said it has to do with the 'quarters' they look at for the calcuation not being current enuf. something about how theres a lag in what wages are reported in their system??

Did your cousin manage to get it fixed? Or did he just have to accept the lower amount? I can't afford to just accept it - my rent alone is more than what they're giving me!

he just took what they gave him tbh. said it wasn't worth the hassle

This happens a lot and unfortunately has to do with how the SDI benefit calculation periods work. EDD uses a specific base period that typically has a lag time, so recent wages might not be included.\n\nThe standard base period is the 12-month period ending 5-17 months before your disability claim begins, divided into four quarters. They use your highest-earning quarter during that period.\n\nExample: If you filed in April 2025, they'd look at wages earned between October 2023 and September 2024, NOT your most recent months.\n\nYou can request a reconsideration if you believe there's an error in their wage records, but if they're correctly following their calculation rules, an appeal likely won't change the outcome. You need to complete a DE 1326C form with copies of your pay stubs showing the missing/higher wages.

Thank you for explaining this! So basically even though I've been at my new job for a full year, because of this lag time, they're using my previous lower-paying job? That seems so unfair - I've literally been paying SDI taxes based on my higher salary for an entire year!

Yes, that's exactly what's happening. The system is designed this way because they need verified wage data from employers, which comes through quarterly reporting. It can be frustrating, but it's how the system works for everyone. Definitely still submit the DE 1326C form - in some cases there can be reporting errors that are fixable.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! This exact thing happened to me in January and I lost THOUSANDS in benefits because of their \

Ugh, that's so discouraging to hear. I was really hoping there might be some way to fix this. I've been paying into the system at my higher salary for so long, but now when I actually need the benefits, they're giving me way less than what I should be getting. It's just not right.

I recently had the same issue and eventually got it resolved! You need to request a benefit computation review. Here's what you do:\n\n1) Complete form DE 1326C \

Thank you so much! This is really helpful information. Did you get backpay for the difference once they corrected it? And how long did the whole process take?

Yes, I did get backpay! The whole process took about 3-4 weeks. Make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them. The backpay came as a separate payment after they adjusted my claim. One thing that helped me was specifically pointing out that my employer had been properly reporting my wages and SDI deductions, so there was no reason they shouldn't have the correct information in their system.

call EDD directlty... thats the only way to fix this. dont listen to these ppl saying u cant do anything about it. they need to see ur actual paystubs and someone has to manually review ur case

I've been trying to call them for days but can never get through. It's either busy signals or it hangs up after the automated messages saying they're experiencing high call volume. How did you manage to reach a real person?

I had this exact same issue 3 months ago. Calling the regular EDD SDI number was impossible - tried for 2 weeks straight. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual SDI representative. They have a service that basically calls EDD for you and connects you once they get through. Their video demo shows how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd\n\nOnce I finally got through to a rep, they explained that my base period calculation was correct based on when I filed, BUT there was also an error in my employer's wage reporting that they fixed on the spot. My benefit amount increased by $240/week after they made the correction. Definitely worth sorting out - don't just accept the lower amount!

I used Claimyr too when I had my PFL claim issue. Only way I EVER got through to EDD! Best money I ever spent after wasting DAYS trying to call myself.

I'll check this out - at this point I'm desperate to talk to an actual person. Even if I can't get them to use my newer wages, I at least want to understand exactly why and make sure there aren't any errors like what you experienced. Thanks for the suggestion!

One important thing to mention: there are two different base period calculations EDD can use:\n\n1. Standard Base Period: The 12-month period ending 5-17 months before your disability claim\n\n2. Alternate Base Period: The 12-month period ending 4-16 months before your claim\n\nIf you filed your claim recently and your higher wages fall within the Alternate Base Period timeframe, you might be able to request they use that calculation instead. This is particularly relevant if you changed jobs or had a significant pay increase in the past 18 months.\n\nHowever, you need to specifically request this alternate calculation - it's not automatic. This could be another approach to try in addition to verifying all your wages were correctly reported.

I didn't know about the Alternate Base Period! That might actually work for my situation since my higher wages started about 14 months ago. So is this something I need to specifically ask for when I talk to a representative?

Yes, you need to specifically request the Alternate Base Period calculation. Not all representatives will mention this option unless you ask about it directly. Make sure to have documentation of your wages during that period ready when you call. The form to request this is different from the standard wage review form - you want to ask for a recalculation using the Alternate Base Period.

Im so confused about all this base period stuff... i thought disability was just supposed to be like 60-70% of your current pay? why do they make everything so complicated??? can somone explain in simple terms?

It's complicated, but here's the simple version: SDI does pay about 60-70% of your wages, but they don't use your most recent wages. They look back at a specific 12-month period from the past (called the base period), find your highest-earning quarter during that time, and calculate your benefit from that.\n\nThe tricky part is that this base period has a gap - it ends several months before you file for disability. So if you recently started making more money, those higher wages might not be counted yet.\n\nThink of it like this: They're looking at a snapshot of your income from several months ago, not your current income situation.

ohh that makes sense i guess. still seems unfair tho!