I went through this exact same confusion last year! Everyone here is right - EDD uses your highest quarter's TOTAL earnings (all 3 months combined). I had a quarter where I made $8,200, $3,400, and $4,100, so they used the full $15,700 total, not just the $8,200 high month. One thing that really helped me was calling the EDD customer service line early in the morning (like 8:02 AM right when they open) - I actually got through on my second try. The rep walked me through exactly how they calculate it and confirmed my benefit amount over the phone. Your $12,800 quarter should put you around $495-530 per week based on my experience with similar earnings. Just make sure you have all your pay stubs organized by quarter when you file - it makes the whole process much smoother!

Just wanted to add my recent experience to this helpful thread! I filed my claim in January and had the exact same confusion about whether EDD uses the highest quarter total or just the highest month. After going through the process, I can confirm what everyone else has said - they definitely use the TOTAL earnings from your highest quarter (all 3 months combined). In my case, I had one really strong month followed by two weaker ones in my highest quarter, but they still used the full quarterly total. One thing that surprised me was how quickly they processed my claim once I had all the documentation ready. The benefit amount came out pretty close to the estimates people have shared here - roughly 50% of my average weekly earnings during that highest quarter. For anyone still preparing to file: definitely organize your wage info by quarter first like others have suggested. It makes everything so much clearer when you can see exactly which quarter was your highest and what the total was. Good luck to everyone navigating this process!

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who shared their actual working strategies in this thread! I was in the same nightmare situation - benefit year expiring this Friday and I'd been calling the main number for over a week with zero success. After reading through all these comments, I decided to try the 7:58 AM approach with the 1-2-1 routing that @Ella Lewis, @Caden Nguyen, and others mentioned. Called yesterday (Wednesday) at exactly 7:58 AM, got the busy signal once, redialed at 7:59 AM and got through to the menu. Used the 1-2-1 sequence and waited about 20 minutes before connecting to a rep who was super helpful and professional. Got my benefit year extended and even had time to ask about the wage requirements for my new claim period. The timing really seems to be everything - calling just before that 8 AM rush and having multiple backup strategies ready made all the difference. For anyone still struggling, don't give up! This thread proves there are ways to get through if you have the right approach and timing. Having your documents ready and the mobile app open like @Yara Elias suggested also saved time during the actual call. You've all been lifesavers!

I've been dealing with EDD phone hell for months and this thread is honestly the most helpful resource I've found anywhere! I tried the 7:58 AM strategy with the 1-2-1 routing that @Ella Lewis mentioned and it actually worked - got through this morning after just two redials. The rep was super helpful and resolved my pending payment issue in about 10 minutes once connected. One additional tip I'd add: if you're calling about multiple issues (like I had both pending payments AND needed to update my address), prioritize them before the call so you don't waste time once you're connected. Also, I noticed the reps seem more patient and helpful in the earlier morning hours compared to when I've gotten through later in the day. For anyone still struggling - the persistence really does pay off when you combine it with the right timing and routing strategies. Don't give up! Having backup plans like the assembly member contact info ready is smart too, but try the phone strategies first since they seem to be working consistently for people in this thread.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Got married 5 months ago and just filed for unemployment after being laid off from my accounting firm. My EDD account is still showing my maiden name despite updating everything through ID.me with my new married name on my driver's license. This thread has been such a relief to find - I was really panicking that my benefits would get delayed or rejected because of the name discrepancy. The consistent advice about keeping your SSN the same across all documents is incredibly reassuring, and I love the practical tips about having medical forms include both names if needed. I've been trying to reach EDD for three days straight with nothing but busy signals and disconnections - so frustrating when you're already stressed about job loss! Definitely going to try that Claimyr service since everyone seems to have had success getting through. It's honestly comforting to know so many others have navigated this same bureaucratic maze successfully. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and detailed advice - this community is invaluable when you're trying to figure out EDD's confusing systems!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got married 6 weeks ago and filed for unemployment yesterday after my company had layoffs. My EDD account is still showing my maiden name even though I completed ID.me verification with my updated driver's license months ago. Reading through all these experiences has been such a huge relief - I was honestly terrified that my claim would get stuck or rejected because of the name mismatch. The advice about keeping your SSN consistent across all documents and having medical forms include both names is incredibly helpful. I've been trying to call EDD for two days straight with nothing but busy signals and hang-ups - it's so frustrating when you're already dealing with job loss stress! I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service everyone's mentioning since the regular phone system seems impossible. It's both comforting and crazy how many of us are dealing with this same bureaucratic mess at the same time. Thank you all for sharing your detailed experiences and practical tips - this community is honestly a lifesaver when trying to navigate EDD's confusing systems!

I just went through this exact same situation last month! The Money Network card automatically gets mailed out once your first payment processes - you don't need to do anything. Mine took exactly 8 days to arrive after I saw the payment issued in my UI Online account. Like others mentioned, it comes in a really plain white envelope that honestly looks like spam mail, so definitely don't throw it away! One thing I wish someone had told me is that you can actually track your payment status through the Bank of America EDD Debit Card website even before your card arrives. Just use your SSN and you can see when payments are loaded. Also, once you get the card, I'd recommend immediately setting up the mobile app and switching to direct deposit if you have a bank account - it's so much more convenient than using the card for everything. Good luck and congrats on getting your first payment approved!

Hey Ravi! I went through the same thing a few months ago and totally understand the confusion. Yes, EDD automatically sends you a Money Network debit card after your first payment is processed - no action needed on your part! Mine took about 6 days to arrive, but I've heard it can take up to 10 business days depending on mail volume. The card will have your payment loaded on it, and all future payments will go to that same card. Just make sure your mailing address is up to date in your UI Online account. Once you get the card, you can use it right away for purchases, but you'll need to set up a PIN if you want to use ATMs. I'd also recommend downloading the Money Network app once you receive the card - it makes checking your balance and setting up direct deposit much easier. Hang in there, the card should arrive soon!

I'm a complete newbie to unemployment benefits and just certified for my first two weeks yesterday too! This thread is absolutely amazing - I was literally panicking thinking I missed some crucial step in the application process. Had no clue about the Money Network card system at all. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and all the practical tips! I'm definitely going to sign up for USPS informed delivery right now and try creating that Money Network account early. It's honestly frustrating that EDD doesn't provide any clear guidance about what happens after certification - like a simple "Your payment has been processed, here's how you'll receive it" message would save so much anxiety. Really grateful to have found this community where people actually help each other navigate this confusing system!

I'm brand new to unemployment benefits and just certified for my first two weeks a few days ago - this thread has been an absolute lifesaver! I was completely lost about how I'd actually receive my payment and starting to worry I'd missed something important in the process. Thank you everyone for sharing such detailed experiences and helpful tips! I had no idea about the Money Network card system, the plain white envelope from Indianapolis, or any of these practical details. Already signed up for USPS informed delivery after reading Emma's suggestion and I'm going to try creating that Money Network account early like Zara recommended. It's really frustrating that EDD leaves new claimants totally in the dark about the payment process - a simple "here's what happens next" guide would prevent so much unnecessary stress when people are already dealing with job loss. So grateful for this community where people actually look out for each other!