Concerned about high benefit amount on new EDD claim with minimal work history - overpayment risk?

This is most likely related to your base period calculation. EDD doesn't look at your most recent work history, but instead uses your earnings from a specific 12-month period that ended before your claim started. For a January 2025 claim, they'd examine your earnings from October 2023 through September 2024. If you had significant employment during that specific window, that would explain the high benefit amount. Did you have better employment during that timeframe?

dont overthink it dude. if EDD says u qualify for that amount then u do. the computer calculated it based on ur past wages. just certify and get paid. its not ur fault if theres an error, they can figure it out later lol

I experienced something like this back in 2023. Got approved for a surprisingly high benefit amount despite minimal work history in the months before filing. Started certifying and collecting payments, then BAM—6 months later got hit with a $8,700 overpayment notice plus penalties for "not disclosing information" that I didn't even know was relevant! Took me FOREVER to straighten it out. Multiple appeals, countless hours on hold with EDD, and ultimately had to set up a repayment plan that I'm STILL paying off. The stress was unbearable. Don't make my mistake. If something feels off, ADDRESS IT IMMEDIATELY!!!

Call EDD and ask them to explain your benefit calculation. Its always better to check if youre worried. But good luck getting through to them lol. Ive been trying for 3 days and always get the "we are experiencing high call volume" message before they hang up on me. The system is so broken.

To answer your specific question: The potential risk isn't whether the benefit amount is "too high" in the abstract, but whether the calculation was based on accurate information. The most common reasons for overpayment notices are: 1. Unreported/underreported wages during certification periods 2. Identity verification issues 3. Eligibility determination changes 4. Base period wage calculation errors What I recommend is: 1. Check your award letter or UI Online for the wage calculation breakdown 2. Verify that the earnings they used match what you actually earned 3. Keep clear records of all your certifications If the wages they used are accurate according to your records, you should be fine to certify. Just be meticulously honest on all your biweekly certifications.

This sorta similar thing happened to my cousin. EDD gave her way more money than she expected and she spent it all on a trip to vegas!!! Then they hit her with a HUGE overpayment notice and now she's totally broke and having to work two jobs to pay it back. The EDD system is totally messed up but they WILL come after you if they overpaid. just saying be careful!!!!!!

UPDATE: I actually managed to get through to EDD this morning after trying for hours yesterday! The rep confirmed what some of you mentioned about the base period calculation. Apparently, my claim is using wages from late 2023 when I was still at my higher-paying job. The rep reviewed everything and said the calculation is correct based on those quarters. They also noted in my account that I called to verify this information, just in case there are any questions later. Thanks everyone for your advice! I'll still be careful with my certifications and keep all documentation, but I feel much better about certifying now.

How did you manage to get through to them? I've been trying to reach EDD for TWO WEEKS about my identity verification issue and can't get past the automated system!!!!

Glad you got confirmation! That's always the safest approach when something seems off. One additional tip: Take screenshots of your UI Online account showing your benefit calculation and save copies of all your certifications. If there's ever any question in the future, having documentation that you verified everything and acted in good faith makes a big difference. Eligible benefits are your legal right - just make sure to report any income accurately during the certification process and you'll be fine.